Article: http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/24996-on-bass-its-all-in-the-approach
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In most modern styles of music, our main job as bassists is to provide a basic harmonic foundation. There are several reasons for this, but it’s mostly just because it sounds good. Usually there are other instruments whose job it is to play the colorful chord tones, which can include upper structures of a chord that extend well beyond simple triads. Most non-bassists will agree: One of the worst things you can encounter in an ensemble is a bassist who isn’t holding down the bottom end due to overplaying. Too many inversions or too many notes won’t win you friends.
A happy medium is to aim for rock-solid playing while adding just enough personal touches to make a lasting impact on both the audience and your fellow musicians. So this month, I want to share the fairly basic concept of approach notes through a fun, musical set of exercises. Approach notes will add personality to your chord tones, and if you apply the knowledge tastefully, it can really take your playing to the next level. Let’s use an A7 chord to illustrate the process. The formula for a dominant 7 chord is 1–3–5–b7, relative to a major scale starting from the chord root. For A7, this yields A–C#–E–G.
To continue reading Victor's lesson, visit: http://www.premierguitar.com/articles/24996-on-bass-its-all-in-the-approach