How one scale tone can transform the feel of your bass grooves

Jon Liebman
October 9, 2025

Ever feel like your bass lines could use a little extra… something? The answer might be as simple as adding the 9th.

Most of the time, we’re used to playing roots, 5ths, maybe a flat-7. But when you sneak in the 9th — the second degree of the scale, up an octave — everything opens up. It’s a small change that can make a big difference, turning an ordinary line into something colorful and soulful.

In this week’s lesson, I’ll show you how the 9th works in different styles — from jazz to pop to funk — with examples taken from songs you already know. Chances are, you’ve heard these bass lines countless times without realizing why they sound so good. Once you hear the 9th in action, it’ll jump out at you every time.

Watch the video, then leave a comment below with your takeaways.

Let’s play bass!
— Jon