Vital Groove Technique: Going BELOW the Root! (L#162)

As bass players, we generally think “root first” and then build upwards from the root adding 3rds, 5ths, 7ths, and whatever other extensions there may be available to outline the chord of the moment.

The gag is, because we think root first, and then build the other extension “on top” of that root, bass players often (understatement alert!) only see and visualise what’s available above the root note.

By doing this we’re missing out on a HUGE opportunity. We should also be viewing the available extensions that are below the root note of the moment, as this gives us the ability to add deep and low sounding extensions within our grooves and bass lines even when we’re in more sonically awkward keys when playing on a 4 string bass such as Eb, D, Db.

5 string players… read on, this lesson is still very relevant to you!

If you’ve ever played Superstition in the original key of Eb on a 4 string bass you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. When playing the Eb on the 7th fret of the A string it just doesn’t have that deep groove that you’d get when playing a 5 string… You really wish that low Eb was available!

Well, if you start thinking root down as well as root up - you’re going to find that you can still take advantage of the lower end of your instrument, even if you are playing within one of the more sonically challenging keys. In fact, this can transform you're facility over the entire bass. This gives you the ability to create deep and low sounding grooves whatever key you’re in.

In this lesson I’m going to demonstrate this in action, and then show you a killer groove to help you get this happening within your own grooves and bass lines.

As always, see you in the shed…

Scott :)