How do people learn, so they "own", the use of altered bass notes
in chords in a given key. Right now I'm focusing on this with
Pop / rock.

Say in the Key of A. When there is E/G# - which do you think:
E with the 3rd(of E) in the bass
E with the VII(of A) in the bass?

How about D/F#
D with the 3rd(of D)
D with the 6th(of A)

I'm trying to hear how progressions are fitting together, and to aid
in remembering tunes for a repertoire.

Do you think of the bass line in terms of the particular chord, or the key.
or both?


Finally, I have found a cool signature with sufficiently dry humor.