Approach Notes for Bass
Play the progression C – Am – F – G in quarter notes. Beats 1 to 3 outline the chord; beat 4 is the approach note into the next root. Line 1 approaches from a half step below, line 2 from a half step above, line 3 from the fifth of the next chord. Learn each line separately, then switch between them freely.
Approach each root from a half step below
Approach each root from a half step above
Approach each root from its fifth (dominant approach)
Progression C – Am – F – G. Play the root three times and use beat 4 for the approach note that leads into the next chord.
Goal
Make the bass line lead the band into every chord change. An approach note on the last beat of a bar creates a small tension that resolves on the next root, so the change sounds strong and intentional.
The three approaches
| Approach | Into Am (A) | Into F | Into G | Into C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half step below | G# | E | F# | B |
| Half step above | Bb | F# | G# | Db |
| Fifth of the target | E | C | D | G |
- From below sounds like it is pushing upward into the chord; the most common choice.
- From above has a darker, bluesier pull.
- From the fifth is a dominant approach: V to I in miniature, the strongest harmonic pull.
How to practise
- Metronome at 70–90 BPM, quarter notes, legato.
- Play the approach note with the same volume as the others. It should lead, not stick out.
- Over the progression player, choose a new approach on every chord change.
Self-check
Play only beats 4 and 1 of each bar: does every pair sound like tension and release? If an approach sounds wrong, check that it really is a half step or a fifth from the next root.
Next steps
Read the walking bass lesson and bass lines over progressions, then use approach notes in the 12-bar blues in F and walking over ii–V–I.