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MARTYN KRÜGEL’S BASS MANUAL
Book 5: Chords FREE ELECTRONIC PDF VERSION 1.1 - 2009
NOT FOR SALE This is a COMPLIMENTARY Internet e-book made available for 01 January 2009 First draft completed 2007 – Revised and Updated 2008 Copyright © by Martyn Krügel 2007 onwards This publication will be updated quarterly by the author and presented on the Internet All Rights Reserved The moral right of the author has been asserted This PDF file was created as an additional educational aid for students of the bass guitar. The content, structure, format, analysis, design, artwork, photographs, methodology and model, remain the property of Martyn Krügel.
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PREFACE This work is dedicated to teachers and students of the bass and particularly to and for the development of new aspiring bassists. This bass manual series – consisting of seven books – was designed as an additional study aid for students of the bass guitar and to show aspiring bassists just exactly how music theory is applied on the instrument and to promptly set the new bassist who cannot yet read music on the right track. It is not the type of instruction book that suggests a specified method to be followed and as a result students are urged to develop their own course of action in working through these books. The assistance of a teacher or mentor will be invaluable and I urge aspiring musicians to always seek out a good mentor in music. I am also confident that a good mentor will immediately grasp the intention of my presentation and put the objectives of this presentation into practice, for the benefit of the student. If anyone has any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. And good luck with the music. Martyn Krügel
Special thanks to Edwin Schroeder musician extraordinaire who introduced and taught me the art of music and especially the greater art of improvisational music. Also a special thanks to my family and friends for their support. INVITATION TO ADVERTISERS The – Martyn Krügel’s Bass Manual Series – will be updated on a quarterly basis by the author and presented on his web site. Anyone involved in the music industry can therefore utilize this medium to promote their business. Potential advertisers can contact the author directly if they wish to place advertisements of their products and/or services in the next edition of the – Martyn Krügel’s Bass Manual Series – for a costeffective way to advertise and market their products and/or services. For more details contact Martyn and request a price list.
CONTACT DETAILS Martyn Krügel web site: www.freebassmanual.com e-mail: [email protected]
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CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Chord Formulas – Harmony – Playing Chords on the Bass – Comments on Improvisation – Comments on Fingerings
Pg. 5
Chapter 1
MAJOR CHORDS
Chord Formulas – Chord Diagrams – Chord Photographs
Pg. 12
Chapter 2
MINOR CHORDS
Chord Formulas – Chord Diagrams – Chord Photographs
Pg. 28
Chapter 3
DOMINANT SEVENTH CHORDS
Chord Formulas – Chord Diagrams – Chord Photographs
Pg. 42
Chapter 4
AUGMENTED & DIMINISHED CHORDS
Chord Formulas – Chord Diagrams – Chord Photograph
Pg. 57
Chapter 5
CHORD PROGRESSIONS
III – VI – II – V – I * III – VI – IV – VII – I * III – VI – II – VII – I III – VI – IV – V – I 12-Bar Blues – Ascending and Descending Fourths and Fifths
Pg. 63
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INTRODUCTION Chord Formulas In book 1 the student was advised to learn the numeric value of the major scale and it is also this numeric value of a scale that assists us in constructing or building chords. In book 2 we also observed that the numerical value attributed to any other scale will be determined relative to the numeric value of the major scale – just to recap: The numeric values used in any other scale will always be determined relative to the numeric value of the major scale of the same root note (starting point). Comparing the numeric value of the A major scale to the numeric value of the A natural minor scale for example, you will notice that the third degree in the natural minor scale has the numeric value b3 (flat three or flattened third) because in the A natural minor scale the note C is a th th natural note and in the A major scale the note is a C#. The same occurs at the 6 and 7 degrees of the natural minor scale. Observe the numeric values in the following examples of scales that we have covered thus far: A - MAJOR Scale
A
B
C#
D
E
F#
G#
Numeric Value
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
A - MINOR Scale
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Numeric Value
1
2
b3
4
5
b6
b7
A - MAJOR Scale
A
B
C#
D
E
F#
G#
Numeric Value
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
A - HARMONIC Scale
A
B
C
D
E
F
G#
Numeric Value
1
2
b3
4
5
b6
7
A - MAJOR Scale
A
B
C#
D
E
F#
G#
Numeric Value
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
A - MELODIC Scale
A
B
C
D
E
F#
G#
Numeric Value
1
2
b3
4
5
6
7
