Playing Bass Chords!! bass tabs
Bass Chords
This is a really cool way to ad a little extra harmonization to
a band. With this technique, we will be using three different
notes at the same time to make one unified sound.
There is one shape that is always going to be used, it is: root,
octave,10th. This means that we take any scale, look the first
note, and that is the root (root of the scale).Next we find the
octave of the root, which is always two frets higher and two strings
up from the root. Last we find the 10th (when I say 10th I mean the
10th note in the scale), so all we do is play the scale until we
get to the 10th note, that is your 10th.
So if you want to play a G chord then all you do is find G, the octave
of G, and the 10th note in the G scale. So It would end up looking
like this:
G|——4—| <10th
D|——5—| <octave
A|————|
E|——3—| <root
If you pluck all those notes at the same time you will get a really
nice harmonizing sound.
(Note: You can only make chards when the root is on the Low E string!)
Here are some Other bass Chords:
F G A B C# Eb
G|——2—| G|——4—| G|——6—| G|——8—| G|——10—| G|——12—|
D|——3—| D|——5—| D|——7—| D|——9—| D|——11—| D|——13—|
A|————| A|————| A|————| A|————| A|—————| A|—————|
E|——1—| E|——3—| E|——5—| E|——7—| E|——9——| E|——11—|
F# G# Bb C D E
G|——3—| G|——5—| G|——7—| G|——9——| G|——11—| G|——13—|
D|——4—| D|——6—| D|——8—| D|——10—| D|——12—| D|——14—|
A|————| A|————| A|————| A|—————| A|—————| A|—————|
E|——2—| E|——4—| E|——6—| E|——8——| E|——10—| E|——12—|
Enjoy!!
Welcome to Our Guide on Playing Bass Chords!
Introduction
If you’re a beginner bass guitar player, learning how to play bass chords is essential for expanding your musical repertoire. Bass chords can be used in a variety of genres, including rock, blues, funk, and jazz, and can add a new dimension to your playing. However, mastering this technique can be challenging, especially for those who are new to playing bass. In this guide, we’ll provide you with tips and tricks for playing bass chords and mastering this essential skill.
Getting Started with Bass Chords
Before we dive into the specifics of playing bass chords, it’s important to understand what they are. Unlike guitar chords, which typically involve three or four notes, bass chords typically involve only two notes – the root note and the fifth. This gives bass chords a more straightforward, solid sound that supports the rest of the band.
To get started playing bass chords, you’ll need to know some basic music theory. Specifically, you’ll need to know how to read bass tabs and understand the concept of chord inversions. Bass tabs are a form of musical notation that indicates which fret to play on which string. Understanding chord inversions will allow you to play the same chord in different positions on the fretboard, which is essential for playing bass chords with ease.
Once you have a basic understanding of these concepts, you can start practicing your bass chords. We recommend starting with simple, two-note chords like the root and fifth or the root and octave. These chords are easier to play and will allow you to build up your dexterity and muscle memory before moving on to more complex chords.
Tips and Tricks for Playing Bass Chords
Now that you have a basic understanding of bass chords and have practiced some simple chords, let’s dive into some tips and tricks for mastering this technique.
Tip #1: Practice Scales
Practicing your scales is a great way to build up your finger strength and dexterity, which are essential for playing bass chords. When practicing scales, focus on playing each note clearly and cleanly, using proper finger positioning and hand placement. As you become more comfortable playing scales, try playing them using different chord inversions to build up your muscle memory.
Tip #2: Use your Thumb
Unlike guitar players, who typically use their fingers to play chords, bass players often use their thumb to play the root note of the chord. This can be more comfortable and efficient, especially for players with larger hands. When playing bass chords, try using your thumb to press down on the root note while using your other fingers to play the fifth or octave. This will allow you to play chords more quickly and with less strain on your fingers.
Tip #3: Practice with a Drum Machine
Playing bass chords in isolation can be helpful, but it’s important to practice playing them in the context of a song. Practicing with a drum machine or metronome can help you develop your timing and feel for playing bass chords within the rhythm section of a song. Start with simple chord progressions and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable playing.
Tip #4: Experiment with Different Chord Inversions
As we mentioned earlier, understanding chord inversions is essential for playing bass chords. Once you have a basic understanding of chord inversions, don’t be afraid to experiment with different positions on the fretboard. Try playing the same chord in multiple positions and see how it changes the sound and feel of the chord. This will help you develop your ear for the nuances of different chord inversions and allow you to play more interesting and dynamic bass lines.
Conclusion
Playing bass chords is a key skill for any bass guitar player, and with the right practice and approach, it’s a skill that can be mastered. Start with simple two-note chords and build up your dexterity and muscle memory. Practice your scales, experiment with different chord inversions, and use your thumb to play the root note of the chord. And most importantly, practice with a sense of groove and rhythm, using a drum machine or metronome to develop your timing and feel. With these tips and tricks, you’ll soon be playing bass chords with ease and adding a new dimension to your playing.