A good practical way to think of it, is separating the root chord from the extended notes. C9 is a C chord with b7 9 11 13...a b7major 7 (stop reading here if it's too wierd).

Treat the root chord like you would if it were a major chord in the same place. Only use the 1 3 5 bass except for passing bass notes. You can use the upper register notes in the bass if they are passing tones of a truly great bass line (there aren't too many, but there are some sure fire things like the bass moving chromatically).

These, of course, aren't rules. Just observations of what bass parts I've learned have done. For example: You can get away with more 1st inversions on the solo piano than the seperate bass instrument can. The seperate instrument wants to be one and five unless it's in the middle of a great line (is there an echoplex in here?)

Let me know if that makes sense.



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Mike Dunbar Music

You've got to know your limitations. I don't know what your limitations are. I found out what mine were when I was twelve. I found out that there weren't too many limitations, if I did it my way. -Johnny Cash

It's only music.
-niteshift

Mike Dunbar Music