Every chord has a NUMERIC FORMULA and it is this formula that we learn to understand and recognize as oppose to memorizing a countless amount of individual chord voicings, as they would appear on the instrument. This method of using the numeric value of a scale and the numeric formula of a chord will enable you to easily construct any chord and even enable you to construct chords that you have never played before because it is in the name of a chord that you will find the chord formula that you will learn to recognize as you work through this book. Our objective in our study of chords is therefore not to memorize a large number of individual chord voicings (like a parrot) but to understand how chords are assembled – build – constructed. Intervals are also an important facet in building chords since chords are groupings of intervals so make sure that you are familiar with the intervals that’s done in great detail in the first 4 books of this series. We have four main types of triads (the principal chords consisting of three notes) namely the: MAJOR – MINOR – AUGMENTED and DIMINISHED chord triads – and it is then these four types of chord triads that serve as the foundation on which every other possible chord is built. Let’s now build these four types of chords so that you can observe their characteristics and also see this principal of the numeric value that’s attributed to a scale and the chord formulas:
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The formula for a MAJOR chord is: 1 – 3 – 5 The numerical value 1 will always be the root note of the chord and this note in conjunction with the type of formula (in this case a major chord formula) will give the chord its name. Let’s now take the C major scale: C D E F G A B and because we’ve been given the major chord formula build the C major chord. 1=C 3=E 5=G So the C MAJOR chord will be made up of the notes C – E – G You can also think of it as a root note with an added major third & perfect fifth interval. The formula for a MINOR chord is: 1 – b3 – 5 The numerical value 1 will always be the root note of the chord and this note in conjunction with the type of formula (in this case a minor chord formula) will give the chord its name. Let’s now take the C major scale: C D E F G A B and because we’ve been given the minor chord formula build the C minor chord. 1=C b3 = Eb 5=G So the C MINOR chord will be made up of the notes C – Eb – G You can also think of it as a root note with an added minor third & perfect fifth interval. The formula for an AUGMENTED chord is: 1 – 3 – #5 The numerical value 1 will always be the root note of the chord and this note in conjunction with the type of formula (in this case an augmented chord formula) will give the chord its name. Let’s now take the C major scale: C D E F G A B and because we’ve been given the augmented chord formula build the C augmented chord. 1=C 3=E #5 = G# So the C AUGMENTED chord will be made up of the notes C – E – G# You can also think of it as a root note with an added major third & augmented fifth interval. The formula for a DIMINISHED chord is: 1 – b3 – b5 The numerical value 1 will always be the root note of the chord and this note in conjunction with the type of formula (in this case a diminished chord formula) will give the chord its name. Let’s now take the C major scale: C D E F G A B and because we’ve been given the diminished chord formula build the C diminished chord. 1=C b3 = Eb b5 = Gb So the C DIMINISHED chord will be made up of the notes C – Eb – Gb You can also think of it as a root note with an added minor third & diminished fifth interval. Another important category is the seventh or dominant seventh chord category. The dominant seventh chord is built upon a major chord triad foundation together with a minor seventh interval. The formula for a seventh chord is: 1 –3 – 5 – b7 (Also called dominant seventh) The numerical value 1 will always be the root note of the chord and this note in conjunction with the type of formula (in this case a seventh chord formula) is used to give the chord its name. Let’s again take the C major scale: C D E F G A B and because we’ve been given the seventh chord formula build the C seventh chord. 1=C 3=E 5=G b7 = Bb So the C SEVENTH chord will be made up of the notes C – E – G – Bb th You can also think of it as a root note with an added major third – perfect fifth & minor 7 interval. And then finally let’s build a major seventh chord (belonging to the major chord category) so that you can observe what happens when we build upon a triad and in this instance a major triad and also observe the difference between a major seventh and a dominant seventh chord.
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The formula for a major seventh chord is: 1 –3 – 5 – 7 (Belonging to the major chord category) The numerical value 1 will always be the root note of the chord and this note in conjunction with the type of formula (in this case a major seventh chord formula) is used to give the chord its name. Let’s again take the C major scale: C D E F G A B and because we’ve been given the major seventh chord formula build the C major seventh chord. 1=C 3=E 5=G 7=B So the C MAJOR SEVENTH chord will be made up of the notes C – E – G – B th You can also think of it as a root note with an added major third – perfect fifth & major 7 interval.
