Creating Bass Lines

Blues Progression
Step 1: Roots and 5ths- Write the roots Beats 1 and 2, 5ths on beats 3 and 4. Feel free to displace


octaves when you want for voice leading or variety.
C7 F7 C7 C7

F7
5 F7 C7 A7

D-7
9 G7 C7 D-7 G7

Step 2: Chord Tones Only- Use only Root, 3, 5 and 7 in your bass lines. Go for step-wise resolutions to the next
chord. Be concious about the shape of your line.
C7
13 F7 C7 C7

F7
17 F7 C7 A7

D-7
21 G7 C7 D-7 G7

Step 3: Chord Tones with Leading Tone- Beats 1, 2, 3 should use chord tones. Beat 4 should use a chromatic
leading tone into the next chord, either from above or below. Using chromatic notes outside of the scale/key is a
great way to create some harmonic tension/resolution!
C7
25 F7 C7 C7

F7
29 F7 C7 A7

D-7
33 G7 C7 D-7 G7
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Step 4: Using Scales- Available patterns are:
1, 2, 3, 5; 1, 2, 3, c.p.t
1, 7, 6, 5; 1, 7, 6, c.p.t.

C7
37 F7 C7 C7

F7
41 F7 C7 A7

D-7
45 G7 C7 D-7 G7

Step 5: Combine the Skills- Use a combination of steps 1-4 to create your own bass lines. A variety of patterns,
resolutions, and being aware of line direction is key to creating a cohesive sounding line!
C7
49 F7 C7 C7

F7
53 F7 C7 A7

D-7
57 G7 C7 D-7 G7

Bonus Round- Create another bass line of your choice, either using steps 1-4 or more advanced techniques
(our bassists will have more information for you on this)
C7
61 F7 C7 C7

F7
65 F7 C7 A7

D-7
69 G7 C7 D-7 G7