BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
13572 / 18210 · Workshop 106 — Composing Bass Lines That Carry the Piece: Root Motion, Counterpoint, Groove, Inversions, Pedals, and Bass as a Source of Harmony← prev⊞ allnext →

106.6Bass contour and emotion

Again, avoid simplistic labels, but generally:

descending line often suggests:

settling

gravity

melancholic pull

or closure.

Ascending line often suggests:

build

lift

arrival.

Repeated pedal suggests:

stability

suspense

or insistence.

Context decides.