Developing a bass line in a Brazilian song
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
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.An chord is a triad chord with additional notes added.
Q2.Which of these types of chord would sound most complex?
Q3.What type of chord is this?
Q4.What type of chord is this?
Q5.A bass line is normally...
Q6.A syncopated rhythm is one that...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a chord tone?
Q2.What are the chord tones in this chord?
Q3.Which of these images shows an octave?
Q4.What is the missing chord tone in this C chord? C, E and .
Q5.Which two of these statements are correct?
Q6.Which of these statements is correct?
To help you plan your 9 music lesson on: Developing a bass line in a Brazilian song, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 music lesson on: Developing a bass line in a Brazilian song, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 music lessons from the Understanding samba unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.