What do I do?

[n2877]

if the chord in a part of a song is G/B do i play the G or the B on the bass? Thanks for any help

 

[derylgallant]

G/B literally means a G chord with a B in the bass/bottom.

a G chord is three notes : G B D...

But there is no "Have to"

 

[n2877]

Thanks

 

[Lo-E]

G/B literally means a G chord with a B in the bass/bottom.

a G chord is three notes : G B D...

But there is no "Have to"

Agreed. That notation often applies more to the keys or guitar voicing the chord with the B underneath. Try it both ways and see which sounds better with what the chordal instruments are playing.

 

[Chaddycakes]

Play B. G/B means G chord with a B in the bass instead of a G as is standard. If it were a 2-beat country song, I'd play B on 1, G on 3 instead of the obligatory G on 1, D on 3.

 

[Chaddycakes]

Agreed. That notation often applies more to the keys or guitar voicing the chord with the B underneath. Try it both ways and see which sounds better with what the chordal instruments are playing.

Both can sound "good", but one is wrong. If there is a bandleader, he might not like your choice. If he wants you to play G, he'll write G.

 

[derylgallant]

Both can sound "good", but one is wrong.

it depends on context...

... if you're looking at chart notation that has chord symbols like C D7 G/B and no written notes...then it's all implied and suggested... bass player can use their judgement .. if they have ability to use judgement.. cool....

If you're playing big band charts where the notes are all written out in standard notation and you can only read notes .. then play the notes as written ...unless you have the ability to use your judgement...

but simply saying that playing a G when it's notated G/B is "wrong" I don't think is a fair statement. it really depends on the context and the players ability to make their line work given the situation..