So I know in one of @JoshFossgreen 's posts he’s asking about music theory and ways to approach it for beginners. I’m a big ChatGPT AI nerd so I thought I’d give a new prompt idea a try for learning, I Hate Myself for Loving You:
“let’s try something new. If you were going to teach me to play I hate myself for loving you by Joan Jett, on the bass guitar how could you teach it to me without tab? Like if we approached it from a key/chord change perspective? I’m trying to learn the song but I’m also trying to learn music theory and improvisation”
I figure this approach, familiarity with the song and playing with the recommendations will do me a lot better than tab. If I understand how the basslines are built and can play simple versions on my own I can then go back later and study the tab. The advantage being if I “get” the song then if I fall apart during a complicated part I should be able to fall back to my understanding of the song. (at least in theory)
ChatGPT said:
Great! Let’s break it down by focusing on the key, chord changes, and how you can navigate the bass line with some improvisation. “I Hate Myself for Loving You” is in the key of E major, but it’s got a real rock feel with some bluesy elements that make it fun to explore on bass.
Step 1: Understand the Chord Progression
The song primarily revolves around the chords E, A, and B. Here’s how the structure usually goes:
- Verse: E - A - B
- Chorus: A - E - B
- Bridge: (varies, but typically includes E and B)
The structure is pretty straightforward, so once you get comfortable with these three chords, you’re well on your way.
Step 2: Root Notes & Scale Tones
For each chord, you’ll primarily play its root note on the bass:
- E chord: Root note is E (7th fret on the A string or open E string).
- A chord: Root note is A (5th fret on the E string).
- B chord: Root note is B (7th fret on the E string).
Now, instead of sticking only to the root notes, let’s add some movement by using the E major scale:
- E - F# - G# - A - B - C# - D# - E
Step 3: Groove and Walk-up/Walk-down Notes
For the verse, stick to the roots but add in the 5th and octave for a fuller sound:
- For E: You can go E, B (7th fret on E string), E (9th fret on G string).
- For A: Play A, E (7th fret on the A string), A (7th fret on the D string).
- For B: B, F# (9th fret on the A string), B (9th fret on the D string).
When you hit the chorus, you can add a little flavor by sliding into these notes or adding a walk-up between chords, like so:
- From A to E: A - B - C# - E (5th to 9th frets on the E string).
- From E to B: E - F# - G# - B (7th fret A string to 7th fret E string).
Step 4: Improvisation Tips
Experiment with adding passing tones within the E major scale to transition between the chords. For example:
- When moving from E to A, you could play: E - F# - G# - A.
- When moving from A to B, you could try: A - C# - D# - B.
These little fills can be played between chord changes and add a bluesy rock feel to your playing, making the line your own.
Step 5: Listen & Feel the Groove
Listen closely to the song’s groove. Try to feel where you can add emphasis by playing notes harder or softer, and make sure to lock in with the drums, especially the kick drum. This will give you the foundation to add your own style as you improvise.
By focusing on the chord tones and scale notes, you’re building a mental map that helps with improvisation. And as you get more comfortable, feel free to experiment with syncopation or even palm muting to add different textures!
I’m curious to hear what folks think. Obviously we want to test the machine’s suggestions but the nice thing with this approach is for other songs in E with similar chords you should be able to take this and and only have to tweak a bit right?
Forgive my over simplifications just a beginner with really bad spelling here. 
