Bass Exercises: Root Fifth Flat Seventh

Root Fifth Flat Seventh Exercises

Bass Exercise #1: R-5-b7 on E7 and A7

This is a very simple application of the root 5th flat 7th and octave pattern on the E7 chord and A7 chord.

Bass Exercise #2: R-5-b7-8 Variation

The notes of the pattern can be mixed up, repeated and varied however you like. Playing the root on the first beat of each chord change anchors the bassline. You can mix things up in between...

Bass Exercise #3: R-b7 on Gm and Cm

Here we apply the root and flat 7th to two minor chords. Many times you can add a little motion to a plain old root note just by going back and forth between the root and flat 7th.

Bass Exercise #4: 5-b7-R on D7 and G7

In this bassline example you are using the lower 5th and flat 7th to lead you into the root of each chord. Notice how the bassline anticipates the chord change. This is common to do.

Bass Exercise #5: R-5-b7 on Bm and Em

Here is the reggae example applying the root, 5th and flat 7th pattern. The note order and rhythmic possibilities are endless. You can do a lot with just a few notes.