Breaking the rules to create awesome grooves 'Groove Analysis' /// with Scott's Bass Lessons (L#109)

In this bass lesson I'm going to demonstrate how you can use the minor blues scale to create bass lines and grooves over static dominant chords, i.e. a dominant chord over multiple measures. In this instance G7.

Because the G7 dominant chord contains a major third, using the G minor blues scale (which contains a minor third) really shouldn't work, but it does... in fact, it sounds fantastic and very hip!

Let's look at notes spelled out in detail:

G7: G, B, D, F

G Minor Blues Scale: G, Bb, C, Db, D, F

As you'll be able to see, the G7 contains a B natural, whereas the minor blues scale contains a Bb. This should clash as the notes are a semi tone apart, in fact pick up your bass now and play both notes at the same time. You'll find that they will clash and sound very dissonant.

So why does it work within a musical context?...

The reason we can use this common substitution in a groove and soloing context is due to the strength of the blues scale. The sound of the blues scale has been engrained within us from an early age, you'll have heard it thousands if not millions of times before and therefore we instantly accept that sound and hear this substitution as a "cool & bluesy". If you've ever listened to guitar players such as Eric Clapton, BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughan... you're hearing the exact same substitution but in a soloing context.

So next time you want to create a "cool bluesy vibe" within your bass line or solo, make sure the minor blues scale is at the top of your list.

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[TPBass]

Scott: I've been playing for 30 years, and I have to say that I just love your channel. You have a great approach to presenting your material. Even this old dog has learned a new thing or two!! ; ) Thanks for doing what you do.

[TaniaMix]

That "I'm using a little bit of shoulder" changed my life 

[andreeason]

The things you say are very helpful because you always put difficult things in a simple form. THANK YOU!!

[dougp]

You make music theory easy to understand AND apply!  Thanks for breaking the groove into sections too - keep on keeping on and Thank You.

[oopsydaisy]

Thanks for another great lesson. I was practicing groove with different rhythms and just realized I was using the minor 7th scale. I know what it is and now I can expand much more with this.

[devinebass]

New Lesson for SBL : Breaking the rules to create awesome grooves "Groove Analysis" /// with Scott's Bass Lessons (L#109)

[cole]

Forget the lessons... I could just listen to your playing all day 

[Christophe_L]

You're awesome, Scott, thanks for the free lesson!! I quite liked how you gave recommendations for stuff to listen to, you should do that more often.

Cheers!

[fumfulapenguin]

Thanks Scott, you are the best! Your lessons improved my bass playing dramatically. 

[Dizlexus]

On a more serious note; I find it curious that I learn from you so rapidly.  Kudos

[loveastring]

Nice lesson Scott !!! YOU'RE THE MAN

[nightsbane]

I can never say thank you enough! cheers Scott!

[LazyActivistDom]

Great help. Just got a bass, play guitar but trying to learn properly as a different instrument. Your lessons are a great help, thanks!

[fexnah]

Cool new backdrop, looking fresh! Thanks so much for all the great work, Scott.

[tonydecicco]

E to Bb, G to F -  that E sounds pretty jazzy to me.  Seems like a good departure point for some improvisation.  Nice funk drums on the backing track.  Thanks for another fine lesson.

[AdamAarts]

Thanks!! I love seeing more tips on groove rather than music theory side of stuff. Its great but sometimes all the music theory wont help you groove. I love it!

[marcoburrometo]

the shoulder thing really helps :) thank you BOSS!

[EthnicBeatz]

Digging your ideas and your positive energy. Peace man.

[torbjornsommar]

Nice as well is a about timing to get a nice groove. Many thanks to it Scott

[hazemhelmy]

Great ideas and a very nice way to show it