Chords & Notes on the Bass

Posted in Bass by Sean @ Jun 26, 2008

One aspect of playing bass guitar that several people tend to overlook when learning how to play the instrument is the use of chords. This includes block chords, broken chords, arpeggios, Alberti bass, and any other applicable means of playing chords, even tone clusters (”cluster chords”).

Before one can effectively learn the chords they should learn all of the notes on the instrument. It would also be very helpful to learn several types of scales (in all 12 keys). It is generally through the process of learning scales that one actually memorizes the notes on the instrument (and on paper). However, without at least memorizing the notes, the process of learning chords could turn into a tedious and frustrating ordeal.

After learning the notes and basic scales, a more common approach to learning chords on the bass is to start out with the four basic triads and to build up from there. Once the structures of the four basic chord types have been memorized and can be applied to all 12 keys, one can then learn their inversions and apply those in all keys. After understanding the inversions, other forms of chords (and their inversions) can be introduced.

It is important to note that there is a variety of optimal voicings, or arrangement of chord tones, for every instrument. There are also several conditions in the context of the music, such as style or genre, instrumentation, elements of voice leading, or other factors, that often determine which voicings might be more appropriate.

The better understanding one has on the fundamental criteria that has been established in music theory as it pertains to the underlying principles of chord structure and application, the better foundations they will have at their disposal for use with music in general. Learning notes, scales, and chords is a great place to start. It’s not exactly music form and analysis, though it’s a giant leap in the right direction for anyones music training, which not only makes music easier to understand but easier to play and a more enjoyable experience.

The first step would be the notes:

• Learn all 12 notes on the first 12 frets on every string.
• Know the notes in all positions and combined/extended positions.
• Associate each note with their location on the bass clef staff.

The second step could be the basic scales, by note name on the instrument and on manuscript/staff paper:

• Major scales in all keys.
• Natural/pure minor scales in all keys.
• Harmonic minor scales in all keys.
• Melodic minor scales in all keys.

It actually is not absolutely necessary to learn the basic modes just yet (Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian). Though the modes should at least be introduced prior to covering the more complex chords. The basic modes and modified forms of the modes are directly related to the more complex chords, just as the basic scales are related to the basic chords. In many cases, scales and chords are used synonymously. The main difference, in a traditional sense, is that scales consist of “horizontal” notes and chords consist of “vertical” notes. Otherwise, the notes are the same.* (See note at the end of this entry explaining this point.)

Next, we finally have the first step of chord structure, starting with the basic triads:

• Major
• Minor
• Augmented
• Diminished

The next step would be the basic 7th chords, such as:

• major 7th
• “dominant” 7th (or major/minor 7th)
• minor 7th
• minor/major 7th
• augmented/major 7th (or occasionally (and incorrectly) “major augmented 7th”)
• augmented 7th
• half-diminished 7th (or “minor/diminished 7th” or “minor 7th flat 5″)
• fully-diminished 7th (or “diminished/diminished 7th”)

The next step would be the suspended chords, including:

• Sus 2 (or suspended second)
• Sus 4 (or suspended fourth)

The “sus” chords could be covered before the 7th chords. They aren’t really contributing chord types in the “stacking” order of chords. All that they do is replace the 3rd with either the 2nd or 4th (the 3rd is completely removed from the chord). By “3rd”, or “2nd” and “4th”, I refer to the scale degrees of the scale that is associated with the chord.

The next step would be extended chords, such as:

• 9th
• 11th
• 13th
• 6th
• 6-9
• add 9
• add 11

The step after that would be chords with chromatic alterations, such as:

• 7 aug 5 (read as “7th augmented 5th” (or, informally, just “7 aug 5″))
• 7 flat 9
• 7 sharp 9
• 7 aug 11
• 7 flat 13

The next step would include unique arrangements of notes as chords, such as:

• bichords and bichordal harmonies
• polychords and polychordal harmonies
• secundal harmonies and chords
• quartal harmonies and chords
• quintal harmonies and chords

It might be a good idea to learn the power chord too (all two pitches).

Now, it’s easy to look at all of that and think, “that’s a lot”. However, you can get away with learning a select few in the beginning and save the rest for later on down the road. The following list is an extremely condensed version of the chord types mentioned above, with specific chord types selected based on practical uses in everyday music. Just be sure you still learn the rest at some point.

