Chord Progressions
Ascending Bass Lines
When the bass climbs, the song lifts · I – ii – iii – IV · I – I/2 – I/3 – IV
Diatonic, chromatic, and slash-chord ascending basses — the engines behind prechoruses and Dylan-style builds.
Editorial content for this topic is in progress. The interactive player and pattern data are live below.
Hear the pattern
Interactive player — try the progression in any of the 18 keys, switch modes, and adjust tempo to find the feel you want.
Toggle voice leading in the player to hear it smooth out, or learn voice leading →
FormulaI – ii – iii – IV · I – I/2 – I/3 – IV
FunctionSee "About" below for harmonic role.
Soundits rising, hopeful lift
Common in"Like a Rolling Stone" — Bob Dylan · "Ain't Misbehavin'" — Fats Waller · "Friday I'm in Love" — The Cure
Famous"Like a Rolling Stone" — Bob Dylan · "Ain't Misbehavin'" — Fats Waller · "Friday I'm in Love" — The Cure
The sky blue palette on this page is inspired by music-color synesthesia — ascending bass lines maps to sky blue, reflecting its rising, hopeful lift.
About Ascending Bass Lines
Diatonic, chromatic, and slash-chord ascending basses — the engines behind prechoruses and Dylan-style builds.
Variations
Variation
Another way the pattern shows up in real music.
Variation
Another way the pattern shows up in real music.
Famous songs & pieces
- "Like a Rolling Stone" — Bob Dylan
- "Ain't Misbehavin'" — Fats Waller
- "Friday I'm in Love" — The Cure
Frequently asked questions
What is a ascending bass lines progression?
Diatonic, chromatic, and slash-chord ascending basses — the engines behind prechoruses and Dylan-style builds.
How do I use this on the piano?
Start with the player above in C. Once the pattern is in your ear, transpose to the keys you actually play in. The Roman numerals stay the same; only the chord names change.