Harmonic Rhythm for Better Bass Lines

Learn how to write better bass lines by improving your harmonic rhythm!

INTRO
Alright, so we’re in the key of D minor, and here’s an example that represents a lot of bass lines these days. Maybe your bass is currently sounding something like this?

BORING
That’s a solid starting place for your bass line, but changing notes on the main beats only is gonna get boring real quick. So, here’s a hack that will spice up your bass lines, without losing that simplicity!

BETTER
This bass line is outlining a chord progression, by playing each chord’s root note. Where the chords change is known as the harmonic rhythm. By making a more interesting harmonic rhythm, you get a better bass line. So, instead of changing chords on the main beats only, move some changes to before or after the main beats. This will add an element of surprise, which will grab your listeners’ attention!

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ABOUT
Hack Music Theory is the fast, easy and fun way to make music. Taught by multi-award-winning music lecturer Ray Harmony, and his protégé wife Kate. Ray started teaching music theory in 1995, and has made music with Serj Tankian (System Of A Down), Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine), and more!

CREDITS
© 2022 Revolution Harmony
Revolution Harmony is Ray Harmony & Kate Harmony
Script & all music in video by Revolution Harmony

[dogsneezer]

That first bassline sounded like half of my songs 😭

[paullawson]

as a beginning bass player this is gold

[edryba]

It's a great trick. I've been doing it for years!

[nandakoryaaa]

Hi Kate & Ray! Thanks to you, my basslines are so advanced they go out of rhythm completely :))))

[JimMonsanto]

Just completed a piece that falls into this trap. :'( I'll work on this and do better next time!

[cedricsimonakafrozenjazz]

Excellent ideas, as usual! Love the shorts as well :)

[sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

We can't save shorts to play lists as references. This is VERY disruptive for those if us with learning disabilities.

[thenetimp]

I wish you guys could figure out a way to make videos again and monetize it. I have a real hard time learning from reading. 90% of my learning is from video, I've tried a few of your PDFs and my ADHD just doesn't want to have any part of it. I really miss your content...

[MiggiMixtapes]

humans hate predictability, suprise essential in good music

[litrix]

Which daw is that? It looks pretty different

[JostSchwider]

Content: 👍 | Video format: 👎
P.S.: How about a second YT channel only for shorts?

[scottkretsch]

So be intentionally early or late on the chord changes. Sounds like an “ok” bassists dream. lol