Intermediate Bass 15: Chromatic Approach Tones
By Roy Vogt
Bass Instructor, Belmont University 		Print This Lesson
Roy Vogt.In this lesson, we're adding a technique to our chordal vocabulary that is a favorite of Beboppers like Charlie Parker, composers like J. S. Bach, and bassists James Jamerson and Jeff Berlin to name a few. This is the use of approach tones to add chromatic interest.

Basically, you can take any chord tone (R-3-5-7) and add a note ½ step below it. This sometimes sounds "wrong" until the note resolves to the chord tone. More advanced techniques include adding a scale tone above the Chord tone and resolving it (which would be a diatonic approach tone).

Here's some basic examples over a C7 chord in a bossa/latin rock style. Notice how the tension of the note is resolved by moving the tone to the chord tone. After playing the etude, I continued to solo using the concept. For the next lesson, we'll apply this concept to a chord progression.

I'd like to give credit and a "shout out" to Jeff Berlin and his recommendation so many years ago of Chord Studies for Trombone (Berklee) by Phil Wilson and Joseph Viola. You can now buy it as Chord Studies for Electric Bass by Rich Appleman and Joseph Viola (Berklee). Also check out Dave Liebman's A Chromatic Approach to Jazz Harmony and Melody for more advanced study (Thanks again Jeff!).

Peace and Low Notes,
Roy C. Vogt
Nashville Bassist
Bass Instructor, Belmont University, Nashville, TN

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