While bass guitars are often associated with foundational single-note lines, exploring bass chords can unlock a new dimension in your playing. Bass chords offer a richer sonic palette, ideal for adding depth to songs, crafting compelling intros, or achieving a fuller sound, particularly in smaller ensembles.
Even if chordal playing isn’t your primary focus, understanding bass chord shapes is invaluable for creating more dynamic bass lines. By visualizing chord forms and playing the constituent notes individually, you can construct arpeggiated bass lines and riffs that can spark new song ideas.
A solid grasp of chord construction enhances your overall musical understanding, benefiting your songwriting, composing, and improvisational skills.
This guide serves as your Electric Bass Guitar Chord Chart, presenting a range of essential bass chords to learn and integrate into your musical repertoire.
Exploring Bass Chords on Your Electric Bass Guitar
Open Position Electric Bass Guitar Chords
Open position chords are located within the first few frets of your electric bass guitar, closest to the nut.
Generally, these chords are easier to finger than movable chord shapes (discussed later) and benefit from the resonance of open strings, producing a clear, vibrant tone.
Take the time to play each of the following chords on your electric bass guitar. Experiment with them to discern the unique character of each chord type.
Major Chords in Open Position for Electric Bass Guitar
Bass Chords Major Open PositionBass Chords Major Open Position: Note that the (0) indicates an optional open string.
Major chords are built upon the root, major third, and perfect fifth intervals. They evoke a bright, uplifting, and ‘happy’ sonic quality.
Minor Chords in Open Position for Electric Bass Guitar
Bass Chords Minor Open PositionElectric Bass Guitar Chords Minor Open Position
Minor chords consist of the root, minor third, and perfect fifth intervals. They typically convey a darker, melancholic, or ‘sad’ feeling.
Dominant 7th Chords in Open Position for Electric Bass Guitar
Bass Guitar Chords Dominant 7th Open PositionDominant 7th Electric Bass Guitar Chords in Open Position
Dominant 7th chords possess a characteristic ‘expectant’ or ‘bluesy’ sound, often creating a sense of anticipation for resolution to the tonic chord. (For a deeper dive, explore guitar chord theory resources.)
Minor 7th Chords in Open Position for Electric Bass Guitar
Bass Guitar Chords Minor 7 Open PositionElectric Bass Guitar Chords Minor 7 Open Position
Minor 7th chords have a more ambiguous and ‘jazzy’ quality. They frequently appear as the ii chord in a ii-V-I progression, often preceding a dominant 7th chord.
Movable Electric Bass Guitar Chords
This is where bass chords become truly versatile and exciting.
Movable bass chord shapes are patterns that can be shifted up and down the neck of your electric bass guitar to create chords rooted on different notes.
For example, a single major chord shape can be used to play an A major chord in one position and a C major chord in another location on the fretboard.
In the following chord diagrams, the root note of the chord is indicated by a white circle. Align this white circle with the desired root note on your electric bass guitar fretboard.
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Movable Major Chord Shapes for Electric Bass Guitar
Bass Chords Major MovableMovable Major Electric Bass Guitar Chord Shapes
Movable Minor Chord Shapes for Electric Bass Guitar
Bass Guitar Chords Minor MovableMovable Minor Electric Bass Guitar Chord Shapes
Movable Dominant 7th Chord Shapes for Electric Bass Guitar
Bass Chords 7 MovableMovable Dominant 7th Electric Bass Guitar Chord Shapes
Movable Minor 7th Chord Shapes for Electric Bass Guitar
Bass Chords Minor 7Movable Minor 7th Electric Bass Guitar Chord Shapes
Major 7th Chord Shape for Electric Bass Guitar
Bass Chord Major 7Major 7th Electric Bass Guitar Chord Shape
Bass Power Chords on Electric Bass Guitar
Bass Power ChordsElectric Bass Guitar Power Chords Chart
Diminished Chord Shape for Electric Bass Guitar
Bass Chords Diminished 7Diminished 7th Electric Bass Guitar Chord Shape
Augmented Chord Shape for Electric Bass Guitar
Bass Chords AugmentedAugmented Electric Bass Guitar Chord Shape
Tips for Playing Electric Bass Guitar Chords
As you move higher up the electric bass guitar fretboard, the frets become closer together, which can make some movable chord shapes easier to play in these higher positions.
Playing chords on the bass can initially feel challenging, so start slowly and gradually increase your practice time. With consistent effort, it will become more comfortable.
Electric bass guitar chords can be played using a pick or your fingers. You can strum chords for a fuller sound, or play the individual notes within the chord to create riffs and melodic bass lines.
Explore Further Bass Guitar Resources
Guitar chord theory pages for an explanation of chord construction.