Harmony A very simple definition would be to say that a piece of music consists of a melody (which is a succession of various single notes – various pitches – of different rhythmic values) and it is around a selection of these melody notes that chords are then constructed. This building of chords around a melody is commonly referred to as – harmonization or harmony and this term also denotes to the fact that we are now dealing with more than a single individual note, but the two (as in intervals) or three or more notes belonging to a chord. It is not every note of the melody in a piece of music that is harmonized (even though you could do that) but in practice you will most often find that it is one or two chords that’s allocated to a single bar or measure of music that compliments the melody notes of that particular bar. You could look at the melody as the skeleton of a piece of music and the chords then, the flesh. The chain of chords built by using a selection of the melody notes in a piece of music then forms the chord progression and you should see this progression as a movement of chords or see the individual chords as being in motion or moving from one chord to the other and not merely perceive harmony as just the construction of a single static chord. But of course, understanding the makeup of a single static chord will be our first objective in this study of chords and harmony. In chapter 5 of this book some chord progressions in all the keys are given so that you can observe the movement of scale tone chords within a particular key and you will also observe that roman numerals are commonly used to identify the seven scale tone chords of a key. It will be worth your while to work diligently through this section to familiarize yourself with this movement of chords in a particular key and to also learn the scale tone chords of keys well.
IMPORTANT NOTE: MODULATION OR PLAYING THROUGH CHANGES The melody and the harmonization (the building of chords around a melody) in a piece of music are not necessarily confined to a single individual key and when in a piece of music the melody or chords travel over more than one key – this is called – modulation. In Jazz for example, modulation is rather the rule than the exception, where the melody in conjunction with the chords that are built around the melody (forming the progression) serves as a platform on which the musicians can then improvise and often this will happen over several keys in a single tune and then this progression of chords over several different keys will be repeated. They simply refer to this as – Playing Through Changes. So, you need to have a good understanding of the chords in this book so that when you see a piece of music, you are able to identify the chords in that piece of music and play along with the tune utilizing your knowledge of chords as a guideline for what it is you need to play. The ability to recognize a chord and what a chord is made up of, will then be your guide of what to play in a piece of music. All of this stresses yet again the importance of learning all the major keys and the application of the major keys on your instrument and in this instance, a thorough knowledge of the major keys will also help you to recognize and identify the modulation in a piece of music and allow you to play through these changes and also give you the ability to distinguish to which key any particular chord belongs because of your knowledge of the scale tone chords in the major keys.
Playing Chords on the Bass The ability to play chords fluently on the bass is technically demanding but far from impossible. More important though, is the basic understanding of how chords are constructed. Chapters 1 to 4 in this book with the chord diagram and photograph of the fingering of the chord should therefore only be used as a reference guide – the
Page |8 objective is not to memorize all the various chord voicings but to see the principle of how chords are constructed by learning the formulas of chords and the numerical values of scales. Once you’ve mastered the major scale patterns discussed in book 1 of this series the technical aspect of playing chords on the bass should be fairly unproblematic. The ease with which you play the chords may even serve as an indication of how well you know and can play the major scale patterns. There will be some chord voicings that are more difficult than others and a couple that is indeed impossible to play in unison on the bass and can therefore only be played arpeggiated (notes of the chord played individually in succession) and a bassist must certainly be able to play arpeggios but the focal point is the basic understanding of how chords are constructed and to only then find a way to play that chord on your bass. In the introduction of book 1 the following remark was made with regards to learning and playing the major scale patterns: - Just bear in mind that the ability to play a pattern up and down fluently is not the music just yet (but it will be the first objective in terms of technique and learning your instrument). When we think of music and the function of these patterns, it is best explained when we observe the improvisational musician like a Jazz bassist who would create melodies, riffs, licks and musical themes spontaneously within these patterns by playing an assortment of different note selections and rhythmic variations around these patterns that has already been committed to memory You should adopt the above approach of improvising when playing and practicing around chords and chord progressions on the bass too. For example: Let’s say you have to play around a G Major Seventh chord. Now because you have so many options available of playing the chord you should improvise and learn to play as many options as possible. Here are a few suggestions: Play a voicing in unison of all the notes of the chord and then play ‘around’ the same chord. Play the chord arpeggiated. (Arpeggios can and should be linked over the fingerboard to form something like an arpeggio scale). Play several different triad voicings of the chord. Play just the root note. Play a syncopated rhythmic arpeggiated version of the chord. Play different intervals of the chord in unison or separate the notes. Play and find voicings of the chord all over the bass and not only in one position.
Comping is the term used to describe the ‘background’ rhythmic accompaniment when you play rhythm. You should also ask other musicians like a guitarist to play or record a couple of chord progressions that you can comp along with so that you can practice and apply some of the options mentioned above.
