I tried some chords today(mostly doublestops, but a few 3 and 4 note chords)at band practice. I admit, they sounded really cool. I think I could get into this. 
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Chords....
- Thread starter John Davis
- Start date
maxvalentino
Endorsing Artist Godin Guitars/ Thomastik-Infeld
I use chords,double stops, implied chords, tapped and divided by octaves or 10ths, and double stops with false harmonics to imply a greater harmony....
I do primarily play solo (I was one of those solo bass looping kooks on the tour with Michael Manring and Steve Lawson), but I have, after considerable work, learned to incorporate chordal techniques into ensemble work as well.
As a learning aid I highly recommend Michael Dimin's book "The Chordal Way" (forgive me if I got that title wrong...) check out his forum here at TB for some great tips...and check his website for the book. It has a wealth of info on chords, and double stops.
On that same thought...I am working on a book myself much in the same vein: a chordal appraoch to bass. To accompany this I am compiling a "Bass Chord Dictionary" (geez, there's plenty of these for guitar....) I have 600+ chord voicings for bass, and the number is growing. Some are double stops which imply suspensions or chord extensions, and others are three and four note chords with extensions (7ths, 9ths, 11ths, 13ths etc.). Hopefully I will get it finished soon.
In usage, I have learned a great number of solo/chord-melody bass pieces including standards (Somewhere Over The Rainbow, Night And Day, The Lady Is A tramp), Rock Songs (Various Beatles tunes, "Stir It Up" and other B. Marley Tunes...) Show Tunes, Blues...even the Coca Cola jingle (which I segue into the pepsi jingle) and, of course, plenty of originals.
Chordal bass playing is tons of fun to mess around with, but truthfully, it is not appropriate for all styles of music. Nonetheless, by learning chordal theory (read: HARMONY) you learn more about music....and this has helped make me a better "traditional" bassist as well....
Max Valentino
I do primarily play solo (I was one of those solo bass looping kooks on the tour with Michael Manring and Steve Lawson), but I have, after considerable work, learned to incorporate chordal techniques into ensemble work as well.
As a learning aid I highly recommend Michael Dimin's book "The Chordal Way" (forgive me if I got that title wrong...) check out his forum here at TB for some great tips...and check his website for the book. It has a wealth of info on chords, and double stops.
On that same thought...I am working on a book myself much in the same vein: a chordal appraoch to bass. To accompany this I am compiling a "Bass Chord Dictionary" (geez, there's plenty of these for guitar....) I have 600+ chord voicings for bass, and the number is growing. Some are double stops which imply suspensions or chord extensions, and others are three and four note chords with extensions (7ths, 9ths, 11ths, 13ths etc.). Hopefully I will get it finished soon.
In usage, I have learned a great number of solo/chord-melody bass pieces including standards (Somewhere Over The Rainbow, Night And Day, The Lady Is A tramp), Rock Songs (Various Beatles tunes, "Stir It Up" and other B. Marley Tunes...) Show Tunes, Blues...even the Coca Cola jingle (which I segue into the pepsi jingle) and, of course, plenty of originals.
Chordal bass playing is tons of fun to mess around with, but truthfully, it is not appropriate for all styles of music. Nonetheless, by learning chordal theory (read: HARMONY) you learn more about music....and this has helped make me a better "traditional" bassist as well....
Max Valentino
Stretch stretch stretch. It's all about finger flexibility. Regardless of your fingers length, if they can stretch, you'll be fine. Just takes time.
ok i do not care if i am sounding like an idiot, but i was pulled out of my lessons at 8th notes and never had the oppurtinuity to go back. please please some one help me out with chords, just tonight i heard chords on a bass? 
well, what are the chords? E minor? G? Emajor? what??!! someone please help me, all the way from the very beginning, any reply would be appriciated.
well, what are the chords? E minor? G? Emajor? what??!! someone please help me, all the way from the very beginning, any reply would be appriciated.maxvalentino
Endorsing Artist Godin Guitars/ Thomastik-Infeld
Hmmmm...this could be tricky, but I will try.
Chords on bass are made the same way chords are made on the guitar or the keyboard. By definition, chords are three or more tones played simultaneously. The laws of triadic harmony state that the 1st (root) note of the scale, in combination with the third note of the scale and the fifth note of the scale form the basic "triad" which we recognize as a chord. If that third note is 4 half steps from the root note, that is called a major third and the chord which is formed is a major chord. If that third note is only three half steps from the root, then it is a minor chord (or a minor triad). Extensions such as the 7th, b9, 11th etc. are added to this basic triad to make more complex sounding chords.
