What is a banjo bass run? Well thats simple - a bass run is a series of notes that connect two chords. Bass runs are used when playing backup, leading into a song and in banjo breaks.

Now that you know what a bass run is: a series of notes that connect two chords, what notes do you use to connect these chords? Well let’s start with something simple - If you are playing a backup that switches from a G chord to a D chord your bass run will end on a D. The first note of the run is F#, the second is an E and the third is of course D; there you have it, a simple bass run -F#, E, D. Now if you want to go from a D chord to a G chord, you can use E, F# and G. Here is an example of a bass run, practice this until you can smoothly make the transition from G to D and back.

Listen to it here:

Banjo Bass Run 1

The next example just adds a few filler notes to the previous example. This just keeps the roll going while you add the bass run.

Press Play:

Banjo Bass Run 2

The next example stretches out the bass run at the beginning of the phrase. This run can add some variety to your playing and stands out in the usual flurry of eighth notes.

Press Play:

Banjo Bass Run 3

Try to work some bass runs into songs you already play, it will make an old song interesting again and it will also force you to figure out a run without TAB. Stay tuned for more Bass Run posts in the future.

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