Bass Feature Lines
Example 316 is an eight bar feature where the bass plays melodic phrases instead of the usual accompanying lines or grooves. There are also different chord types which create a more modem sound. The method of writing these chords is to split them with a slash ( / ) into the top part which often is just a triad and a bottom part which represents the lowest note, e.g., F/B. The actual bass line combines note combinations which derive from chord arpeggios, scales, modes and additional chromatic passing or leading notes.
Example 317 is a bass feature using melodic phrases further up the neck. Higher bass notes need more ledger lines above the stave and are therefore not as easy to read than lower bass notes.
Another way to make high bass notes more readable is to write them one octave lower and use the symbol 8va........ which indicates that they must be transposed up an octave. To change back to the standard writing the sign loco is used which cancels 8va........ .
The following examples make use of this method of writing.
