Bassline construction/melody/Voice Leading

On this installment of @yamahamusicusa #silentbass and @laklandbasses Friday, I will continue the series on "The Woodshed". A caveat here. What I will cover is based on my experience as a student, performer and educator. Everything is open to discussion. This week, bassline construction/melody structure/voice leading. That's a mouthful,  but I will explain. When constructing a bassline, the key IMO is to think NOTES, not riffs or licks, thereby constructing a line that fits the harmony, but also SAYS SOMETHING. The listener doesn't necessarily care what tricks u used or what player u worship. They want to hear something they can follow and join the conversation. U dig? Authors like George Russell and Ernst Toch talk about vertical and horizontal harmony. Vertical harmony is the chords or key of the piece. Horizontal harmony is what do with those chords/key to make a melody (yes, a bassline is a melody). The balance of vertical and horizontal harmony differs depending on the genre, but both are usually involved. Ok, how? First, as I have said before, know ur notes, chords, scales, etc...cold. Look back at my last few talks. Second, we have to discuss voice leading. Not the medieval subject some of us took in college (ugh). It is understanding that the line u construct moves from chord to chord, section to section, etc. There is a continuity to the line. Not just a bunch of riffs randomly "lego-ed" together. So, take a chord progression or key and construct a line. Think about how it moves. Think about how to melodically approach a new chord or section.  Do it purposefully. Whether simple or complex (u can do this with roots and 5ths!). Sing the line. Is it musical? Does it have continuity? This is a difficult and complex skill and will take a while to develop, so be patient. The more we are conscious of what we are playing, the better we can produce creative music. As always, I invite your insights. #yamahamusicusa #makewaves #pirastro #glasserny #laklandbasses #sitstrings #tsunamicables #philjonesbass #uptonbassstringinstrumentcompany #basslessons  #remotelessons #www.charleysabatino.com.