Re: young/amateur musicians and BASS


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Posted by Ted on August 18, 2003 at 16:35:38:

In Reply to: young/amateur musicians and BASS posted by listener on August 17, 2003 at 12:32:37:

The problem, in my opinion, is lack of theoretical training. The bass line is the groundwork upon which the harmonic structure of the overlying lines is laid, and therefore is less melodic in nature than the SAT lines (as was already mentioned). To be able to play a bass line, which must by definition skip and jump quite a bit, one must have an ear for the harmonic structure of the piece or else the intervals will not be solidly in tune. It's easier for the higher instruments because their lines are melodic, and if they play a wrong note it may still 'fit' without wrecking the harmony. I found that my intonation and sight-reading improved greatly as I started to learn about harmony and chord progressions.

Ted


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