Finding the bass (base) in music, Βρίσκοντας την βαςη (μπαςο) στη μουσικη

The word bass comes possibly from the Hellenic word βάση meaning foundation. [Bach, Niedt].


Finding the bass in a song or other musical composition is easy.


It is like playing a chance game. There are only 7 possibilities.


If it is not C (Do) it will be B (Si), if not A (La) etc.


Then the mystery of music is unlocked.


How?
If we know the bass which is at any time a single deep note then harmony follows by choosing the notes 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 steps above bass.


For example Hey You - Pink Floyd written in E minor starts with bass E and this first bass is given by tye composers the code E9. So the right hand plays F (remember F is sharp), G which is the 3rd with respect to the bass, B which is the perfect 5th with respect to bass or whatever else sounds right. (F is 9 notes above bass E). [Bach, Niedt]


Of course there are flats or sharps, for example B flat, but it is still a B and whether it is flat, natural or sharp depends on the key the song is played. For example the key of E minor or scale of E minor has all natural notes except F (Φα) which is sharp.


Reference:


Bach Bass Rules - Bach, Niedt - PDF


Harmony - Piston