"The Chromatic Approach" - Bass Riff of the week #9 (L#130)
Using chromatic approach notes within my bass lines and grooves is one of my favorite techniques. Ever.
To say I use it a lot would be a serious understatement... I use is ALL the time, in pretty much everything I play.
I first picked up on the approach note technique when I was transcribing solos by guys such as Charlie Parker and Miles Davis, but later when transcribing bass players such as James Jamerson, Bob Babbit and Carol Kaye I found that they were also using the same technique extensively within their bass lines.
In this weeks bass riff of the week I thought I'd create a riff that was based around the chromatic approach note technique so you could see and hear it in action. I also slipped in a cool descending triadic lick at the end of the groove that was inspired by Michael League, bass player from Snarky Puppy (a band you need to check out if you haven't already!). He uses a lot of triadic ideas within his bass lines, so I've been shedding them over the last few weeks myself as I love the sound of them so much... and they sound killer on my P bass ;)
You can download the full TAB and notation by hitting the link directly under the video... plus you'll get the play-along track too.
As always, see you in the shed...
Scott :)
PS. I also just wanted to say a massive thanks to all of you that left the amazing feedback about the solo bass singles I've released over the last few weeks. Reading your comments totally blew me away! :)
If you haven't heard them yet, you can hear "smile" here... and "Autumn Leaves" here.
I've received a ton of email since the first single was released asking whether I'd ever be creating a course covering how to play chords on the bass and how to master chordal arrangement. Well... the simple answer is... yes I will!
I'll be releasing a full course covering chords into The Academy at the end of November. If you're already an Academy member this course will be added to your membership automatically as soon as it's released. If you're not already a member... shoot over here and check out The Academy.
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