• Power chords
• Major and minor triads (and diminished would be a good idea)
• Major 7th, dominant 7th, minor 7th (both diminished 7th forms would help)

All of the remaining chords fall right into place after learning those. You could see a lot of the other chord types in everyday music, depending on the style or genre of music you prefer listening to, though the extremely condensed list (above) is a good place to start if you do not wish to go through the entire, more lengthy, list from the beginning.

I came across the following diagrams from an online search.

Note names within the first octave of each string:

Sample page of bass chord diagrams:

(Note that there are two mistakes in the above chart. The column labeled “7th sus.” should actually be “7th sus. 4″. Also, the first chord in that same column is labeled “A-C-E-G” and should be “A-D-E-G”. Otherwise, the diagrams should come in handy, at least for a few samples of chord possibilities.)

A blank page of bass diagrams, which can be used for scales or chords:

(Click on image to view full size.)

* The following is regarding the point mentioned earlier on scales and chords sharing the same notes.

If you spell a standard chord out to the full extent, you end up with these scale degrees:

1 3 5 7 9 11 13

(The 9, 11, and 13 are the same as 2, 4, and 6, only can be perceived as an octave higher.)

Replace the 9, 11, and 13 with 2, 4, and 6, and you end up with these scale degrees:

1 3 5 7 2 4 6

That is, the chord consists of the following scale degrees:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

If you spell a standard scale out, you end up with these scale degrees:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Bass Guitar Tuning

Do you know how to tune the bass guitar? Well, bass guitar tuning isn’t that hard as many people say it is. You just have to know which methods suit you. Don’t forget to see some other lessons in slide guitars.

Bass Guitar Tuning – Is Learning How to Tune a Bass Guitar So Hard?

If you already play the guitar and know how to tune it, why do you need a special tutorial for learning how to tune a bass guitar? The answer is in the sound of the bass guitar. It is so low it is very difficult for some people to judge whether or not their guitar is in tune. So let us take a look at the bass guitar and some methods of tuning it.

Bass guitarists have proved themselves to be such innovators that there is now an astonishing range of bass guitars with different numbers of strings and a range of tuning options to widen the range of notes produced. For the purposes of this tutorial we will stick with the original four string bass guitar. It is tuned to one octave lower than the standard guitar.

Most guitar players seem to agree that the best way to begin tuning a guitar is to start with the guitar strings tuned lower than you want them to be and then tune them UP to the correct pitch. Actually it is a good idea to start with the strings a lot lower than they need to be so you do not over-tighten them and run the risk of a broken string.

Let us look at the basic tuning method first. Tuning the bass guitar to a piano or keyboard. Find Middle C and go down two octaves. Got that C note? Okay, find the E below that. This is your note to tune the fourth string of your bass guitar. Play the open fourth string and the E on your piano at the same time. If you hear a sound vaguely like the noise a helicopter makes, your guitar is out of tune. Turn the tuning peg on your bass guitar as you play the guitar and the keyboard together, and listen to the "helicopter" sound. It will slow down as your guitar becomes in tune with the keyboard, and will eventually vanish. Repeat this process for your A, D and G strings.

Another tuning method you need to learn is to get the E string as close to tuned as you can and tune the other strings accordingly. Play the note at the fifth fret of the E string together with the open A string. Once these two notes are the same, play the fifth fret of the A string at the same time as the open D string. When the D string sounds the same as the fifth fret of the A string, move onto playing the fifth fret of the D string and tune the open G string to that. Now your bass guitar is in tune.

You can also tune the bass guitar to itself using harmonics. Touch your finger lightly on the fifth fret of the E string without pressing down. You will hear a chiming note. Now play this harmonic again but at the same time playing the harmonic at the seventh fret of the A string. Tune the A string till it matches the harmonic on the E string. Now play the fifth fret harmonic on the A string and match the seventh fret harmonic on the D string to that. Next, match the seventh fret harmonic on the G string with the fifth fret harmonic on the D string.

Lastly, and most easily is the electronic tuning method. Electronic tuners have a visual guide to tell you when your guitar is sounding the right note. For the sake of your maturity as a guitar player you should first practice at tuning the bass guitar using one or all of the other methods, then check it with an electronic tuner. You can buy an electronic tuner at a music store or online. You can even do a search for online bass guitar tuners.

