Understanding major harmony is a game-changer for bassists. It helps you craft melodic lines, jam, compose, improvise, and understand music on a deeper level. This leads to a welcome confidence boost.
In this bass tutorial, you'll explore 5 essential progressions and how to play over them.
What Is Harmony and How Are Chord Progressions Formed?
Harmony is the study of chords and how notes fit together. In Western music, harmony is built using scales. Chord progressions are simply a sequence of chords that form the harmonic backbone of a song. Each chord is built on a note from the scale, following a pattern known as diatonic harmony.
In Major Harmony, chords follow this pattern:
I - ii - iii - IV - V - vi - vii°
For example, in A Major, the chords, triads, and modes built from it are as follows:
This works for any major key.
This framework is the source for countless songs. Let’s see how it applies to different styles.
5 Progressions, Styles & Playing Tips
1. R&B/Soul (I-vi-ii-V)Progression: Amaj7 - F#m7 - Bm7 - E7
Why It Works: The I-vi-ii-V progression creates smooth, jazzy tension and release.
Example: Stand By Me (Ben E. King)
Play Over: A Ionian scale, chord tones, and major pentatonic.
Tip: Emphasise slides and space for a soulful feel.
2. Jazz (ii-V-I)Progression: Bm7 - E7 - Amaj7
Why It Works: The ii-V-I is the most important progression in jazz, creating natural tension and resolution.
Example: Autumn Leaves
Play Over: B Dorian, E Mixolydian, A Ionian.
Tip: Build a walking bass line with chromatic passing notes.
More walking bass line lessons:
Jazz Standards, Walking Bass & Chart Reading (Autumn Leaves)
Learn A Simple Walking Jazz Bassline
Then, it's all about putting into practice! You do this by playing and using the information from my lessons. Playing through easy jazz standards is a good way to start.
3. Funk (One-Chord Groove)Progression: Bm7 vamp
Why It Works: Funk thrives on a modal, groove-based approach.
Example: Chameleon (Herbie Hancock)
Play Over: B Dorian or minor pentatonic.
Tip: Focus on syncopation, ghost notes, and slap techniques.
4. Rock (I-V-vi-IV)Progression: A - E - F#m - D
Why It Works: The I-V-vi-IV progression is the backbone of many pop and rock hits.
Example: With or Without You (U2)
Play Over: A Ionian, A major pentatonic.
Tip: Outline the chord tones with slides and hammer-ons.
5. Latin/Bossa (ii-V-i in minor)Progression: G#m7♭5 - C#7 - F#m7
Why It Works: The minor ii-V-i is crucial in Latin and jazz styles.
Example: Blue Bossa (Kenny Dorham)
Play Over: G# Locrian, C# Phrygian Dominant, F# Aeolian.
Tip: Use syncopation and highlight the minor third and flat fifth.
All of this stuff and much, much more is taught in depth in my Music Theory For Bass Players course. It contains all the scale, mode, arpeggio, and triad bass patterns you will ever need.