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Playing Chords


EZ

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:wave: As I have stated in previous threads, I have just started playing again after a ten-year lay-off. I have learned a lot from the ppl here and I think I have come up to speed as to what is going on with equipment, Basses, and styles. My playing is getting close to where I once was, but I find that there is something that bassist do more now than they did back in my day and that is chord. I do use intervals when I play, but I really never used chords. Can anyone help me with who are some good ppl to listen to, for this type of playing and what if any good DVDs or book that can help me develop in this style of playing. Thanx for any help.
If you smell something stinking, it's juz me, I'm funky like that
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Just sit down and try different thing on the fretboard. Before you know it, you'll be recognizing what chords will fit where and using them like crazy. Takes some good chops for a bassist, but once you get used to it, you'll be hooked. Just don't overdo it...too much gets really muddy.

Love God...Love People!

 

 

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Start by playing the root, the 7th and the 3rd.

 

Go from C7 to F7.

 

For C7, play the root on the 8th fret of the E string, the 7th on the 8th fret of the D string and the 3rd on the 9th fret of the G string.

 

Then play F7. Play the root on the 8th fret of the A string, the 3rd on the 7th fret of the D string, and the 7th on the 8th fret of the G string.

 

Go back and forth between the two chords until you can do it smoothly.

 

Later you can figure out m7 and Maj7 chords by changing the appropriate 3rds and 7ths. This should keep you busy for years.

 

Have fun!

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Can't offer a tutorial but I&I'd add 2 what's been mentioned that intervallic spacing is vital, moreso the lower the pitches involved.

The lower the range the more cloudy things sound if U don't put some space Btween the notes.

This may seem obvious but U never know what somebody already knows. There're lots of cases where I hear really muddy sounds because somebody wants 2 impress with their chops but seem 2 forget how things actually sound.

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Originally posted by I & I mjrn:

Can't offer a tutorial but I&I'd add 2 what's been mentioned that intervallic spacing is vital, moreso the lower the pitches involved.

The lower the range the more cloudy things sound if U don't put some space Btween the notes.

This may seem obvious but U never know what somebody already knows. There're lots of cases where I hear really muddy sounds because somebody wants 2 impress with their chops but seem 2 forget how things actually sound.

Exactly my point...well said!

Love God...Love People!

 

 

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My style of playing is not to impress, but more to hold down the fort. I'm old school when it comes to playing bass I sit in the pocket, but I do like to be up on different techs. I understand how to build chords, and how they are formed, but when i try some of them on my bass I find some very hard to play or they just don't sound very good. I feel as someone has said placed in the right spot, and done in higher octives they can add to a song, that's why I want to know more about it.
If you smell something stinking, it's juz me, I'm funky like that
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EZ, I&I certainly didn't mean that U or anyone N general use chords just 2 impress, although younger players sometimes get smitten w/stuff like that. Done well it can B very effective musically.

 

As usual, JC is both concise & precise w/his suggestions. Open strings can B a great way 2 put space Btween the notes.

 

One of my favorite players N this manner is/was a guy named Colin Hodgkinson who was N the early 1970's British band Back Door, a drum, sax, bass/vocalist outfit that did some of the most rousing blues material one can hear.

CH did simultaneous vocals & bass in a style that filled both bass & guitar roles.

His playing was particularly unfettered what w/the lack of any other chordal instruments.

F U get the chance 2 hear them, they were definitely "funky like that"! ;)

 

I also like what Bootsy does sometimes N "lead bass" mode, though that's more a phat electronic timbral thang than chordal.

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Originally posted by EZ:

My style of playing is not to impress, but more to hold down the fort. I'm old school when it comes to playing bass I sit in the pocket, but I do like to be up on different techs. I understand how to build chords, and how they are formed, but when i try some of them on my bass I find some very hard to play or they just don't sound very good. I feel as someone has said placed in the right spot, and done in higher octives they can add to a song, that's why I want to know more about it.

You should check out my book, The Chordal Approach. I think it will answer your questions. I alos have some chord lessons on my site - reprints of my lesson column for the, long missed, Bass Frontiers magazine.

 

 

www.michaeldimin.com

 

 

Peace

Mike

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