Chords For Bass Guitar
Push Through The Boundaries Of Your Bass Playing
Discover A World Of Chordal Possibilities!
Module 1: Getting Started With Double Stops
Lesson 1-0: Intro
In this introductory lesson we look at the course concepts and how we should approach our journey
into walking bass lines
Lesson 1-1: Example Riffs
Let’s first take a look at two simple double stop riffs as a demonstration of the technique and how
they might be integrated into a line.
Lesson 1-2: Interval Basics
Intervals are the building blocks of music and an essential foundation for understanding any further
chord construction principles. In this lesson we look at the basic intervals of the major scale.
Lesson 1-3: Minor Intervals
Next let’s expand on the previous lesson with a look at Minor Intervals.
Lesson 1-4: Augmented & Diminished Intervals
Major and Minor intervals are without doubt the most common, but Augmented and Diminished
intervals are also an fundamental aspect of harmony and key to understanding the construction of
certain chords.
Lesson 1-5: Alternative Fingerings
In this lesson we look at some less common, alternative fingerings for the intervals covered
previously.
Lesson 1-6: Harmonic Intervals
Up to this point, we’ve only looked at Melodic Intervals (played one note at a time) but as we move
into chordal playing we need to look at Harmonic Intervals (notes played together).
Lesson 1-7: Power Chords
The Power Chord is probably the easiest chord to play and one of the most accessible in terms of
bass line integration.
Lesson 1-8: Extended Power Chords
Power chords can be played as a simple double stop but also as an extended three note chord as
shown in this lesson.
Lesson 1-9: Inverted Power Chords
As well as root position power chords we can also play them inverted. This provides some interesting
options for position playing and voice leading.
Lesson 1-10: Thirds Through A Scale
Thirds are the key to understand chord construction. In this lesson we learn to harmonise any scale
in third intervals.
Lesson 1-11: Applying Thirds
Thirds are a great option for adding interest to a bass line. In this lesson we integrate third intervals
into our bass playing.
Lesson 1-12: Open String Drones
Open Strings can be used as a drone in order to outline the tonic of a key or mode. This is a great
way to practice a variety of intervals and harmonisations through a scale.
Lesson 1-13: Inverted Thirds
When we invert a third we open up many more possibilities in terms of sound, position and voice
leading.
Lesson 1-14: Embellishments
Embellishments can be made to any interval as a way of creating more interest in our lines.
Lesson 1-15: Tenths
Tenths are a great way of integrating the sound of thirds into a bass line in the lower register. In this
lesson we apply major and minor tenths into our bass lines.
Lesson 1-16: Five Chordal Riffs
Let’s finish Module 1 with five interesting riffs making use of the double stops covered in the
previous lessons.
Module 2: First Steps In Chordal Comping
Lesson 2-0: Introduction
An introduction to the topics covered in this module.
Lesson 2-1: Two Basic Progressions
Let’s start with two simple chord progressions to demonstrate the comping styles ahead.
Lesson 2-2: Major Triads
Triads are the most basic of tertian chords. In this lesson we look at the daddy of them all: The Major
Triad.
Lesson 2-3: Minor Triads
Let’s expand on our chord construction basics with a look at the Minor Triad.
Lesson 2-4: Augmented & Diminished Triads
As well as the more common Major and Minor Triads we also need to look at the more dissonant
and spicy, Augmented and Diminished Triads.
Lesson 2-5: Open Voicing
So far we’ve only looked at basic closed voicings of a triad. In this lesson let’s diversify with a look at
Open Voicing.
Lesson 2-6: Triads Of The Major Key
Learning the chords within a key is a fundamental part of harmony and music theory. In this lesson
we look at the Triads within the Major Key.
Lesson 2-7: Triad Chord Progressions
Let’s try applying our Triads in a variety of different chord progressions.
Lesson 2-8: Spelling Drills
It can be all too easy to rely on geometric fretboard patterns when learning chords on bass, but it’s
also important to understand the actual notes at play. Spelling Drills are great practice in memorising
any musical content.
Lesson 2-9: Seventh Chord Construction
Now we’ve looked at Triads, let’s move onto the next logical step in chord construction: The Seventh
Chord.
Lesson 2-10: Essential Seventh Chords
Even though we’ve covered every seventh chord in common use, there are 4 essential Seventh
Chords that are featured much more than others.
Lesson 2-11: Seventh Chords Closed Voicing
Now we’ve covered the Seventh Chords as arpeggios, let’s apply them as closed voicing chords.
Lesson 2-12: Seventh Chords Open Voicing
Open Voicings are a great tool for improving voice leading and our chordal options.
