Constant Bass and Melody
Now try using a constant bass line under a harmonized melody. This style is associated with Delta Blues players like Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and – more recently – John Hammond, Rory Block, Eric Bibb and Keb Mo’, as well as Texas Blues players Lightnin’ Hopkins and Mance Lipscombe.
It is most common to play the root note of each chord, although bass runs between the chords are sometimes used as well. The fingers play either melody or chords over the top of the bass notes. Melody notes can come from any of the scales you know, or from the notes of the chords played individually. Here is an example in the key of E. Remember to use a metronome and be patient as you learn this piece.
The next step is to play triplets with the fingers, while playing a bass note on each beat. Practice the right hand by itself on open strings at first if you need to.