Page |9
Comments on Improvisation [IMPORTANT NOTICE: The new aspiring musician should just take a moment and think about and conceptualize the notion of IMPROVISATION in the context of music with the goal of applying it when learning, practicing and playing]. A few things to think about and apply when incorporating improvisation when playing or practicing chords and open to your own interpretation Accents
Phrasing
Arpeggios
Relaxation
Note Repetition
Tempo
Speed
Note Selection
Taking Risks
Volume
Beat
Melody
Trills
Listening
Finger Articulation
Coordination
Legato
Intervals
Timing
Single String
Amplitude
Pizzicato
Modes
Syncopation
Chords
Rhythms
Articulation
Question & Answer
Emotion
Blues
Tremolo
Phantom Notes
Concentration
Jazz
Silence
Dynamics
Triplets
Open Strings
Length of Note
Space
Ornaments
Harmonics
Bebop
Triads
Discipline
Scatting
Tapping
Visualizations
Sliding
Music
Comments on Fingerings In book 1 of this series the concept of Finger Articulation was introduced to you for you to find a natural and logical way to play the major and/or any other scale with your hand that presses against the fingerboard. Because chords are constructed ‘within’ the scales you will often use the same fingerings that you use in playing the scale, to play the chord. For example: If you take the first major scale pattern that we did in book 1 and apply the ‘Finger Articulation’ method, you should more or less end up using the following fingerings when playing that pattern:
7 – Index
8 – Middle 5 – Index 2 – Index
9 – Pinkie 6 – Ring 3 – Ring 4 – Pinkie 1 – Pinkie
P a g e | 10 If we now take the first major chord voicing in chapter 1 of this book:
You will see that the logical fingerings for this major chord will be 1–Pinkie 3–Ring 5–Index and in this particular case it is the exact same fingerings that are used in the scale that are used for the individual notes of the chord. The same logic should be used in finding the most suitable fingerings for any other chord. You will stumble upon really difficult chord voicings but it is the principal here that will help you to find the most suitable fingerings.
Just to recap and refresh your memory, here is the Finger Articulation method again: To immediately grasp the correct fingerings of the major scale patterns or any pattern for that matter, it is best understood when we subdivide these patterns into the following three ‘sub-patterns’.
1
2
3
P a g e | 11 Then we forget about this notion of ‘correct fingerings’ and substitute it with the idea of Finger Articulation. This is the ability to play any pattern with all of the four fingers or a combination of the fingers that presses against the fingerboard. This is how you commence practicing it: 1. Start by playing the above sub-patterns with only one finger, but all four fingers individually: Index Middle Ring Pinkie 2. Then play the above sub-patterns with combinations of two fingers: Index – Middle Index – Ring Index – Pinkie Middle – Ring Middle – Pinkie Ring – Pinkie 3. Then play combinations of three fingers: Index – Middle – Ring Index – Middle –Pinkie [Observe how sub-pattern 1 and 2 naturally falls into this combination] Index – Ring –Pinkie [Observe how sub-pattern 3 naturally falls into this combination] Middle – Ring –Pinkie 4. And then finally play the combination of all four fingers and then apply this method of finger articulation when you learn to play the patterns that chords fit into. [The crux of the above method that I call ‘finger articulation’ was introduced to me through an exceptional book called Advancing Guitarist by Mick Goodrick – published by Hal Leonard, who recommended this method for learning and exploring single string playing].
P a g e | 12
Chapter 1 MAJOR CHORDS The diagrams and the (turned around) photographs illustrate your viewpoint when you’re holding the bass.
