Voice Leading

On this installment of @yamahamusicusa #silentbass and @laklandbasses Friday, we continue the series on "Fundamentals. Today, "Voice Leading". First, understand I am not talking about the Medieval voice leading some of us learned in school (ugh). I'm talking about something much more useful in the 21st century. This is a skill whereby you are conscious to the fact that what ur playing now is affected by what u played before and affects what u play next. This way, your lines have purposeful continuity and move through the chords. It also helps you to creatively adapt and react to the rest of the band in real time. Interestingly, it tends to be the most feared and avoided lesson of all of my students.  Why? Most probably, because if studied completely, it forsakes all your licks, riffs and comfort zones for real time, note based creativity. It is a skill that takes a while to get ur head around and it evolves as u do as a player so the possibilities and revelations are endless. It is terrifying and rewarding at the same time. No copying,  just music! As always, how? Take a chord progression. Maybe a tune you like or are working on with ur band. Write down the notes of the chords (arpeggios, pentatonics...whatever ur comfortable with). Start with roots only and play through the progression. You can start with quarter notes if u want. Then, slowly add notes and rhythm to create a coherent melodic bassline. Be deliberate, purposeful and musical. Start simple, then become more complex. Try to mix simple and different levels of complexity to give the line "breath". Take chances, but make sure u know what you are doing at every step. If u can, write them down. See the contour if the line u made. By visualizing it, you can better incorporate ur lines in the music. Done? Try again. Use another chord set. Try with others. You will see each time, it becomes easier and more spontaneous. Next week, more fundamentals. As always, I invite your insights. #yamahamusicusa #makewaves #pirastro #glasserny #laklandbasses #sitstrings #tsunamicables #philjonesbass #uptonbassstringinstrumentcompany #basslessons  #remotelessons #www.charleysabatino.com