Help With Arpeggios

[BalaPenguin]

Hey guys are there any strict rules I must follow when I play arpeggios? The notes in the c major arpeggios are C, E, G and C. So do I have to follow that sequence when I play the arpeggio or can I mix the order of the notes up? (like C then G then C then E then G then G) How are arpeggios used?

Srry if I sound noob lol! I'm like so new to bass!

 

[Morlock]

nope can play any sequence you like and feel, but usually it starts with the root.

 

[alanchia]

Strictly speaking, the arpeggios should follow the sequence as named by the chords. C, C/E and C/G sounds different (tone color).

But then, nobody can stop you from being creative.

 

[BalaPenguin]

Thx guys. So why should I really use arpeggios to create basslines? I mean after all, the notes that are used in a C major arpeggio can all be found in a C major scale. Why can't I just use the notes in the C major scale to create a bassline instead, since there are more notes to choose from when I'm using the C major scale as compared to the C major arpeggio?

 

[Morlock]

nothing really prevents you from doing anything you want. hehehe

but the reason why people talk so much about arpeggios is because it is easy and it works. even if the other instruments are like soloing like hell, arpeggios will still fit. it just keeps the bass grounded at all times. but nothing really can stop you from being creative. just keep on experimenting.

 

[Resetti]

on the arpeggios vs scale issue, it's more lile chords vs scale issue, since appregios is simply the chord notes broken up into individuals played in a sequence.

you defintiely can play scales, but the notes of the chords are the important notes to play in order to provide the sound of the key you're playing. If you play the notes in the scale that are not the notes in the chords, it may not sound like the key at all.

So if you want to underline the chord changes in the song, you'll need to play the notes of the chords.

But most of the time if you play a chord on the bass it'll be too boomy and too strong for a suppoprting role. you definitely can play chords but if you play chords all the time with the bass, it'll be very tiring to listen to.

so you break them out into appregios.... moreover when they are borken up into appregios it becomes more interesting, there are so many variations and sequences you can play from those chord notes, up to you to play.

but of course, I take these as my own guidelines and definitely not set in stone... they are meant to be a guide and definitely meant to be broken too! nothing should come in the way of creativity and innovation.

 

[BalaPenguin]

If you play the notes in the scale that are not the notes in the chords, it may not sound like the key at all.

I don't really understand haha. Let's say my song is in C and the chord progression for the song is C then D then Em then G. So shouldn't it be safe to create my basslines out any C scales (C pentatonic, C major etc...)? Why would it sound "out of tune" if I play the notes that are not in the chord? Aren't they in the same key ultimately? Pls enlighten me!

 

[alanchia]

usually, you'll outline the chord as written. and you can make passing-notes (transition notes) prior to chord changes.

whatever mode (or scale) chosen for the passing notes will either enhance your music or break it. need to experiment on it.

jazzist are good in doing this

 

[kimura]

I don't really understand haha. Let's say my song is in C and the chord progression for the song is C then D then Em then G. So shouldn't it be safe to create my basslines out any C scales (C pentatonic, C major etc...)? Why would it sound "out of tune" if I play the notes that are not in the chord? Aren't they in the same key ultimately? Pls enlighten me!

You can even use an Em scale or an Fmaj for your bassline.