Symbol
* Major * maj * M * Δ
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-3-5
Position 1
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
P a g e | 13
Symbol Position 1
sus
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-3-4-5
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
P a g e | 14
Position 2
Symbol Position 1
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
6
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-3-5-6
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
P a g e | 15
Position 2
Symbol Position 1
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
6add9
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-3-5-6-9
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
1-3-6-9
P a g e | 16
1-5-6-9
Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
1-3-6-9
P a g e | 17
1-5-6-9
Symbol Position 1
add9
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-3-5-9
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
P a g e | 18
Position 2
Symbol Position 1
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
M7 * Major7 * maj7 * ⁷
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-3-5-7
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
P a g e | 19 Position 2
Symbol Position 1
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
M9 * Major9 * maj9 * ⁹
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-3-5-7-9
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
1-3-7-9
1-5-7-9
P a g e | 20
Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
1-3-7-9
1-5-7-9
P a g e | 21
Symbol Position 1
M11 * Major11 * maj11 * ¹¹
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-3-5-7-9-11
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
1-3-7-11
1-5-7-11
P a g e | 22
Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
1-3-7-11
1-5-7-11
P a g e | 23
Symbol Position 1
M13 * Major13 * maj13 * ¹³
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-3-5-7-9-1113
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
1-3-7-13
Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
1-3-7-13
P a g e | 24
1-5-7-13
Symbol Position 1
M7#11 * Major7#11 * maj7#11 * ⁷#¹¹
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-3-5-7-#11
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
1-3-7- #11
P a g e | 25
1-5-7- #11
Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
1-3-7- #11
P a g e | 26
1-5-7- #11
P a g e | 27
Chord Formulas Symbol
Chord Formula
* Major * maj * M
1-3-5
sus
1-3-4-5
6
1-3-5-6
6add9
1-3-5-6-9
add9
1-3-5-9
M7 * Major7 * maj7 * ⁷
1-3-5-7
M9 * Major9 * maj9 * ⁹
1-3-5-7-9
M11 * Major11 * maj11 * ¹¹
1-3-5-7-9-11
M13 * Major13 * maj13 * ¹³
1-3-5-7-9-11-13
M7#11 * Major7#11 * maj7#11 * ⁷#¹¹
1-3-5-7-#11
(In relation to the Major Scale)
P a g e | 28
Chapter 2 MINOR CHORDS The diagrams and the (turned around) photographs illustrate your viewpoint when you’re holding the bass.
Symbol Position 1
m * Minor * min *
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-b3-5
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
P a g e | 29 Position 2
Symbol Position 1
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
Msus
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-b3-4-5
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
P a g e | 30
Position 2
Symbol Position 1
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
m6
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-b3-5-6
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
P a g e | 31 Position 2
Symbol
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
mb6
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-b3-5-b6
Position 1
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
P a g e | 32
Symbol Position 1
m6/9
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-b3-5-6-9
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
1-b3-6-9
Symbol Position 1
mb6/9
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-b3-5-b6-9
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
1-b3-b6-9
P a g e | 33
Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
1-b3-b6-9
Symbol Position 1
madd9
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-b3-5-9
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top-string or the octave thereof (third string)
P a g e | 34
Position 2
Symbol Position 1
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
m7 * Minor7 * min7 * m⁷
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-b3-5-b7
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
P a g e | 35
Position 2
Symbol Position 1
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
m9 * Minor9 * min9 * m⁹
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-b3-5-b7-9
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
1-b3-b7-9
P a g e | 36
Symbol Position 1
m11 * Minor11 * min11 * m¹¹
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-b3-5-b79-11
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
1-b3-b7-11
1-b3-9-11
P a g e | 37
Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
1-b3-b7-11
P a g e | 38
Symbol Position 1
m13 * Minor13 * min13 * m¹³
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-b3-5-b79-11-13
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
1-b3-b7-13
Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
1-b3-b7-13
P a g e | 39
Symbol Position 1
mb13 * Minor flat 13 * minb13 * mb¹³
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-b3-5-b79-11-b13
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
1-b3-b7-b13
Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
1-b3-b7-b13
P a g e | 40
Symbol
m/maj7 * Minor/Major7 * min/maj7
Position 1
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-b3-5-(♮)7
P a g e | 41
Chord Formulas Symbol
Chord Formula
m * Minor * min *
1-b3-5
Msus
1-b3-4-5
m6
1-b3-5-6
mb6
1-b3-5-b6
m6/9
1-b3-5-6-9
mb6/9
1-b3-5-b6-9
madd9
1-b3-5-9
m7 * Minor7 * min7 * m⁷
1-b3-5-b7
m9 * Minor9 * min9 * m⁹
1-b3-5-b7-9
m11 * Minor11 * min11 * m¹¹
1-b3-5-b7-9 -11
m13 * Minor13 * min13 * m¹³
1-b3-5-b7-9 -11-13
mb13 * Minor flat 13 * minb13 * mb¹³
1-b3-5-b7-9-11- b13
m/maj7 * Minor/Major7 * min/maj7
1-b3-5-(♮)7
(In relation to the Major Scale)
P a g e | 42
Chapter 3 DOMINANT SEVENTH CHORDS The diagrams and the (turned around) photographs illustrate your viewpoint when you’re holding the bass.
