Walking down bass in chord structures

[pf]

Hi people,

I noticed that in many many songs, there are walking down bass in the chords in many places. Like I-V/VII-VI-V-IV...etc. Why is this so? Any reason behind this?

I don't remember much of walk up bass in the chords. Maybe only 1 or 2 chords to the chorus for building up of the dynamics. How come? Any examples to share?

Thanks for answering!

 

[Cheez]

Ascending bass line? Of course! It's there all the time. What about you giving examples of some you think are possible? Chance to practice .

For descending bass line, I recall somebody asking that question last year. It triggered me to think more about it and I wrote a piece soon after that - using descending CHROMATIC bass lines, almost throughout the entire piece. Want to hear? Had quite a bit of fun trying to get the appropriate chord progressions to make the chromatic lines smooth. As you said - too many descending bass. I was experimenting to see if something different can be done.

Why so many descending bass lines? One reason could be that it's basically a rotation of the common chords (I, IV, V, VI etc) in different inversions. They are only sticking to the common chords. Other reason - chord progression always better with bass not jumping too much. Step movements is always preferred - bass note move as little as possible. This is does not equate to bass instrument moving little. The bass itself can move around quite a bit, but the key chord lowest note is still moving in step-wise fashion. Many other reasons. But generally speaking, you're right. Used too many times. But still very useful though.

Hence why it's good to try something different...

 

[pf]

Yes, of coz! Can let me hear?!

Ascending ones I must think harder...perhaps I didn't notice.

Here's a short write up on ascending http://www.angelfire.com/fl4/moneychords/ABL.html

I think the ascending ones I've heard are merely passing chords though...

 

[Cheez]

OK. Here's the piece.

I did a quick "sketch" using solo piano sound. This is pretty dangerous - solo piano = exposed (danger of hearing lots of mistakes). When I have the time, perhaps the full arrangement version will be out. But not for now...

Played the bass lines in octaves so you can hear the descending chromatic bass clearly. It's a mixture of descending and ascending basses, mainly chromatic, more descending than ascending. It's heavily syncopated. Played it slightly slower than intended to make it easier to hear the chords.

OK - here's the challenge. See who can get the chord progressions right .

SoundClick artist: Symphonia (Singapore) - page with MP3 music downloads

Song name: Falling (For You) Again. Name deliberately chosen becaue of the "falling" bass line .

 

[pf]

Whooooshhh!!!

Tempt me with the challenge...lol...what's the prize*?

*Quite busy this qtr. Need some motivation.

 

[Cheez]

Sorry. No prize. Challenge not just for you! For anybody! Take it as an ear training. I've played the first chord as a reference (G). The clue is "chromatic bass".

OK. Shoot!

 

[Cheez]

One more thing. The difficulty here is the syncopation, which makes the piece sounds terribly out of timing. Without backing tracks, it's going to be a little tough. Most of the notes are on the up-beat, not down-beat. So you'll need to tap your feet to keep the rhythm in your head. Haha! I really enjoyed playing the syncopation which makes rhythm confusing! It's easier for me as I have the drum tracks in my head already while I'm playing.

 

[pf]

Everybody else also need some carrots what....lol...

So kind of you to play the G so obviously. hahahaha...

Anyways, its a cute little number to listen to. Sounds fun.

 

[Cheez]

No takers?

 

[kazuki]

waa falling (for you) again is really a beautiful song, i am falling in love with the melody haha, really nice 'in love' feeling of it..

 

[Cheez]

Thanks kazuki.

But...no takers on chord progression yet? The title of this thread is walking bass.

 

[pikachu86]

taker! but will kiv it for the moment, maybe till the weekend because i'm a little busy at the moment.
For starters i can come up with the melody line; how's that =X

 

[kdash]

haha i'll take it too! if not for pikachu86 i wouldn't have known about this thread. as a bassist my ears are naturally tuned to listening to bass runs and walking bass.

cheez, any prizes?