HELP: Bass Run/Turnaround from G to F

Subject: HELP: Bass Run/Turnaround from G to F
From: Áine
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 01:59 PM

I need a hint from some of you fingerpickers -- I'm working on a new song, and I'm having trouble making the change from the last chord in the verse - Gmaj - to the first chord in the bridge - F - It's not playing the chords or the fingerpicking I'm having trouble with. I'm trying to figure out a good bass run or turnaround that's smooth and/or subtle enough.

The song is in 3/4, slow waltz. Here's the chord progression for the last line in the verse:

| C | D | G | G |

And here's the progression for the first line of the bridge:

| F | C | Em | Am |

And I'm using a half barre F chord, by the way; all the other chords are open. Any help will be mighty appreciated!

All the best, Áine

Subject: RE: HELP: Bass Run/Turnaround from G to F
From: MMario
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 02:10 PM

Every time I start thinking I understand what people are talking about here at the 'cat we get one of these threads and I realize most of you speak a language I don't understand the least little bit.

Subject: RE: HELP: Bass Run/Turnaround from G to F
From: RichM
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 02:20 PM

In the last bar (where the 2nd G chord is) hit these single notes--one beat each-- G,B,D;on the 6th string, 5th string, 4th string respectively.
*

Voila, you arrive at the next bar ready for the F chord.

Subject: RE: HELP: Bass Run/Turnaround from G to F
From: Áine
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 02:46 PM

Ahh -- Thanks Rich, that works a treat! Don't know why I couldn't have figured that out -- sometimes, when I'm writing a new song, I just can't see the notes for the strings -- know what I mean? ;-)

And MMario -- don't feel left out, sweetie. I don't know why you don't learn how to play the guitar, it would add so much to your beautiful voice, you know.

All the best, Áine

Subject: RE: HELP: Bass Run/Turnaround from G to F
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 02:54 PM

Áine,

RichM's transistion sounds workable in my head. I don't have a guitar here to check it out. An alternative would be to use that half-barre F chord, move it up one whole step to the third fret (it's then a half-barre G). You might do that at the end by playing the first G measure in your regular G position and then the second G measure in the half-barre position. The transistion is then a slide down G, F#, F, one strum for each beat in the measure. If you use single notes, you would end up with repeating the F note at the start of the first measure. Depending on the song this can eloquent or dissonant.

Good luck,

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: HELP: Bass Run/Turnaround from G to F
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 02:55 PM

duplicate message deleted by mudelf ;-)

Subject: RE: HELP: Bass Run/Turnaround from G to F
From: RichM
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 03:09 PM

Yes, so many ways you can do a good transition. I found about 6 when I started noodling on the guitar before my previous posting.

Subject: RE: HELP: Bass Run/Turnaround from G to F
From: Áine
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 03:26 PM

So, come on, Rich -- what were the other five? ;-)

Hey Roger, I really like your idea too. Gee, I admire you for thinking that up with no guitar in your hands...one of these days I hope I can do that! Thanks!

-- Áine

Subject: RE: HELP: Bass Run/Turnaround from G to F
From: RichM
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 03:41 PM

Here's one more:
G, B-D, G into Fchord
One, two-and, three into Fchord

The rythmn is: One, two-and, three into Fchord
br> G is one beat of the measure,
B-D 1/2 beat each
G the third beat

to clarify further
G is 6string/3rd fret
B is 5th string/2nd fret
D is 4th string open
G is 3rd string open

That's one...it's YOUR turn now...

Subject: RE: HELP: Bass Run/Turnaround from G to F
From: Jeri
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 04:03 PM

(6th)GF#G(5th)ABA (F-chord)
(6)G (5)B A (6)G F E (F-chord)

Please keep in mind I haven't been playing very long, and I'm an F chord weenie - can't manage the complete bar.

Subject: RE: HELP: Bass Run/Turnaround from G to F
From: RichM
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 04:10 PM

You're not a weenie, Jeri. I rarely make full bar chords to accompany folkmusic, or to fingerpick. Instead, I press only the part of the chord I actually need.

My F chord for instance is often just the 4 high strings, with an occasional thumb wrapped around the bass side to hold down the low F on the 6th string--when/if I need it.

and I add the C note of the 5th string only as needed.

Subject: RE: HELP: Bass Run/Turnaround from G to F
From: Anahootz
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 04:14 PM

How 'bout A B D E F? Kinda pentatonic, well...sorta, but I use it in 4/4, and you can put a "stutter" in it for waltztime

lemme see if I can do this phonetically...If 3/4 sounds like BUMdumdumBUMdumdum (BUM being emphasis, dumdum being the compliment), then this run would go (with the last G chord) BUMdumdumbadabadaBUMdumdum...with the "badabada" the A B D E part, and the BUM the F of the F chord...

Hope I didn't muddle things up...

Subject: RE: HELP: Bass Run/Turnaround from G to F
From: Don Firth
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 04:15 PM

Right up the scale, GABCDEF (all eighth notes) might be kinda flashy. . . .

Don Firth

Subject: RE: HELP: Bass Run/Turnaround from G to F
From: MMario
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 04:18 PM

Áine - someday I may let you witness me attempt to keep time CLAPPING to a song - or chew gum while walking...(I am one of those people who usually manage to bite their tongue every time)

which pretty much explains it.

Subject: RE: HELP: Bass Run/Turnaround from G to F
From: RichM
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 04:24 PM

Alright, MMario...only pre-chewed gum for you, from now on...

Subject: RE: HELP: Bass Run/Turnaround from G to F
From: Áine
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 04:27 PM

Well, apart from the great ideas you all have come up with, we've also got weenies and pre-chewed gum -- Mmmmm, anybody gettin' hungry? ;-)

-- Áine

Subject: RE: HELP: Bass Run/Turnaround from G to F
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 26 Mar 02 - 09:59 AM

Aine, what would a Trombone player do?! Sorry...just kidding!

Good advice here.

Rick

Subject: RE: HELP: Bass Run/Turnaround from G to F
From: Jeri
Date: 26 Mar 02 - 10:46 AM

Mine were all in 8th notes too. Influenced by the Flying Fingers of Fielding, Mr Bass Run himself, dontcha know. Now ya gotta get from Am back to C, eh?

She walks down to G
From a D in the first line
A nice little waltz, and the playing is fun
Now she's gotta go to F and it has to sound just fine
Her fingers are flyin' with a bass on the run
With a bass, [with a bass]... Sorry...bad.