Author: Ricky Sharples

Do you want to learn to play the guitar? http://playaguitarforfree.com/ is my blog which shows you that there are many people like you who wish to learn how to play bass, acoustic or electric guitar. It is the ultimate resource if you are looking for the best way to learn how to play the guitar.

There are some common elements of guitar playing that I cover such as learning to play solo guitar, how to learn guitar chords, how to learn to read and play easy acoustic guitar tabs, finding a free online guitar tuner, looking for free guitar lessons online, how to learn guitar scales, how to play guitar fast.

As a learner guitarist you will find guitar lessons, videos, articles and reviews to answer your questions, calm your fears and help you play the guitar the way you want to play it. I have the resources you need to learn how to play the guitar for free.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ricky_Sharples

Visit here for some standard tuning for the guitar.

How to Play a G Chord on a Bass Guitar

By Kochava R. Greene, eHow Contributor

updated: August 21, 2009

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Play a G Chord on a Bass Guitar

How to Play a G Chord on a Bass Guitar

A G major chord, consisting of the notes G, B and D, can be played in many ways on the bass guitar. In root position, the G is the lowest note. In first inversion, the middle note---the B---is the lowest note, and in second inversion, the top note of the triad---the D---is the lowest note. This article will teach you to play all three positions of the G major chord in the bass guitar's lowest range.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 1

   Tune your guitar to E-A-D-G, starting with the bottom, thickest string.

2. 2

   Put your second finger between the third and fourth frets on the E string. This is a G. Put your first finger between the second and third frets on the A string. This is a B. Play these notes with the open, unfingered D string. This is a G major chord in root position.

3. 3

   Put your fourth finger between the seventh and eighth frets on the E string. This is a B. Put your second finger on the D string between the fifth and sixth frets. This is a D. Now lay your first finger flat across the D string as well, so that it presses the string down between the fifth and sixth frets. This is a G. Play these three strings together, and you'll hear a G major chord in first inversion.

4. 4

   Put your first finger on the A string between the fifth and sixth frets, and lay that finger across the D string in the same place. These are your B and D notes. Play these together with the open, unfingered G string for a G major chord in second inversion.

Read more: How to Play a G Chord on a Bass Guitar | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4856270_play-chord-bass-guitar.html#ixzz0yrGkLtne

How to Play a Bass Note for a C Chord on a Guitar

By Toby Tate, eHow Contributor

updated: June 25, 2010

I want to do this! What's This?

The root note and bass note of a chord played on the guitar are often the same thing.

electric guitar image by Blue Moon from Fotolia.com

In music, chords are defined as three or more harmonically related notes played at the same time. There are literally hundreds of chords that can be played on the guitar. Many chords are determined by the first, or root note, that is played when the guitar is strummed. For instance, if the first note you play is on the open E string, that chord is an E chord, or a variation of that chord, such as an E minor. The bass note is often the root note of the chord, but not always. However, it is always the lowest note played or notated within the chord.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guitar
• Guitar pick
• Guitar strings
• Guitar tuner

1. 1

   Tune the guitar using a guitar tuner. The regular tuning on a guitar, starting from the lowest note or sixth string, is E, A, D, G, B, E.

2. 2

   Locate the fifth string, or "A" string--it's the second string from the top.

3. 3

   Place your third (ring) finger on the third fret of the "A" string, which is the note "C.

4. 4

   Place your second (middle) finger on the second fret of the "D" (third) string.

5. 5

   Place your first finger on the first fret of the "B" (second) string. You have now created the proper fingering for a C chord.

6. 6

   Strum the strings from the top down to play the C chord and its bass note. Begin at the "A" string, which, from Step 3, you are pressing down on the third fret with your third finger to create a "C" note. This "C" note is the bass note (and in this case, the root note) for your C chord.

Read more: How to Play a Bass Note for a C Chord on a Guitar | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_6651337_play-bass-chord-guitar.html#ixzz0yrGYOm4s

How to Practice Bass Guitar

By an eHow Contributor

I want to do this! What's This?

