How to Use Chromatic Notes To Make Bass Lines More Interesting

[faulknersj]

I was rehearsing for a gig and like to do my own thing with songs. I was messing around with Uptown Funk and thought I would take a moment to highlight how you can use chromatic notes and approaches to spice things up a bit. This tune is in D minor and I threw in a major 7th, and major 3rd, or you could view it as a sharp 7th or sharp 3rd I suppose. As a note, I am not trying to play the song verbatim, and am only highlighting a fun approach to the main riff/lick of the song.

 

[MalcolmAmos]

I fill with chromatic walks a lot. Between verses, etc. Target the next root or starting root of the next verse then miss it by three frets. Walk to it one fret at a time and be on it for the chord change.

Little practice in leaving early so you hit the chord change dead on and it's a piece of cake.

 

[crlujan]

Chromaticism is the way to go. So much of what I write is based on it.

Also, nice Lee Fields avatar. I had the great fortune of opening three shows for him last year.

 

[DuckSoup]

Great video, thanks for sharing! Always looking for ways to spice up a bass line.

 

[faulknersj]

Chromaticism is the way to go. So much of what I write is based on it.

Also, nice Lee Fields avatar. I had the great fortune of opening three shows for him last year.

Awww!!! That is amazing! Are you in NYC? Huge Daptone fan here....

 

[crlujan]

Awww!!! That is amazing! Are you in NYC? Huge Daptone fan here....

I’m in the SF Bay Area. Also, a huge Daptone fan. HUGE!

Here’s what we do if’n you’re interested...

 

[Spin Doctor]

Chromaticism is the way to go. So much of what I write is based on it.

Also, nice Lee Fields avatar. I had the great fortune of opening three shows for him last year.

Thanks for the heads up on that guy. I'd never heard of Lee Fields. Very cool. The band vibes like the Budos Band. Just not as sinister, lol.

 

[Spin Doctor]

I’m in the SF Bay Area. Also, a huge Daptone fan. HUGE!

Here’s what we do if’n you’re interested...

Nice groove man! Bikes is just nasty, lol. I've got a lot of music and I'm not buying much lately, but I'd definitely buy your bands stuff.

Edit: Just did. Looking forward to hearing it on my system

 

[faulknersj]

Thanks for the heads up on that guy. I'd never heard of Lee Fields. Very cool. The band vibes like the Budos Band. Just not as sinister, lol.

The Band that Played all the music behind Lee Fields is called The Menahan Street Band.

Check out their solo instrumental album on Daptone Records:

 

[crlujan]

Nice groove man! Bikes is just nasty, lol. I've got a lot of music and I'm not buying much lately, but I'd definitely buy your bands stuff.

Edit: Just did. Looking forward to hearing it on my system

Much appreciated.

 

[faulknersj]

I’m in the SF Bay Area. Also, a huge Daptone fan. HUGE!

Here’s what we do if’n you’re interested...

What a fun band! I'm digging the Stax, Booker T influences...Killer playing and tone man! P or J with flats?

 

[crlujan]

What a fun band! Killer playing and tone man! P or J with flats?

Precision with Labella flats and foam.

Also, sorry to have kind of hijacked your thread. Back to chromaticism, lots on the album I shared. There, back on topic.

 

[Spin Doctor]

What a fun band! Killer playing and tone man! P or J with flats?

I know! Just great groove music. The Gold watch... Sick AF... I can't wait to get this CD. Prolly get it on wax too.

 

[Spin Doctor]

Precision with Labella flats and foam.

Also, sorry to have kind of hijacked your thread. Back to chromaticism, lots on the album I shared. There, back on topic.

Man that wasn't a hijack. That was a lesson... Peace

 

[CapnSev]

Nice. It’s one of the best kept techniques in bass! I mean, look at blue notes.

 

[faulknersj]

Here's a cool article on Nick Movshon, the Bass player for Lee Fields, Menahan Street Band, and who knew that was him on 'Locked Out of Heaven' (Bruno Mars) etc....he uses Chromatic notes...just like you crlujan...so on topic as far as i'm concerned lol!!

Bass Players To Know: Nick Movshon

 

[SirMjac28]

Chromaticism is the way to go. So much of what I write is based on it.

Also, nice Lee Fields avatar. I had the great fortune of opening three shows for him last year.

I always wondered who that was ?

 

[faulknersj]

I always wondered who that was ?

Ya...He is a bad mutha shut yo mouth!!

 

[CapnSev]

Byron Miller and Jamil Joanes used to do chromatic stuff all the time with George Duke and it was awesome.

 

[mambo4]

Also, sorry to have kind of hijacked your thread.

Loved Sharon and the Dap Kings
If someone mentions daptone and then posts links , I have to check that sh!t out.
Lee Fields is great! thanks for sharing.