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An effective exercise Rick suggests is simultaneously playing bass lines and melodies—a form of counterpoint—allowing players to connect the harmonic foundation with melodic improvisation. This method fosters awareness of how proper voice-leading and chord tone targeting enhance musical coherence.
Avoiding Routines: Playing Contrapuntally
Rick cautions against playing root on downbeats all the time, which can lead to uninteresting, root-dominant lines. Instead, he encourages players to alternate between roots, thirds, sevenths, and other chord tones, sometimes playing melodies against the bass, sometimes harmonizing with it. This approach produces a more sophisticated, contrapuntal sound.