Play Bass NOW Using Cheat Chords

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The bass guitar is foundational to a band yet typically overlooked when putting a band together. You probably have heard that, “Anyone can play bass.” However, when you have a great bass player, it can make more of difference than a great lead guitarist. It takes a lot to get there, but getting started is easier on bass than just about anything else. 

Like a Guitar 

One of the great things about bass guitar is that it’s very similar to a guitar. The strings play the same notes as the top 4 strings of a guitar, E A D G (top to bottom) That means that scales are the same and you can watch, follow and play along with whatever the guitarist is playing… But the best part as far as getting started is that you only need to play 1 finger at a time. 

Only 1 Finger?

Not necessarily, but technically, you could play in a band the rest of your life and fill out the overall sound with only 1 finger at a time. 

The Hard Way or the “Cheat” Way? 

The hard way is learn where every note on the neck is and then follow a chord sheet or sheet music and play what’s on the page. However, there is an easier way… I actually teach 2 methods or “tools” that can help you play NOW and then learn the notes and where they are on the neck as you go. 

Tool #1 - Bass Cheat Chords

Learning where every note is on the neck is hard, but what if you only had to know the names of the strings which is the note that sounds when you play that string open (without a finger pressing down). E, A, D, G are the open positions/ names of the strings on a 4 string bass guitar. 

The next step is to identify where the fret markers are. Not always, but most of the time they’re on frets, 3, 5, 7, 9, & 12. 12 has 2 dots or markers. The fret markers let you find any fret number quickly. 

Lastly, take the chord sheet and write out the location of each bass note. If it’s G, write (E3). E3 means play the E string on the 3rd fret. This gives you a “cheat” to know where to play instead of trying to remember that G is on the 3rd fret of the E string. G is (E3), Am is (E5), C is (A3), D is (A5), and Em is (A7). For first time bass players, I write a list of the chords on the right side of the chord sheet and then the cheat beside it. Using this tool, I’ve had students playing bass in a worship band very quickly when we needed someone fast. 

Tool #2 - Bass Neck Patterns 

This one is a bit more advanced, but incredibly helpful and simple. If you know what key you’re in, that note name is represented by “1” or Roman numeral I. Then you find 2(ii), 4(IV), 5(V) & 6(vi). Most worship songs don’t play beyond these 5 chords, but writing down all your chords as in tool #1, will help you identify anything out of the ordinary. 

Look at the Cheat Sheet for “Bass Neck Patterns.” You can see the Roman numerals and the pattern that the different keys share. In the key of G you have the 5 chords - G(1), Am(2), C(4), D(5), Em(6). Using Tool #1 you get - (E3), (E5), (A3), (A5), (A7). This pattern works for any key and you’re able to move up and down the neck or go up a string if necessary. 

It even works great if the band leader changes the key of the song at the last minute. If they go up to A from G, slide it up 2 frets and use the same pattern… That means that in the key of A you have the 5 chords - A(1), Bm(2), D(4), E(5), F#m(6). Using Tool #1 you get - (E5), (E7), (A5), (A7), (A9).  

Like I said, Tool #2 is a bit more advanced, but if you’re already playing, this is a handy “Cheat” to change keys on the fly and not stress over the details. I’ve know great bass players that didn’t know what notes they were playing and just used the different patterns for the different keys. 

What about the right hand?

There are many different methods of plucking, slapping, picking, “oh my…”  But for a beginner, rest your right thumb either on the thumb test (if there is one) or on the pickguard (if there is one) or on the bass itself right above the strings. This lets you have a point of reference for where the strings are so that you’re not staring at it all the time. Use your right index finger to pick the strings by pressing down gently on the lower side of the string and pulling it towards your thumb. Be consistent and don’t stress over it. You’ll develop your style and build confidence over time. 

What Rhythm Should You Play?

To start with, only pick the note for every chord change. As you gain confidence and consistency, follow the drummer and what they play on the kick drum and the strumming patterns on the guitar. And remember less is more! 

Make sure you connect the notes. Don’t let the note overlap the next note, but also don’t stop the note and leave a pause between the notes. If you’re unsure, record the rehearsal and play it back as if you’re the audience. It never sounds the same to the player as it does the audience. 

Lastly

I always encourage students to keep learning and not stop growing in musical skill and knowledge, but go ahead and play NOW…

Have questions? Let us know how we can help!

by Lance Maddox