FREE music lessons from Berklee College of Music

Rock Bass LinesJoe Santerre

Lesson 1

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1

LESSON 1: ONE-CHORD ROCK

Tuning Notes: E–A–D–G strings, played twice.

3 3 35

5 5 55

3 3 35

5 5 55

G–7

Example 11

Example 22

0 0 0 0

2 2 2 2

E–7

Example 33

Example 44

0 02

2 2 2 22

0 0

E–7

Example 55

1 1

3

13

3

1 1

3 3 33

1 1 1

bB –7

Many rock bass lines are based on just one chord. Each example in this lesson will use only theroot, fifth, and the octave of the chord. For more examples of this type of bass playing, listen tobands like Led Zeppelin, the James Gang, and Deep Purple.

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2

lesson 1one-chord rock

The following examples provide more experience playing bass lines over one chord. Be careful withthe tied notes in example 8 and the rhythm in example 9.

0 02 2

2 22 2

E–6

Example 66

5 5 5 5 57

5 5 5

77

5

A7

Example 77

Example 88

Example 99

3 33 3

3

1

3 3 33

33

1

3

F–7

2 2 2 2 2 2 2

4

F#(no3)

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3

lesson 1one-chord rock

WRITE YOUR OWNIn the following blank measures, write your own bass grooves for the chord indicated. Remember, thegoal is to outline the chord; start with the root, fifth, and octave. Model your own rhythms after thoseused in the examples.

4.E–6

3.F–7

2.F#(no3)

1.A7

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4

lesson 1one-chord rock

HEAVY BALLOON

5 5 5

77

5 5 5 5 5 57

5 5 5

77

5

0 0 0 0

2 2 2 2

5 5 5 5 57

A7

2 2 2 2

0 0 0 0

2 2 2 2

0 0 0 0

2 2 2 2

0 0 0 0

E–6

Song 110

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