Chords, the combination of notes that create harmony, are typically performed on instruments like guitar and piano; bass players typically shy away from playing chords as their sound may become disorganized and chaotic.
Instead of playing an entire chord, bassists typically just outline its root note and major third interval above it. Any additional non-chord tones would likely sound discordant and confusing and so these notes are left out altogether.
Major Triads
Chords are groups of notes that combine to produce a specific sound, with major triads being the most basic chord type – composed of three notes that make up its structure: root note (the bottom note of the chord), third, and fifth note. Major triads should be learned early as possible for maximum benefits.
Triads can be formed using any of the 12 notes found in music. A major triad started on a C-string’s third fret will consist of C, E, and G as its root note, third note and fifth note respectively – as demonstrated in this video.
Sometimes bassists play single bass notes while their guitar strumming chords strums a chord; these chords are known as “slash” chords. This technique allows bassists to avoid the muddy sound produced when multiple tones are played simultaneously on lower register bass guitar and also makes chord progressions and melodic improvising easier for them.
Minor Triads
Chord qualities, or classifications, such as major, minor, diminished and augmented can be divided into four main categories – major, minor, diminished and augmented – each creating its own individual identity due to intervals between chord tones. Bass players play an essential part in creating these chords through playing their roots.
To play a minor chord on bass guitar, simply start with its root note – for instance E minor is composed of three notes, starting from its open low E (E), followed by its third fret on A string (G), and finally its ninth fret on D string (B). Your left hand may need to mute strings that do not belong in this chord – or alternative voicing techniques may allow your fingers to traverse an extensive number of frets more efficiently.
Triads are interval groups consisting of a root, fifth and octave. Triads can also be arranged in different orders; for instance, C minor chords consist of an open C, muted A and raised E chord.
Major 7ths
The major 7th chord has an attractive sound that is often employed in jazz and rock music. Although less commonly found on bass instruments due to their unique tunings, its use can still have great impactful results.
To play this chord, fret your root note (C) on the E string with your thumb, then move up one fret with your pointer finger until reaching the fifth fret of that string (G). Next move up two frets with middle finger until reaching nine and finally move a full tone higher with your ring finger until reaching tenth fret of that string (C).
This chord has the formula 1-3-5-b7-#9. Intervals on bass guitar can help chords sound fuller and less muddy, due to its deeper sound than higher-pitched guitar. By using intervals, intervals create a more spacious sound and give the listener time to appreciate all parts of each chord before moving onto the next.
Minor 7ths
Chords are groups of three or more notes arranged according to an interval sequence (usually thirds), usually thirds. Bass players use chords to outline song chord progressions and provide a base for guitarists to solo over.
Basic chords (triads) consist of the root (first note), fifth and octave notes arranged as an octave chord. Triads are easy to play and quickly recognized; adding an additional seventh chord adds another level of complexity.
At times a chord will be written with a slash between its symbol and bass note; this indicates that when bassists play it they should instead use another note underneath as opposed to playing the chord directly. This technique allows bass players to create unique bass lines which add some spice and dimension to your song – it is especially common in rock, funk and soul music and allows the guitarist to shine more freely!