Symbol
7 * Seventh
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-3-5-b7
Position 1
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
P a g e | 43
Symbol Position 1
9 * Ninth
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-3-5-b7-9
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
1-3-b7-9
1-5-b7-9
Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
1-3-b7-9
P a g e | 44
1-5-b7-9
Symbol Position 1
11 * Eleventh
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-3-5-b7-9-11
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
1-3-b7-11
P a g e | 45
1-5-b7-11
1-b7-9-11
P a g e | 46 Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
1-3-b7-11
1-5-b7-11
P a g e | 47
1-b7-9-11
Formula
1-3-5-b7-9-1113
Symbol
13 * Thirteenth
Position 1
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
(In relation to the Major Scale)
1-3-b7-13
P a g e | 48
1-b7-9-13
1-b7-11-13
P a g e | 49 Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
1-3-b7-13
1-5-b7-13
1-b7-9-13
P a g e | 50
1-b7-11-13
Symbol Position 1
7b5
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-3-b5-b7
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
P a g e | 51 Position 2
Symbol Position 1
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
7b9
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-3-5-b7-b9
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
1-3-b7-b9
1-5-b7-b9
P a g e | 52
Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
1-5-b7-b9
Symbol Position 1
7#9
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-3-5-b7-#9
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
1-3-b7-#9
P a g e | 53
1-5-b7-#9
Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
1-3-b7-#9
1-5-b7-#9
P a g e | 54
Symbol Position 1
7#11
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-3-5-b7-9-#11
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
1-3-b7-#11
1-5-b7-#11
P a g e | 55
1-b7-9-#11
Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
1-3-b7-#11
1-5-b7-#11
P a g e | 56
1-b7-9-#11
Chord Formulas Symbol
Chord Formula
7 * Seventh
1-3-5-b7
9 * Ninth
1-3-5-b7-9
11 * Eleventh
1-3-5-b7-9-11
13 * Thirteenth
1-3-5-b7-9-11-13
7b5
1-3-b5-b7
7b9
1-3-5-b7-b9
7#9
1-3-5-b7-#9
7#11
1-3-5-b7-9 -#11
(In relation to the Major Scale)
P a g e | 57
Chapter 4 AUGMENTED AND DIMINISHED CHORDS The diagrams and the (turned around) photographs illustrate your viewpoint when you’re holding the bass.
Symbol
Augmented * aug
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-3-#5
Position 1
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
P a g e | 58
Symbol Position 1
7#5
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-3-#5-b7
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
P a g e | 59 Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
Symbol
Diminished * dim
Position 1
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-b3-b5
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
P a g e | 60
Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
P a g e | 61
Symbol
m7b5 * Minor 7 Flat 5 * ⁻⁷b⁵
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-b3-b5-b7
Position 1
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
Symbol Position 1
Diminished 7th * dim7
Formula (In relation to the Major Scale)
1-b3-b5-bb7
Position 1 is calculated with the root note on the top string or the octave thereof (third string)
P a g e | 62
Position 2
Position 2 is calculated with the root note on the second string or the octave thereof (fourth string)
Chord Formulas Symbol
Chord Formula
Augmented * aug
1-3-#5
7#5
1-3-#5-b7
Diminished * dim
1-b3-b5
m7b5 * Minor 7 Flat 5 * ⁻⁷b⁵
1-b3-b5-b7
Diminished 7th * dim7
1-b3-b5-bb7
(In relation to the Major Scale)
P a g e | 63
Chapter 5 CHORD PROGRESSIONS Chord Progression III – VI – II – V – I Major Keys
Roman Numeral Chord C Major G Major D Major A Major E Major B Major F# Major C# Major F Major Bb Major Eb Major Ab Major Db Major Gb Major Cb Major
Natural Minor Keys
Roman Numeral Chord A Minor E Minor B Minor F# Minor C# Minor G# Minor D# Minor A# Minor D Minor G Minor C Minor F Minor Bb Minor Eb Minor Ab Minor
