BazzLow
ENIT
Module 9 · Lesson 2

Root, fifth and octave

Use the root–5th–octave shape over major and minor chords.

Before this lesson: 9.1 Roots · 7.5 Triad shapes on the bass

One idea does most of the work for a bass player after the root: the 5th. It fits almost every chord.

Why it works

The perfect 5th is the same in major and minor triads (lesson 7.2), so root–5th–octave works over both. It is the most common bass shape after the root alone. Over sus and power chords it is the safest choice (lesson 7.7).

From a root at fret f (lesson 4.3): the 5th above is on the next string up, at fret f+2; the 5th below is at the same fret on the next string down; the octave is two strings up, at fret f+2.

Bass neck, frets 0–12Root–5th–octave from C at fret 3 on the A string: the 5th above is G at fret 5 on the D string; the octave is C at fret 5 on the G string; the 5th below is G at fret 3 on the E string.GDAE234565↓158
Root–5th–octave from C at fret 3 on the A string: the 5th above is G at fret 5 on the D string; the octave is C at fret 5 on the G string; the 5th below is G at fret 3 on the E string.

Typical patterns in 4/4

  • 1 – 5, root on beat 1 and 5th on beat 3: the “two-beat” feel of country, folk and polka;
  • 1 – 5 – 8 – 5;
  • 1 – 8: octaves in eighths, the octave pattern of disco and dance.
Bass clef staffThe two-beat pattern 1–5 over C – Am – F – G, half notes.44
The two-beat pattern 1–5 over C – Am – F – G, half notes.
Bass clef staffThe pattern 1–5–8–5 over the same chords, quarter notes.44
The pattern 1–5–8–5 over the same chords, quarter notes.

Caution: the plain 5th does not fit diminished (♭5) or augmented (♯5) chords. Use those chords’ own 5th.

Try it

Play 1–5–8–5 in quarter notes over C – Am – F – G (one bar each). Then use the 5th below instead (5–1–5–8).

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