Playing Bass Lines on Harmonica
David: I want to make sure I understand how to approach using the bass line examples in Accompaniment Lesson 7. When I wish to play a bass line with a band either as an accompaniment or part of a solo, should I first ask the bass player to identify the bass line he/she is playing in order to ensure I select the appropriate bass line? For example, if the band is playing a shuffle, should I try to play the same type of shuffle bass line (for example, root note shuffle, Root-3rd-5th, Root-3rd-5th-6th, Root-6th-5th-6h, Root-3rd-5th-6th-b7th)? What should I ask the bass player and how should that influence the bass line I play?
Regards,
Larry
Thank you very much for the exlanation David. So, when using this approach to accompaniment, is it the harp player's objective to match the bass line of the bass player?
Larry
Generally yes, but you can take some liberty. If the groove is a rumba, you know you can commonly play the basic 2 3 4, or more elaborate 2 3 4 5+ 4. If the bass plays the simple 2 3 4, you can it, or the more elaborate version. If the bass plays the more elaborate version, you can play the simple version. This is all due to the fact that both lines have the same first three notes.
Experiment by playing to random songs in your collection. Record yourself playing a bass line in the background and listen back to see if it sounds good. Play the recordings to some musician friends and see what they think. Also keep in mind that this is one option for accompaniment... a player may only play this option once in a 60 minute set of music.
Hello Larry. You don't ask the bass player. Upon studying and memorizing these bass lines you'll hear the line being used and play it after the band begins. Keep in mind that some bass lines stay consistent (such as in the Tramp and Box for example) and other times the line will not (commonly shuffles and swings for example). When you recognize that a line is not staying consistent change to another approach (such as fill, horn lines or organ padding).