Harmonic Minor Keys
Roman Numeral Chord A Minor E Minor B Minor F# Minor C# Minor G# Minor D# Minor A# Minor D Minor G Minor C Minor F Minor Bb Minor Eb Minor Ab Minor
III Minor E B F# C# G# D# A# E#
VI Minor A E B F# C# G# D# A#
II Minor D A E B F# C# G# D#
V Seventh G D A E B F# C# G#
I Major C G D A E B F# C#
A D G C F Bb Eb
D G C F Bb Eb Ab
G C F Bb Eb Ab Db
C F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb
F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb
III Major C G D A E B F# C#
VI Major F C G D A E B F#
II Diminished B F# C# G# D# A# E# B#
V Minor E B F# C# G# D# A# E#
I Minor A E B F# C# G# D# A#
F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb
Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb Fb
E A D G C F Bb
A D G C F Bb Eb
D G C F Bb Eb Ab
III Augmented C G D A E B F# C#
VI Major F C G D A E B F#
II Diminished B F# C# G# D# A# E# B#
V Major E B F# C# G# D# A# E#
I Minor A E B F# C# G# D# A#
F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb
Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb Fb
E A D G C F Bb
A D G C F Bb Eb
D G C F Bb Eb Ab
P a g e | 64 Melodic Minor Keys
Roman Numeral Chord A Minor E Minor B Minor F# Minor C# Minor G# Minor D# Minor A# Minor D Minor G Minor C Minor F Minor Bb Minor Eb Minor Ab Minor
III Augmented C G D A E B F# C#
VI Diminished F# C# G# D# A# E# B# F##
II Minor B F# C# G# D# A# E# B#
V Major E B F# C# G# D# A# E#
I Minor A E B F# C# G# D# A#
F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb
B E A D G C F
E A D G C F Bb
A D G C F Bb Eb
D G C F Bb Eb Ab
Chord Progression III – VI – IV – VII – I Major Keys
Roman Numeral Chord C Major G Major D Major A Major E Major B Major F# Major C# Major F Major Bb Major Eb Major Ab Major Db Major Gb Major Cb Major
Natural Minor Keys
Roman Numeral Chord A Minor E Minor B Minor F# Minor C# Minor G# Minor D# Minor A# Minor D Minor G Minor C Minor F Minor Bb Minor Eb Minor Ab Minor
III Minor E B F# C# G# D# A# E#
VI Minor A E B F# C# G# D# A#
IV Major F C G D A E B F#
VII Diminished B F# C# G# D# A# E# B#
I Major C G D A E B F# C#
A D G C F Bb Eb
D G C F Bb Eb Ab
Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb Fb
E A D G C F Bb
F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb
III Major C G D A E B F# C#
VI Major F C G D A E B F#
IV Minor D A E B F# C# G# D#
VII Major G D A E B F# C# G#
I Minor A E B F# C# G# D# A#
F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb
Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb Fb
G C F Bb Eb Ab Db
C F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb
D G C F Bb Eb Ab
P a g e | 65 Harmonic Minor Keys
Roman Numeral Chord A Minor E Minor B Minor F# Minor C# Minor G# Minor D# Minor A# Minor D Minor G Minor C Minor F Minor Bb Minor Eb Minor Ab Minor
Melodic Minor Keys
Roman Numeral Chord A Minor E Minor B Minor F# Minor C# Minor G# Minor D# Minor A# Minor D Minor G Minor C Minor F Minor Bb Minor Eb Minor Ab Minor
III Augmented C G D A E B F# C#
VI Major F C G D A E B F#
IV Minor D A E B F# C# G# D#
VII Diminished 7th G# D# A# E# B# F## C## G##
I Minor A E B F# C# G# D# A#
F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb
Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb Fb
G C F Bb Eb Ab Db
C# F# B E A D G
D G C F Bb Eb Ab
III Augmented C G D A E B F# C#
VI Diminished F# C# G# D# A# E# B# F##
IV Major D A E B F# C# G# D#
VII Diminished G# D# A# E# B# F## C## G##
I Minor A E B F# C# G# D# A#
F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb
B E A D G C F
G C F Bb Eb Ab Db
C# F# B E A D G
D G C F Bb Eb Ab
Chord Progression III – VI – II – VII – I Major Keys
Roman Numeral Chord C Major G Major D Major A Major E Major B Major F# Major C# Major F Major Bb Major Eb Major Ab Major Db Major Gb Major Cb Major
III Minor E B F# C# G# D# A# E#
VI Minor A E B F# C# G# D# A#
II Minor D A E B F# C# G# D#
VII Diminished B F# C# G# D# A# E# B#
I Major C G D A E B F# C#
A D G C F Bb Eb
D G C F Bb Eb Ab
G C F Bb Eb Ab Db
E A D G C F Bb
F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb
P a g e | 66 Natural Minor Keys
