Harmonic Rhythm for Better Bass Lines

Hack Music Theory

Harmonic Rhythm for Better Bass

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

Hello revolutionary music makers, we are Kate and Ray Harmony (AKA Revolution Harmony), and welcome to Hack Music Theory, the fast, easy and fun way to make music! If you’re new to theory, or if you just want a refresher, then read our free book "12 Music Theory Hacks to Learn Scales & Chords". It’ll give you a super solid music theory foundation in just 30 minutes. The free download is below. Enjoy!

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.

Hope you found this hack helpful, and if you did, then check out our Songwriting & Producing PDF.

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