Keep It Groovy: Using Major and Minor Triads and Making Them Groove: 1-6-2-5 in the key of A
In this “Keep It Groovy” lesson, we take a look at combining our major and minor triad shapes to fit a key and chord progression. We’ll focus on the good ol’ 1-6-2-5 in the key of A. This features major triads for the A and E (1 and 5) chords and minor triads for the F#m and Bm (6 and 2) chords. Once we review our shapes, we’ll figure out how to transform them into a groove with multiple attacks, dead notes, and repeating notes in the pattern.
What’s the big takeaway? There are plenty of ways to turn triad exercises into musical grooves. By playing certain notes multiple times, changing the order of the notes, and figuring out how to move around the fretboard, you can come up with plenty of cool bass lines. This is great practice for improvising and will certainly come in handy the next time you sit down to groove.
Ryan Madora is a professional bass player, author, and educator living in Nashville, TN. In addition to touring and session work, she teaches private lessons and masterclasses to students of all levels. Visit her website to learn more!
