A chord progression is a sequence of chords forming the harmonic backbone of a song. Progressions are often described using Roman numerals representing chords built on each scale degree.
Bass Tip: Recognizing common progressions helps you quickly learn new songs and create strong bass lines.
Nonharmonic (non-chord) tones are notes that don’t belong to the chord being played but add tension and release. Common types include passing tones, neighboring tones, suspensions, and appoggiaturas.
Bass Tip: Use them sparingly as approach notes into chord tones to add melodic interest.
A phrase is a musical idea, often ending with a cadence (musical punctuation). Cadences can convey a sense of rest or resolution.
Bass Tip: Spotting cadence points helps anticipate chord changes and shape your lines appropriately.
Circle progressions move chords down a fifth (or up a fourth) each step. Example: C → F → Bb → Eb, etc. In Roman numerals: I → IV → vii° → iii → vi → ii → V → I forms a diatonic cycle.
Bass Tip: Practicing circle progressions helps learn the circle of fifths physically on the fretboard.
Certain progressions recur across genres:
Bass Tip: Identify these progressions in songs you love and practice your own walking lines or grooves.
First inversion triads have the chord’s third in the bass. In Roman numerals, this can be shown as I⁶ (major chord in first inversion), etc. You might also see slash chords like C/E.
Bass Tip: C/E means a C chord with an E note in the bass, creating a smoother stepwise motion in the bass line.
Second inversion triads place the chord’s fifth in the bass. Notated as I⁶⁴, ii⁶⁴, or slash chords like C/G.
In classical contexts, second inversion often appears as a cadential 6/4 (I⁶⁴ → V → I). In popular music, it can provide a stable bass note when the fifth is lower on the fretboard.