If you want to learn how to play bass guitar, you need to spend a lot of time practicing. However, you can employ techniques that make the learning process go much smoother. One such technique is to know how to complete the alternate fingering exercise when practicing bass. You play a repetitive riff during this exercise.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 1

   Sit down with the bass guitar. Set up your hands in your normal playing position with the left hand at top and the right hand at the strummer.

2. 2

   Put your index finger on the first fret. Your middle finger is then placed on the second fret.

3. 3

   Situate your ring and pinky fingers. After your first fingers are properly placed, put your ring finger on the third fret and the pinky finger on the fourth fret.

4. 4

   Take your right hand and play with the middle and index fingers. Once all your fingers are placed in the proper positions, you can strum out the notes in the sequence.

Read more: How to Practice Bass Guitar | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2211901_practice-bass-guitar.html#ixzz0yrGEFHZE

Bass Guitar Theory

By Brian Cee Williams, eHow Contributor

I want to do this! What's This?

A bassist's job is never done. Bass players have to consciously think about notes (the melody) and keeping in sync with the drummer's actions (the rhythm) to keep the music moving. If you're a rookie picking up the instrument for the first time or already know how to bang out a few songs but would like to know more about the mechanics of making music on the bass guitar, then the bass-ics is where to begin.

Strings n' Things

1. Assuming you already have a four-string bass (more about five-stringers in a moment) that's tuned to standard and you know your alphabet, you're halfway there. The four strings on a bass are tuned E, A, D and G (that's going from the thick top string down to the thinnest). If you have a fiver, the top string will be a B; if you have a six-string bass, you're faced with a heavy B and ultra thin C. When you pluck the strings with your right hand (opposite for lefties), each string will vibrate at the aforementioned pitches. Not fretting a note, or rather not using your other hand to press down on the strings, leaves the note "open."

Alphabetically Speaking

2. The musical alphabet is much shorter than one you learned about in grade school, as it runs only from A to G before repeating itself ad nauseam. It reads: A BC D EF G A. These notes are called "naturals." You'll notice some letters have spaces between, and some don't. The spaces are called "accidentals," also called sharps and flats. Any letter (note) that doesn't have a space between it doesn't have sharps or flats. A natural note is immediately followed by its sharp, which is also going to the next natural's flat. For example, A is followed by A sharp/B flat, then B, then C, C sharp/D flat, E, F, F sharp/G flat, G, G sharp/A flat, and A. Going through this once constitutes one octave.
   
   Literally speaking, frets are the metal slats on the bass's fingerboard. Musically speaking, frets are the spaces between the slat, and pressing down on the space between the slats produces a note. One fret space is referred to as a "half-step," thus two frets equal one whole step. Most basses have fret markers, dots or squares that are placed on the fifth, seventh, ninth and 12th frets, creating one entire octave. The remaining frets are the same notes, only in a higher octave. Most basses have 20 to 22 frets, but some have 24, making two complete octaves. Playing on one string, one fret at a time, is the "chromatic" scale.

Understanding Scales

3. The two most important scales to know in music, thus in bass playing, are the major and minor scales. You may have heard the familiar "do-re-me-fa-so-la-ti-do," the vocalization of the major scale. To play the A major, play the following in succession: E string/fifth fret (A), E string/seventh fret (B), A string/fourth fret (C sharp), A string/fifth fret (D), A string/seventh fret (E), D string/fourth fret (F sharp), D string/sixth fret (G sharp), and D string/seventh fret (A octave). The more proficient you get at playing this scale, the more music you'll understand.
   
   An A minor scale is more ominous sounding and is a favorite of metal and hard rock bands: E string/fifth fret (A), E string/seventh fret (B), E string/eighth fret (C), A string/fifth fret (D), A string/seventh fret (E), A string/eighth fret (F), D string/fifth fret (G), and finally the A octave on the D string/seventh fret.

A Numbers Game

4. Each of the scales are composed of eight notes. If you throw in the "missing" notes you skipped over when playing them, you would end up with a total of 12 notes, or (you guessed it) one octave. These notes, missing ones and all, have assigned Roman numerals. The first one you play, the "root," is I. Chromatically, the next note is II, then III and IV on the eighth fret and so on. When bass players speak of constructing basslines, sometimes they'll say a I-IV-V, a common chord progression in rock and pop. All basslines are written according to these rules. After you learn about what key a song is in, with a little study, you'll know which notes can fill in those spaces and begin playing along or writing your own lines.

