Pentatonic scale - when....

[MalcolmAmos]

Newbie bass - playing Country. Threw in some major pentatonic scales into some of the chord changes we did today at one of our gigs. I pretty much stick to a R-5 or R-3-5-3 with the chord changes, however, today I mixed in a few pentatonic scale - I guess I could call them pentatonic fills. Not real sure how well it came off none of the other band mates mentioned it one way or the other.

Appreciate a word or two on how and when you guy/gals use pentatonic scales as a bass line riff. Not speaking of solo work, when and how do pentatonics fit into the bass line.

Thanks.

Malcolm

 

[Slax]

Without a recording. The most basic idea I can give you is that you want to try to hit chord tones on a strong beat. I'm not so sure of country but if you're line is in front and you're wailing on a 2 over a 1 on a 2 and 4 you're going to either sound sour or innovative.... That's what I've heard/read/experienced (think C over a Bb...), but it all comes to the ears... You make work what you play and it's all gravy.

 

[JimmyM]

Slax had a good answer. Basically it's a matter of taste and judgment. I can make any note work in the right context. Just have to develop some judgment, and that comes with time.

 

[MalcolmAmos]

OK let my ear lead me.

Thanks,

Malcolm