Inversions and slash chords
Know what an inversion is and read slash chords.
The same chord can sound different depending on which of its notes is lowest. On a bass, that choice is yours.
Positions of a chord
A chord’s bass note, its lowest note, decides its position:
- root position: the root in the bass (C with C below);
- 1st inversion: the 3rd in the bass (C with E below);
- 2nd inversion: the 5th in the bass (C with G below).
A chord with n notes has n − 1 inversions. Seventh chords (Module 10) also have a 3rd inversion, with the 7th in the bass. In a band, the bass player decides the inversion: whatever the guitar plays, the chord’s position is set by the lowest note, which is usually the bass.
Slash chords
Slash chords tell the bassist which note to play: chord / bass note. C/E is C major with E in the bass, a 1st inversion; C/G is a 2nd inversion. The bass note can also be outside the chord: C/D, F/G, D/C. These are still slash chords, but not inversions.
Smooth bass lines
Inversions make smooth bass lines: C – C/B – Am – Am/G – F walks down by step instead of jumping.
Play the line above one note per bar while saying the chord symbol. Then play C – G/B – Am and hear the stepwise bass.
New terms
Tools
- Chords for Bass: Every common chord type on all 12 roots, as a 5-fret box for 4- and 5-string bass, with spelled notes and formulas.