Creating Basslines Over A Chord Progression (Bm/G/Em/C)

If you struggle to make up basslines in jam sessions, band practice, or when making up your own parts for a session, then you'll want to check this video lesson out.

Download the audio: ​

Things start off very simply by using roots, then fifths, then octaves (intervals), over a chord progression.

Chord Progression

This is the chord progression for this lesson:

Bass Guitar Chord Progression Lesson

It is in the key of B Natural Minor.

This is the scale in one octave starting from the 7th fret of the E string.

B Natural Minor Bass Guitar

All the lines from the video come from these notes (in more positions than just the above diagram). The building blocks of basslines are triads, arpeggios, and scales. Here are a couple of really handy patterns you can use:

Interval Patterns

Octaves

5 Octave Patterns For Bass Players

Infographic - Bass Guitar Intervals

Modes

You can use modes over each individual chord:

Bass Guitar Chord Progression Lesson with MODES

Check out more on modes here.

Pentatonic Scales

Major and Minor pentatonic scales sound amazing in basslines, fills, and solos. There's a lesson on pentatonic scales here. Be sure to download my free ebook which has all the pentatonic shapes in it as well as lots of other useful stuff.

Groove

Don't forget that groove, timing, and feel are (probably) the most important aspects to focus on for a bass player. Work on your timing with these exercises and check out loads of other tips and lessons here. Articulations also play an important part in bringing your basslines to life.

As you can see, a few key elements must come together for you to be able to make up good basslines comfortably. Keep working hard on these things. None of them is tricky on their own. As you learn more and listen more, your ear will improve along with your experience and you'll be creating groovy, catchy basslines in no time!


Keen to get better fast? Check out From Beginner To Bassist (Learn The Elements Of Great Bass Playing)

From Beginner To Bassist (1)

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  • Dan, thank you so much for those great advices. I’ve just one question: Why it’s preferable to use the Lydian Modes for G and C major chords, rather the Ionian or Mixolydian one

    Reply

    • The G is the IV chord in the key of the D (that’s the main key of the piece) and the IV chord is built on a Lydian mode. There’s no C chord in the harmonised D Major scale and when you find a major chord from outside the key centre (like the C here); Lydian (nearly always) fits over it. Hope that helps!

      Reply
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