Read more: Best Way - Bass Guitar Theory | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5142905_bass-guitar-theory.html#ixzz0yrFn80Qv

How to keep Drum Set

It is full of fun to play a drum but at the same time one must take care of the drum set. There are few steps to maintain a drum set and one can easily follow them. The following steps are listed below:

1. One must not forget to detune your drums slightly before packing up, especially in more humid conditions. This preserves the life of the heads and allows them maintain their elasticity.

2. Don’t miss Drum Bum’s drum tab database.

3. When you change your drumheads, write the date in small numbers off to the side of each head. This will help you know how long it’s been since the last time it’s been changed. Remember that there is no specific period of time to gauge when you should

replace your heads. It should depend on how they sound (feel), how hard you hit and how often you play.

4. Simply tape 4 or 5 pennies to the back of a 5″ strip of duct tape (about 1″ wide) and tape it to the bell of your ride. This will allow your cymbal to sizzle as if it had rivets in it.

5. One must remember the local library as a rich resource of information about drums, drum set, miscellaneous drum things and overall percussion. So one must keep in contact with them to maintain a drum set.

6. It is also very necessary to clean the drum set from time to time. It is cleaned by sandpaper. Sometimes comet used for this use. If that scares you, then try dish soap and water with a heavy nylon scrub brush. A cheap old hair brush with thick wiry bristles great works.
The best kind of maintenance is always clean dishes in front of them, stay away. If you still have plastic bags that her dish, dishes and put in the bag before putting it to you. This helps the dirt off the plate, while stored and prevent the plates from wear because you are bouncing the other during the trip.

How to Play a Bass Guitar

By an eHow Contributor

I want to do this! What's This?

Play a Bass Guitar

Tuspm, Nissi Kim

Bass guitar is a musical instrument like a guitar, but only with four strings. This instrument plays a lower register of notes than an electric or acoustic guitar and is often thought of as the heart beat of any musical ensemble. Playing the bass guitar is not as difficult as playing the guitar, but still takes concentration and lots of practice. With practice and some lessons, you too can play a bass.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bass guitar
• Electronic tuner

1. 1

   Learn what note each string plays. Bass guitars have four strings, and each string has a specific note when plucked without holding down that string anywhere. The notes of each string, starting from the largest looking string to smallest, are as follows: E, A, D and G. You can hear these notes by plucking the strings with your finger.

2. 2

   Decide whether to pluck the strings using your fingers or use a guitar pick. To play notes, you can pluck the strings on the body of your bass guitar or you can pluck the strings with a guitar pick. Most people will strum the strings both up and down when using a pick.

3. 3

   Practice holding each string near the frets to make different notes. You'll see metal bars on the neck of your bass that are perpendicular to the strings. These are the fret bars. To play different notes, you'll want to place your finger right above each of these metal bars, not completely touching the bar, and push down so the string sits on the neck. Then pluck the string with your other hand.

4. 4
   

   Learn which note goes with which fret. Notes go from A to G, with sharp notes, written as A#, in between each note except for B and E. An entire scale looks as follows: A, A#, B, C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G and G#. Each fret plays a higher note as you get closer to the body. For the E string, the first fret is an F note and the second is an F#, and onward.

5. 5

   Play a scale. Scales can be played all the way down each string, but they can also be played using all four strings. Write down all the notes your bass guitar can play and you'll get a visual of how you can find scales. Here's a beginning of a scale starting with the E string to get you started: E string open, E string 2nd fret, E string 4th fret, A string open.

6. 6

   Find bass tabs online and learn how to play songs. Tabs are a good way to learn songs and gain confidence on the bass. This approach uses the frets as instruction, so you don't have to know how to read music, scales or notes. Find a bass tab to an song you know. This will help you learn how to play multiple notes in succession to a beat.

7. 7

   Take bass guitar lessons at your local community college or music school. In order to learn chords and music theory behind the bass guitar, you should take lessons. It is possible to learn these on your own by buying books and teaching yourself, especially if you're skilled on another instrument.

Read more: How to Play a Bass Guitar | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4530589_play-bass-guitar.html#ixzz0yrCTUvOt