Flute · Level 5 · Intermediate
A descending bass line in A major on Flute
Don’t just read about A descending bass line in A major. Play it.
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Inversions let the bass walk down the scale while the harmony moves through familiar chords. It is a classic ballad and soul sound.
A
Notes: A · C♯ · E
E/G♯
Notes: E · G♯ · B
F♯m
Notes: F♯ · A · C♯
A/E
Notes: A · C♯ · E
D
Notes: D · F♯ · A
E
Notes: E · G♯ · B
HOW TO PRACTISE IT
Six steps to a clean loop.
- Play each chord as an arpeggio, one note at a time: A, E/G♯, F♯m, A/E, D and E. Press play on the card, then match each note.
- Keep a steady air stream between notes; for the higher notes, aim the air a little higher instead of blowing harder.
- Set the tempo to 60 BPM and play the progression with one chord per bar. Sing or hum the bass line while you play to keep it in focus.
- Play the chord tones one at a time, one note per beat, tonguing each note lightly (“too”).
- Raise the tempo to 80 BPM once you can play the loop three times without stopping.
- Record one take, listen back and check for the bass stepping down without gaps.
Listen for
Aim for the bass stepping down without gaps. A common mistake is losing the slash bass note on the inverted chords.
Why it works
V/7 and I/5 are inversions chosen purely so the bass moves by step.
A major has 3 sharps; its relative minor key is F♯ minor.
Questions
What are the chords in I–V/7–vi–I/5–IV in A major?
In A major the progression is A | E/G♯ | F♯m | A/E | D | D | E | E.
What is the key signature of A major?
A major has 3 sharps. Its relative minor is F♯ minor.
Is this lesson right for my level?
This is a level 5 lesson (intermediate). If it feels too hard, start with “Slash chords and a walking bass”.
Your hands learn faster than your eyes.
Reading a chord chart is step one. Play it to a metronome, record it, and hear yourself get better, all in one app.
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