Developing a bass line in a Brazilian song
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a syncopated bass line using chord tones and octaves.
Key learning points
- A bass line can be created using just the root note, or by adding additional notes, including octaves and chord tones.
- Chord tones are notes that are included in a chord.
- Octaves are different pitches of the same note (e.g. a low C and a higher C).
- These are not essential in a bass line, but they make it more interesting and complex than just using root notes.
Keywords
Root note - the root note is the main note of a chord and what the chord is named after
Octave - an octave is an interval of 8 notes (e.g. a C and the next highest C are an octave apart)
Chord tone - a chord tone is any note that is included in a chord (e.g. a C chord has the chord tones C, E and G)
Common misconception
The bass line must have a different rhythm from the chords and percussion parts.
It can be appropriate for the bass line to use the same rhythm as another part. If it sounds effective then it is fine.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to listen to the rhythms of other parts to help them create their own syncopated rhythm. Pupils who find the bass line activity straightforward could be encouraged to explore which other notes (not chord tones or octaves) seem to sound effective when added into the bass line.
Equipment
A DAW or other suitable compositional tool or instrument
Licence
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