Bass Exercises: Roots To Chords

Roots To Chords Exercises

Bass Exercise #1: Roots on E7-A7 #1

In this example the bass is playing root notes of an E7 chord and an A7 chord on each beat.

Bass Exercise #2: Roots on E7-A7 #2

Same track as ex. 1 with the same root notes to each chord. This time the bassline is using a steady stream of eighth notes (2 notes per beat). How often have you heard basic basslines like this?

Bass Exercise #3: Roots on Chords G-C-G-D

Here we have a commonly grouped set of chords - G, C , and D. Once again, more root notes with a different rhythm. Feel free to try your own rhythms.

Bass Exercise #4: Roots to C-G-Am-F

Here is one more example playing roots to another set of chords played by the piano. By playing roots with good rhythm, you fulfill the most basic duties of the bass player. So when is your first gig?