Music Theory: Melodic Bassline Techniques

Take a seat at the piano with Instructor RYKR as he demonstrates how to play a more melodic sounding bassline with slash chords.

In this segment from the Icon’s Blueprint Curriculum, Instructor RYKR explains how to use slash chords to create smoother bassline inversions that sound more melodic.

RYKR also takes you through a chord progression and explains how to use stepwise motion to make playing progression easier.

Stepwise motion allows you to transition from one note to the next up or down the scale in a linear motion. Also known as conjunct motion, stepwise makes it much easier to play progressions without jumping around. It also makes it easier for the listener to follow because the melody rises and falls smoothly in either full or half step intervals.

In contrast, leap motion is when the melody rises and falls, with large intervals between one note and the next. This motion is considered to be a disjunct melody and is less smooth sounding.

Some of the best melodies are incredibly effective because they are very straightforward and easy to follow.

The most compelling melodies employ both conjunct and disjunct motion. This method enables the listener to predict the next move, while simultaneously keeping them guessing where the progression is going.

The key here is to keep a steady balance of the two, or else you may lose your listener completely.

Slash chords are formed when you play major or minor chords with an additional bass note that is different from the root of the chord. This method gives more emphasizes to the bass note rather than a chord’s root note. Chord progressions with alternate bass notes often sound more melodic.

Slash chords or compound chords are used mostly in modern music to accentuate a particular bassline in a chord progression.

These types of chords also have a unique sound and are used to express certain chord movements within the music.

Slash chords are notated with a standard chord symbol, followed by a forward slash, and the alternate bass note. For example, F/E or Dm/D. Slash chord notations are also used to indicate chord inversions or basslines.

When discussing slash chords musicians will typically say, “Play F slash E” or “Play D Minor over D.”

Music theory is a study that allows us to understand the language of music. It is a set of guidelines and rules that help us recognize the different ways to express emotions with sound. Learning music theory is essential for enhancing your creativity and developing a keen sense of musical awareness. Delve deeper into the methods and concepts musicians use in creating music through our comprehensive  Blueprint Curriculum.