Skip to main content
Blues Harmonica logo

User Account

Username:*
Password:*
Forgot Your Password?

Visitor Menu

  • Sign Up
  • Sample Lesson #1
  • Sample Lesson #2
  • Student Recordings
  • Forums
Forums :: Tip of the Day

More bass lines

No replies
Tue, 09/11/2012 - 08:52
David Barrett Admin
David Barrett Admin's picture
Offline
Head InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 11/30/2009

When the Major 3rd (3 draw B) of the I7 Chord is omitted and the Flat-7th (5 draw F) is used in place of the Major 6th (5+ E) you get a very bluesy sounding bass line. Here are some examples (again, play in the shuffle rhythm).

Ascending Box
2 2 4 4 5 5 6+ 6+
R R 5th 5th Flat-7th Flat-7th R R

Descending Box
2 2 6+ 6+ 5 5 4 4
R R R R Flat-7th Flat-7th 5th 5th

Of course it's important to learn the IV7 and V7 equivalents to any bass line. Here's the Descending Box...

IV7 = 1+ 1+ 4+ 4+ 3' 3' 2 2

V7 = 1 1 4 4 4+ 4+ 3" 3"

Top

Sign me up!

Full access to all lessons starts at $20/month! (with annual subscription)

Subscribe

Free Sample Lessons

After watching the BluesHarmonica.com overview video, try one of the lessons below to experience a lesson at BluesHarmonica.com.

  • Tongue Blocking Study 2 – This study is for the newer player or the player new to tongue blocking
  • Bending Study 5 – This is for the advanced player looking to improve their bending skills

Contributors

  • Aki Kumar
  • Joe Tartaglia
  • Gary Smith
  • Mark Hummel
  • Joe Filisko

Site Links

  • About David Barrett
  • Accredited Instructors
  • Links
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
Hohner
© 2009 - 2025 David Barrett and the Harmonica Masterclass Co. for Bluesharmonica.com