The Double Chromatic Approach

This Month’s Bass Lesson: The Double Chromatic Approach

In my previous article entitled “Guide Tones” we learned how to create lines using guide tones that resolve from one chord to the next. The third degree of the chord is important because it defines whether the chord is major or minor. The seventh degree also defines a major, minor, or flat 7^th for dominant 7^th chords. Please review my previous article before moving on. Your goal is to be able to create melodic lines that use guide tones that resolve from one chord to the next in a smooth, flowing fashion. 

The next idea I’m presenting to you employs the double chromatic approach. Instead of resolving your melodic ideas from the 7^th to the 3^rd scale degree in ½ step intervals, the double chromatic approach resolves to the 3^rd of the chords in a chromatic fashion. 

The example below illustrates this concept. The third of the chord is being approached below by two notes in a chromatic sequence. 

You can also employ the concept of “delayed resolution” using the chromatic approach. Instead of always resolving the guides tones on beat one of the progressions, try resolving your ideas on beat two using the chromatic approach. This creates a delayed resolution in your lines and adds a new twist to things. 

Use the concepts I presented to you from both articles to write your own phrases.

These musical ideas should be memorized, played in all keys, and become a part of you and your musical vocabulary. If you create one hundred of them, you’re well on your way to mastering these concepts. Good luck.