It would all depend on the type of music and service but you have to remember that you are a foundational part of the musical whole and you don't want to let everyone else down. I would try to find appropriate passing tones or in some music double the bass vocal part if the music is arranged that way.

I agree with Brad on this one. What is the basic
musical genre that is being played? Blues,jazz,
folk, bluegrass, rock? Find passing tones, etc.
If you want an immediate answer, start with
throwing in a fifth somewhere. You would be
suprised at how much on little change like that
can make to the overall feel and sound of the
music.

The basic style is contemporary rock. All i get is the lyrics with the chords over top of the words. Ive just been pounding roots for so long now, I wanna add a little bit to the rythym section. Whenever I try to throw in a third or fifth on a major chord, it just sounds off.

For me Bass is melodic and rhythmic. Try giving the root on 1 & 3 & play with what happens on 2 & 4. Keep with the kick drum & chord's structure, & dance with it.

The 3rd shouldn't sound off unless you hit a minor when it's a major or vice versa. The 5th sure shouldn't sound off.

Just stay away from a diminished fifth, they don't like that.

Dave

hahaha The devil's chord. Can you say NIB? The pastor would't like me since I'd be trying to work that in to all the songs. lol

That's hilarious. I always thought that the diminished chord sounded dark but kept that to myself. It's amusing to see that its considered by some as the "devil's chord" if what you say is true.

A flattened 5th being the Devil's Note is an old rumour. VERY old.

It's not just a rumor. If you play it in church the place will burst into flames and Satan himself will appear. Go ahead... try it!

; )

Dave

Nobody plays a sus 4th in popular music. Wait we had this discussion a long time ago. Gotta say I've played the devils chord at Church before.... maybe that's why I'm not playing there anymore. hmmm I thought it was because I had gray hair LOL

LOL! That explains it! It's a wonder Ozzy didn't show up mumbling something unintelligible making devil horns with his hand....LOL!

: )

Dave

It's true alright. While I doubt anyone was burned at the stake for playing it, it was definately frowned upon. Read the history here.

"The name diabolus in musica ("the Devil in music") has been applied to the interval from at least the early 18th century."

That's interesting. Standing alone the diminished 4th is pretty dark. But it could sound like not a dark thing depending on what other chords you are using.

But I guess Pete tried doing that at church lol

You're right that the context will influence how 'dark' the tritone will sound. Look up Black Sabbath on wiki. I'm pretty sure there's a section describing their 'discovery' of the tritone and how they made heavy use of it to define their sound.