Lesson 2-13: Seventh Chords Of The Major Key
Just as with the Triads, we can also harmonise the Major Scale with diatonic Seventh Chords.
Lesson 2-14: Seventh Chord Progressions
Let’s apply some of our Seventh Chords by playing through some popular chord progressions.
Lesson 2-15: The Minor Key
We’ve now looked at progressions within a Major Key but we can also create progressions in a
Minor Key.
Lesson 2-16: Harmonic Minor
The Harmonic Minor scale is often used as an alternative to the Natural Minor scale when working in
a Minor Key. Let’s look at how and why we might use the Harmonic Minor.
Lesson 2-17: Alternate Triad Voicings
We’ve covered a couple of basic voicings for the chords covered in this module, but there are other
alternatives that may add more fluidity when moving around the fretboard.
Lesson 2-18: Voice Leading
Voice Leading is an important consideration when playing through chord progressions. In this lesson
we look at some fundamental concepts of smooth voice leading.
Lesson 2-19: Practice Tips
Let’s finish with a look at some great ways to practice chord progressions and comping.
Module 3: Expanding Our Palette
Lesson 3-0: Introduction
In this Module we’ll be expanding our look at chord construction principles by way of inversions and
added note chords before moving into the creation of a solo arrangement.
Lesson 3-1: Inversions (Closed Voicing)
In this lesson we look at the concept of chordal inversion and their application in music.
Lesson 3-2: Inversions (Open Voicing)
Inversions can be applied to both Closed and Open Voicings of a chord.
Lesson 3-3: Added Six Chords
The next few lessons deal with Added Note Chords. In this lesson we’re looking at the Added 6th.
Lesson 3-4: Add9 Chords
The Add 9 Chord is another very popular Added Note chord.
Lesson 3-5: Added 6/9 Chords
6/9 chords are another essential chord in our look at Additions to the Triad.
Lesson 3-6: Suspensions
Suspensions such as the Sus4 and Sus2 are very common in all styles of music.
Lesson 3-7: Diminished 7 Chord
In the previous module we delved into 4 essential seventh chords, but the Diminished 7 chord needs
to be addressed if we’re going to play through a wide variety of chord progressions.
Lesson 3-8: Simplifying Extensions
In this lesson let’s look at how we can address extensions such as the 9th, 11th and 13th on a 4 string
bass.
Lesson 3-9: Embellishment
In Module 1 we looked at embellishment of double stops. In this lesson we look at how we can apply
the same concepts to any chord.
Lesson 3-10: Voice Leading In The Bass
The previous embellishments were mainly applied to upper voices and as a means of creating
fleeting interest. But we can also make melodic choices in the bass voice and create smoother
movement between chords.
Lesson 3-11: Solo Bass Arrangement: Learning The Parts
Now let’s look at how we can create a solo chordal arrangement on bass guitar. In this lesson we’ll
be learning the melody and chords in isolation.
Lesson 3-12: Solo Bass Arrangement: Bass & Melody
Next let’s look at combining the bass line and the melody as a way of creating a simple framework.
Lesson 3-13: Solo Bass Arrangement: Filling In the Gaps
Finally, let’s expand on our basic two voice structure and add the extra voices, substitutions ,
embellishments and bass movement into the mix.
Lesson 3-14: The Next Step
In this final lesson we look back over all of the topics covered and outline a path for future practice
and development.
Chords For Bass Guitar
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chords For Bass Guitar Course?
Chords For Bass Guitar is a complete step by step approach to understanding chords and chordal
playing on the bass guitar.
It is a multimedia course using a combination of video lessons, PDF workbooks and MP3 backing
tracks to provide a comprehensive understanding of chord construction and application.
What level of player is the course aimed at?
The course is aimed at any player looking to get started with chordal playing. However, an
intermediate level of bass playing ability would be recommended as the minimum entry standard
due to the technical hurdles involved.
What Will I Learn?
After completing the course you will have the knowledge and ability to construct bass lines and riffs
containing an assortment of chordal structures, play a chordal accompaniment through most chord
progressions in a variety of styles and create solo chordal arrangements outlining both melody and
harmony on the bass guitar.
How Long Are The Lessons?
The lesson lengths vary but the complete course contains over 8 hours of video content.
How is the course presented? Do I Download Anything?
The course is hosted on the Talkingbass website so there are no video files to download.
There is a Dropbox folder for each module containing a Course Workbook and any relevant practice
tracks.
Is There A Time Limit On Taking The Course?
No. You can take as long as want. There are no time limits
Do I Have Lifetime Access To The Course?
If you purchase the course then yes, you have lifetime access to the course and its material. If you
are an All Access Pass member, then you obviously only have access for the duration of your
subscription.