To form chords on the bass, first of all you must know where the notes on the bass are found on all strings. Then you must recognize the "interval" between notes (the ratio, or measured distance between two tones...for instance the note C is the fourth note in the G maj scale and so its interval is referred to as a 4th). Then you need to study scales and arpeggios (playing the notes of a chord in sequence rather than simultaneously). Then there is always chord inversions...but that is another chapter altogther. It takes a lot of practice and study.
If you are thinking that someone can draw a diagram of a chord shape on the bass, you finger it, and viola! you know how to do chords on bass, then you are really wasting your time. There are plenty of those types of lessons available to guitarists, but those who decide to move on and become "musicians" quickly realize they need to study harmony and chord theory. This really has nothing to do with "reading"; good players who are non-readers know the theories of chords and harmony.
Without knowing you or your level of study, I would recommend you seek out a good pvt. teacher (or perhaps thru a school or Jr. College) and specifically seek to learn more about theory and harmonic studies. This stuff can be very daunting to tackle on your own without a knowledgeable guide or coach. From there you can start to learn more about "hearing" the major and minor tonalities, and learning to make the chord voicings yourself.
Max
Chords on bass are made the same way chords are made on the guitar or the keyboard. By definition, chords are three or more tones played simultaneously. The laws of triadic harmony state that the 1st (root) note of the scale, in combination with the third note of the scale and the fifth note of the scale form the basic "triad" which we recognize as a chord. If that third note is 4 half steps from the root note, that is called a major third and the chord which is formed is a major chord. If that third note is only three half steps from the root, then it is a minor chord (or a minor triad). Extensions such as the 7th, b9, 11th etc. are added to this basic triad to make more complex sounding chords.
To form chords on the bass, first of all you must know where the notes on the bass are found on all strings. Then you must recognize the "interval" between notes (the ratio, or measured distance between two tones...for instance the note C is the fourth note in the G maj scale and so its interval is referred to as a 4th). Then you need to study scales and arpeggios (playing the notes of a chord in sequence rather than simultaneously). Then there is always chord inversions...but that is another chapter altogther. It takes a lot of practice and study.
If you are thinking that someone can draw a diagram of a chord shape on the bass, you finger it, and viola! you know how to do chords on bass, then you are really wasting your time. There are plenty of those types of lessons available to guitarists, but those who decide to move on and become "musicians" quickly realize they need to study harmony and chord theory. This really has nothing to do with "reading"; good players who are non-readers know the theories of chords and harmony.
Without knowing you or your level of study, I would recommend you seek out a good pvt. teacher (or perhaps thru a school or Jr. College) and specifically seek to learn more about theory and harmonic studies. This stuff can be very daunting to tackle on your own without a knowledgeable guide or coach. From there you can start to learn more about "hearing" the major and minor tonalities, and learning to make the chord voicings yourself.
Max
How can chords become "second nature" to play. (Like if you say...oh...play C7b9...you'd know it right away without even having to think). My teacher says I need to work on this and is making me practice all these Major, Minor, Diminished, and Augmented Chords in all keys. (That's a lot of chords! 
)
Cuz I know if someone told me to play, say, C7....I wouldn't want to have to stop and think: "Ok. Now dominant 7 is the 1, 3, 5, and b7 of the major scale."
I've been practicing them over and over but don't seem to be getting anywhere.
One more question: How do you tell the difference between a minor 6 chord and a minor minor 6 chord? I believe they are written the same way, right? (EX: Cm6).
And then you have minor major chords....
Thanks
Stephanie
)Cuz I know if someone told me to play, say, C7....I wouldn't want to have to stop and think: "Ok. Now dominant 7 is the 1, 3, 5, and b7 of the major scale."
I've been practicing them over and over but don't seem to be getting anywhere.
One more question: How do you tell the difference between a minor 6 chord and a minor minor 6 chord? I believe they are written the same way, right? (EX: Cm6).
And then you have minor major chords....
Thanks
Stephanie
maxvalentino
Endorsing Artist Godin Guitars/ Thomastik-Infeld
Stephanie....
In answer to your question the ONLY way to make playing chords "second-nature" is to practice. A LOT. And to study harmony and a thorough understanding and working knowledge of chord structure.And yes...it is a lot of work (a lot of chords to practice, most of which you may never play in "real life" situations, but that helps you understand the structure of music.
If I am playing with a guitarist, and he is playing a series of diminished chords, because of my knowledge and practice on the subject I know every note he is playing in his chords, and this gives more options as to what I can play. Or, in the case of a free-improv thingee (I know how much you love that), this knowledge opens up new possibilities for both us. The study has allowed to recognize the sound of chords, and then gives me the varied musical posibilities (of which there are nearly infinite) of where to go.
You have practice, and recite, and think and consider each of the scale formulas you learn. These formulas need to be internalized..so you don't have to "think" about them. You need to map them ut on the fingerboard, even if only mentally.
Is that a lot of work, yes. But as musicians, it is our job, our duty, and responsibility to carry out this work. To know about our craft, our art.
