BASS CHORDS

Bass chords are important to know, but are not used as commonly or in the same way as guitar chords. Bass arpeggios are going to be more your mainstay as a bass player. However, you must know your bass chords for all aspect of your bass music application and because you also can use them as well.

Chords are when two or more notes are played on adjacent bass strings either at the same time or in quick order. Generally three notes make up a true chord which is the root, third and fifth tone of a scale. However bass chords can be made up of as few as two notes, or more than three notes.

Bass chords, such as a bass power chord, can be played by strumming with a pick, or by plucking or slapping with your fingers. Also they can be tapped, such as Victor Wooten and other great bass players do. As one of the key building blocks of bass and music, bass chords are one of the three blocks that includes bass arpeggios and bass scales.

Many times bass players don't think as much of chords as guitar players, but that is a mistake. They are essential to a complete understanding and ability with the bass and should not be neglected simply for playing arpeggios or scales. Remember, arpeggios are chords and they all work together.