A simple but extremely effective way to transform your bass lines

Jon Liebman
December 4, 2025

Ever hear a bass line that just feels instantly warmer, sweeter, and more soulful — even though there may not be anything particularly flashy going on?

A lot of that comes from a simple idea you can use right away: adding the major 6th.

In this week’s Essence of Groove video, I’ll show you how one single note can open up your sound, give your grooves a whole new personality, and make even the simplest patterns feel richer and more musical. 

We’ll look at how the major 6th functions inside some pretty prominent bass lines you’ve likely heard, why it works so well, and how you can start using it in your own playing — even if you’re just getting started.

By the end, you’ll have a brand-new addition to your “groove vocabulary,” and you’ll hear your bass lines in a completely different way.

Check out the video and let me know your takeaways.

Let’s play bass! —Jon