It is not something that happens overnight, but is a life long process which we can never complete, never master.
I think you are on the right track.....
Max
In answer to your question the ONLY way to make playing chords "second-nature" is to practice. A LOT. And to study harmony and a thorough understanding and working knowledge of chord structure.And yes...it is a lot of work (a lot of chords to practice, most of which you may never play in "real life" situations, but that helps you understand the structure of music.
If I am playing with a guitarist, and he is playing a series of diminished chords, because of my knowledge and practice on the subject I know every note he is playing in his chords, and this gives more options as to what I can play. Or, in the case of a free-improv thingee (I know how much you love that), this knowledge opens up new possibilities for both us. The study has allowed to recognize the sound of chords, and then gives me the varied musical posibilities (of which there are nearly infinite) of where to go.
You have practice, and recite, and think and consider each of the scale formulas you learn. These formulas need to be internalized..so you don't have to "think" about them. You need to map them ut on the fingerboard, even if only mentally.
Is that a lot of work, yes. But as musicians, it is our job, our duty, and responsibility to carry out this work. To know about our craft, our art.
It is not something that happens overnight, but is a life long process which we can never complete, never master.
I think you are on the right track.....
Max
Hello,
Check out the cordal bass masters.
oteil burbridge and Dominique Dipiazza.
These cats are at the forefront of this
particular style of playing.
Check out the cordal bass masters.
oteil burbridge and Dominique Dipiazza.
These cats are at the forefront of this
particular style of playing.
oteil might be my favorite bass player ever. that dude never ceases to impress me in a bunch of different ways. yeah, that dude is mr. chord.
i play alot of 3 note chords - it's not too hard to learn all the inversions, and three notes are comfortable for my not-too-huge left hand to fret. it's also fairly easy to stick three note chords in the middle of a solo or bass line. i also drop some open notes while playing a line on top. due to lack of patience and discipline, i haven't gotten into two handed stuff all that much. but someday i will.
i play alot of 3 note chords - it's not too hard to learn all the inversions, and three notes are comfortable for my not-too-huge left hand to fret. it's also fairly easy to stick three note chords in the middle of a solo or bass line. i also drop some open notes while playing a line on top. due to lack of patience and discipline, i haven't gotten into two handed stuff all that much. but someday i will.
maxvalentino
Endorsing Artist Godin Guitars/ Thomastik-Infeld
Paste....
Putting the finishing touches on my solo CD right now. Am adding some tracks recorded live on the tour with Michael Manring and Steve Lawson. After that, I will try to wrap up the book. It's really just a matter of organizing it all. Then there is the problem of finding (shopping) for a publisher. Will most likely just publish it myself and sell it via the net. Maybe I can talk Paul into plugging here at TB? But, nonetheless, I shall let you know when it is done. Are any of the rest of interested?
Max Valentino
Putting the finishing touches on my solo CD right now. Am adding some tracks recorded live on the tour with Michael Manring and Steve Lawson. After that, I will try to wrap up the book. It's really just a matter of organizing it all. Then there is the problem of finding (shopping) for a publisher. Will most likely just publish it myself and sell it via the net. Maybe I can talk Paul into plugging here at TB? But, nonetheless, I shall let you know when it is done. Are any of the rest of interested?
Max Valentino
Most definitely, Max. I'm always interested in anything that will help me become a better Bassist and, more importantly, a better musician.
Chords are indeed fun to do. It helps if you have a good ear and can pick the right chords to play - also nice to play alternate chords or different inversions, or add tension and colour to the musicscape.
I was meaning to ask John Turner whether the reason he tuned his 7 string similarly to a guitar was because it facilitated chord playing. John?
I was meaning to ask John Turner whether the reason he tuned his 7 string similarly to a guitar was because it facilitated chord playing. John?
Im sorry. but everyone keeps getting the intro wrong. here it is. sounds a WHOLE lot closer.
G|----------------------------|
D|--8-7/10/6---8-7/10/12-0--|
A|--5-8/10/8---5-8/10/12----|
D|----------------------------|
But anyway. i use chords alot in our bands songs. and alot of double stops. a good use of double stops (If im not mistakin) is Buddy Holly. By Weezer. he does all in the verse.
G|----------------------------|
D|--8-7/10/6---8-7/10/12-0--|
A|--5-8/10/8---5-8/10/12----|
D|----------------------------|
But anyway. i use chords alot in our bands songs. and alot of double stops. a good use of double stops (If im not mistakin) is Buddy Holly. By Weezer. he does all in the verse.
There is accutly what you would call "Power Chord" in the intro to the song. but theres only one. well in my way of playing it. the tab was wrong that i got.
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This is a good site to get help with alot of the topics discussed.
This is a good site to get help with alot of the topics discussed.