Roman Numeral Chord A Minor E Minor B Minor F# Minor C# Minor G# Minor D# Minor A# Minor D Minor G Minor C Minor F Minor Bb Minor Eb Minor Ab Minor
Harmonic Minor Keys
Roman Numeral Chord A Minor E Minor B Minor F# Minor C# Minor G# Minor D# Minor A# Minor D Minor G Minor C Minor F Minor Bb Minor Eb Minor Ab Minor
Melodic Minor Keys
Roman Numeral Chord A Minor E Minor B Minor F# Minor C# Minor G# Minor D# Minor A# Minor D Minor G Minor C Minor F Minor Bb Minor Eb Minor Ab Minor
III Major C G D A E B F# C#
VI Major F C G D A E B F#
II Diminished B F# C# G# D# A# E# B#
VII Major G D A E B F# C# G#
I Minor A E B F# C# G# D# A#
F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb
Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb Fb
E A D G C F Bb
C F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb
D G C F Bb Eb Ab
III Augmented C G D A E B F# C#
VI Major F C G D A E B F#
II Diminished B F# C# G# D# A# E# B#
VII Diminished 7th G# D# A# E# B# F## C## G##
I Minor A E B F# C# G# D# A#
F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb
Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb Fb
E A D G C F Bb
C# F# B E A D G
D G C F Bb Eb Ab
III Augmented C G D A E B F# C#
VI Diminished F# C# G# D# A# E# B# F##
II Minor B F# C# G# D# A# E# B#
VII Diminished G# D# A# E# B# F## C## G##
I Minor A E B F# C# G# D# A#
F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb
B E A D G C F
E A D G C F Bb
C# F# B E A D G
D G C F Bb Eb Ab
P a g e | 67
Chord Progression III – VI – IV – V – I Major Keys
Roman Numeral Chord C Major G Major D Major A Major E Major B Major F# Major C# Major F Major Bb Major Eb Major Ab Major Db Major Gb Major Cb Major
Natural Minor Keys
Roman Numeral Chord A Minor E Minor B Minor F# Minor C# Minor G# Minor D# Minor A# Minor D Minor G Minor C Minor F Minor Bb Minor Eb Minor Ab Minor
Harmonic Minor Keys
Roman Numeral Chord A Minor E Minor B Minor F# Minor C# Minor G# Minor D# Minor A# Minor D Minor G Minor C Minor F Minor Bb Minor Eb Minor Ab Minor
III Minor E B F# C# G# D# A# E#
VI Minor A E B F# C# G# D# A#
IV Major F C G D A E B F#
V Seventh G D A E B F# C# G#
I Major C G D A E B F# C#
A D G C F Bb Eb
D G C F Bb Eb Ab
Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb Fb
C F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb
F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb
III Major C G D A E B F# C#
VI Major F C G D A E B F#
IV Minor D A E B F# C# G# D#
V Minor E B F# C# G# D# A# E#
I Minor A E B F# C# G# D# A#
F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb
Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb Fb
G C F Bb Eb Ab Db
A D G C F Bb Eb
D G C F Bb Eb Ab
III Augmented C G D A E B F# C#
VI Major F C G D A E B F#
IV Minor D A E B F# C# G# D#
V Major E B F# C# G# D# A# E#
I Minor A E B F# C# G# D# A#
F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb
Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb Fb
G C F Bb Eb Ab Db
A D G C F Bb Eb
D G C F Bb Eb Ab
P a g e | 68 Melodic Minor Keys
Roman Numeral Chord A Minor E Minor B Minor F# Minor C# Minor G# Minor D# Minor A# Minor D Minor G Minor C Minor F Minor Bb Minor Eb Minor Ab Minor
III Augmented C G D A E B F# C#
VI Diminished F# C# G# D# A# E# B# F##
IV Major D A E B F# C# G# D#
V Major E B F# C# G# D# A# E#
I Minor A E B F# C# G# D# A#
F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb
B E A D G C F
G C F Bb Eb Ab Db
A D G C F Bb Eb
D G C F Bb Eb Ab
Chord Progression I – IV – V 12-Bar Blues
Roman Numeral Chord C G D A E B F# C#
I Seventh C7 G7 D7 A7 E7 B7 F#7 C#7
IV Seventh F7 C7 G7 D7 A7 E7 B7 F#7
V Seventh G7 D7 A7 E7 B7 F#7 C#7 G#7
F Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb
F7 Bb7 Eb7 Ab7 Db7 Gb7 Cb7
Bb7 Eb7 Ab7 Db7 Gb7 Cb7 Fb7
C7 F7 Bb7 Eb7 Ab7 Db7 Gb7
P a g e | 69
Chord Progression Ascending Fourths [Practice all chord types] F
Bb
Eb
Ab
Db
Gb
Cb/B
E
A
D
G
C
F
Eb
Bb
F
Chord Progression Descending Fourths [Practice all chord types] F
C
G
D
A
E
Cb/B
Gb
Db
Ab
P a g e | 70
Chord Progression Ascending Fifths [Practice all chord types] F
C
G
D
A
E
B
F#
C#
G#
D#
A#
F
D
G
C
F
Chord Progression Descending Fifths [Practice all chord types] F
A#
D#
G#
C#
F#
B
E
A