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Finding Your Own Voice by Jimi Durso – Inversions
Inversions can be a real fun way of using the fourth and fifth elements of the bass line hierarchy (from my column back in November). If you look in the Harvard Dictionary of Music, the definition of an inversion takes up half a page. I’m going to define it in a way that is simpler and more useful for us bassist: an inversion is when you treat another part of the chord as if it were the root.
This can be done in a number of ways. The simplest way is to only play that notes against the corresponding chord. Another thing is to make that sure that note is on the downbeat of the measure, or to make it the lowest pitch you play. Put both of those together and it makes the inverting much clearer. You could also play it more than the other notes in the measure. As you experiment, you may even come up with some other methods.
So let’s come up with some examples. I’m going to use a brilliant chord progression that was written by almost every guitarist you’ve ever worked with: D C G D. So what are some options for inversions? Well, if we’re just using triads, and only invert the first chord (which makes it sound like a change from the final chord, instantly providing this chord sequence with some forward impetus) we have D/F# C G D, or D/A C G D. If we wanted to get a little farther out, we could put the seventh under the first chord, providing us with D/C C G D. This is an intriguing sound, as the bass note stays the same for the first two chords, with the chord changing, but from the end to the beginning the chord is the same but the bass note changes.
So let’s take the first one and come up with some ideas on how we can create bass lines around it.
We could play whole notes or straight eighths on the low notes, but let’s see what else we can do. I came up with four different lines for this chord progression. For example one I leaned on the first note, and then just played a line through the related scale (D Mixolydian in this case) to get to the next one. For the first three chords two scale tones always worked (though I had to jump up an octave on the G chord to keep the line in four-string range) and for the final D I just jumped to the fifth to drop two notes back to the beginning.
For the second example, I created a more driving line by using an almost steady stream of eight notes. I also implied a counterpoint by using two pitches in each measure, but while the bottom goes through the chord progressions “roots” (F#, C, G, D), the high part ascends through the scale (F#, G, G, A). Notice how each of these notes are still part of the underlying chord.
Example number 3 has a more latinish rhythm, and most of the notes fit in with the chord. The exceptions are where the final note of the measure is used to lead to the next measure, in measure 1 it’s the fifth of the next chord and in measure 3 it’s the third. Notice how in the first measure F# is the first note but not the lowest. The line drops down to the root, but it still creates the sound of an inversion.
For example 4 I didn’t play the downbeat at all, giving it a reggae vibe (though if it’s slapped, it sounds really badass). Even though the chord progression is supposed to be D/F# C G D, the treatment of the chords in this bassline makes it unclear which chords are inverted. The G almost sounds like G/B, and both the C and the last D, though they have the root note as the lowest note, it’s between two other accented notes, making both almost sound like they could be inverted.
Now come up with some of your own. Also, discover how it sounds when you invert other parts of this chord progression, e.g. D C/G G D, or D C/G, G/B, D, or D/C C/E G/D D.
You can hear me play the examples here.
Bass CDs
New Campaign: Alberto Rigoni, Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings
Italian bass master and composer ALBERTO RIGONI is thrilled to announce his brand new project “Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings”.
Nemesis Call – Queens Of Strings features a super talented drummer from Japan (TBA) and tons of female guitarists such as SAKI, Giusy Busetto, Alexandra Zerner (TBC) and many many others (TBA). Furthermore, Alberto has also launched a Fundraising Campaign for the project. 20% of the income will be donated to Lega del Filo d’Oro legadelfilodoro.it/it, an Italian association that helps deaf and blind children!
Alberto shares:
“Hello friends and music lovers! I’m Alberto Rigoni, an Italian composer and.. a BASS GUY! Between 2008 and 2024 I released 13 solo albums, spanning from progressive, rock, ambient to funky and experimental music, which also features contributions from musicians such as keyboard wizard Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) drummer Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) and Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), keyboardist Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), singer John Jeff Soto (ex Goran Edman (ex Y. Malmsteen), bassists Nathan East, Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani), Nik West (ex Prince) and many others. I’m also bass player for BAD As, Sunset Groove Society, Kim Bingham, The Italians bands and co-producer of Mistheria’s Vivaldi Metal Project.”
Alberto on the new project Nemesis Call:
“Even if my latest album “Unexpected Lullabies”, dedicated to my newborn Vittoria Parini Rigoni, will be released on June 4th, 2024, when Vittoria came to life I felt the need to compose new music (yes, I really can’t stop!!!!!). This time will be quite challenging because I’m willing to release an instrumental ambient/prog/rock/metal album, that will feature a talented and young drummer (TBA) and tons of female guitarists (that’s why I will call the album “Queens of the Strings”) such as Alexandra Zerner, YOKA and many others (TBA/TBC)). It won’t be easy to manage all such great musicians but I will make it!! Are you ready to face a new prog experience? The album will be released in Digipack CD and in high-quality digital format approximately at the beginning of 2025.”
The Fundraising Campaign:
As an independent artist, Alberto is looking for supporters who can help him reach the budget for the production (recordings, mix, mastering, artwork etc.) of this new album and has started this fundraising campaign that will end successfully on October 15th, 2024.
Get further information about the campaign at albertorigoni.net/nemesiscal
Bass Videos
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
Bassist Derek Frank…
Many of you will remember the last time I chatted with Derek Frank was back in 2017. The main thing that impressed me was how busy Derek was and how he juggled playing with many huge acts.
Now, I am happy to hear that Derek launched a new album last March titled “Origin Story” where he digs deep into his roots and pays homage to Pittsburg.
Join me as we get caught up after all these years and hear the details about the new album, how Derek gets his sound, and his plans for the future.
Photo, Stephen Bradley
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www.derekfrank.com
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www.youtube.com/derekfrankbass
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This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…
Click to follow Bass Musician on Instagram @bassmusicianmag
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Gear News
New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Internationally renowned bassist ALBERTO RIGONI (soloist, BAD AS, Vivaldi Metal Project, TwinSpirits, etc.) is proud to announce the release of his signature bass VPR5 made by renowned Italian luthier Gaetano Costanzo!
The bass is entirely handmade in Italy, without the use of CNC or other machinery, and has rather special features. The VPR is a 5-string bass (but also available as a 4-string) with 30 frets, Seymour Duncan pickups, Music Man Alnico style, passive electronics (volume, tone and a switch to select series/parallel/single-coil mode), alder body, and American maple neck and fingerboard. Gotoh tuners that ensure perfect intonation. The bass is totally painted white (nitro finish) but other colors can be requested. The VPR has a weight of about 2.9 kg and suitable for any genre.
For more information contact Gaetanobass77@gmail.com or visit online at www.instagram.com/gaetanocostanzoluthier or www.facebook.com/GaetanoCostanzoLuthier
Bass Videos
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Bassist Graham Stanush…
Return to Dust is keeping Grunge alive and well! They have a new self-titled album that went out on May 3rd, 2024 and will be super busy promoting this project in the near future.
Graham Stanush is the bass powerhouse driving their sound and adding vocals to the mix. Join me as we hear all about Graham’s musical journey, details about the new album, how he gets his sound and their plans for the future.
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Visit Online:
linktr.ee/returntodust
instagram.com/returntodustband/
twitter.com/Returntodustbnd
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Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
Interview With Bassist Graham Stanush
Review: CrystalBright Rombo Picks
Preparing for Performance with Dr. Randy Kertz
This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
New Gear: Alberto Rigoni Signature Bass, the VPR5 by Gaetano Costanzo!
Artist Update With Bassist Derek Frank
String Instrument Humidifiers
