1 6 2 5 Turnaround

[Robbo]

On 14/11/2025 at 12:50, chris_b said:

 

You can try playing 1 6 2 5 on your own, see how it sounds. Maybe 2 5 1 would sound better if the guitarist isn't joining in. Most keys players should know what you are doing, but even something that simple can flummox a lot of guitarists. . . . and a lot wouldn't even notice you weren't playing the usual 5 4 1 turnaround.

Thanks tried the 2 5 1 while just practicing on my own but still trying to work out a decent 1 6 2 5 just doesn’t work for me at the moment, my lack of skills I think.

[Robbo]

On 14/11/2025 at 15:09, itu said:

If you know the notes of chords, you can walk. First you should learn two beat (two half notes per bar, I and V), and then four beat (quarters, play I I V III). 

 

Say you see a C7, you play C E G Bb (I III V VII upwards) or C Bb G E (I VII V III downwards). The next chord gives you the first note, and the position in the fretboard suggests the direction, up or down. Then you can modify the walk by octaves, triplets and other melodic, and rhythmic ideas. Do not forget two, and four beat here. 

 

Start with a slow version of Autumn leaves. Listen to it a couple of times. Find the chords and start playing. Make it slow, starting from two beat, and you'll amaze yourself. 

Thanks for the advice and information 

[Robbo]

On 14/11/2025 at 20:04, Bagman said:

try iii / vi7 / ii / V7 / next week 

Thanks 

[Robbo]

On 14/11/2025 at 21:12, Dan Dare said:

And then 3, flat 3, 2, flat 2. Always fun to run a few substitutions. 

Lost lol

[Robbo]

On 14/11/2025 at 21:15, Misdee said:

Could I just say how refreshing it is for someone to ask a question about actually playing the bass.

Thanks that’s all I’m interested in gaining some knowledge 

[Robbo]

On 14/11/2025 at 23:25, peteb said:

 

I think it depends on exactly what you mean. I've just tried to play through what your suggesting and I'm not entirely convinced. I'm sure that if you are playing as a three piece with the guitarist playing a solo, then you could probably make it work. If you have a keys player or another guitar player, then you would most likely need to tip them the wink on what you are intending to do, to ensure that they can follow. 

 

I was asking because of my lack of experience just recently returning to the instrument well last couple of years but thank you, will see if a friend will jam a basic 12 bar and try it but struggling with sounding convincing on my own 

[Geek99]

15 minutes ago, Robbo said:

I was asking because of my lack of experience just recently returning to the instrument well last couple of years but thank you, will see if a friend will jam a basic 12 bar and try it but struggling with sounding convincing on my own 

I get that - why not get GarageBand or online version to make you a bass-less track for exactly the chords that you want to use? 

[chris_b]

17 minutes ago, Robbo said:

Lost lol

 

He means playing a semitone rundown. If you are in C play    I E /// I Eb /// I D /// I Db /// II

[peteb]

20 minutes ago, Robbo said:

I was asking because of my lack of experience just recently returning to the instrument well last couple of years but thank you, will see if a friend will jam a basic 12 bar and try it but struggling with sounding convincing on my own 

 

This is probably the most famous 1 6 2 5 in a blues tune that I can think of, except that it isn't in the turnaround. It is actually in bars 5-8, followed by a 1 4 1 5 turnaround, i.e. bars 9-12. The trouble that you will have trying to use 1 6 2 5 as a turnaround, is that it doesn't really resolve naturally enough for a blues progression. Someone like @chris_b might be able to explain it better. 

 

Anyway, see what you think... 

 

 

 

Edited 1 hour ago by peteb

[tinyd]

The I-vi-ii-V turnaround is common in the last two bars of a jazz blues but like @peteb says, I don't think it's as common in more standard blues.