Approaching from a half step above

You could also approach the roots from a half step above. This is a stronger more tense sound, so use it with caution. In the example below I have approached only 2 chords from a half step above, and for the same reason in both instances.

*When going from the Am to the G chord, I am using a half step above the G chord. This creates a nice smooth movement between the 2 roots which are just a whole step apart. So I am just filling in the gap.

*Going from the D to the C chord also is also a great place for this half step above approach.

get crescendo MIDI player

Other techniques that you will be using to create bass lines will require you to know the key that you are in. Or require the use of particular scales and arpeggios. But the chromatic approach is fair game anytime.

Page 1, Approaching from a half step below

Page 3, Double chromatic approaches