120 Bass Chords: Charts, Fingerings, and Patterns Mastering the bass guitar involves understanding both rhythm and harmony. While bassists primarily play single-note lines, learning chords unlocks a deeper understanding of the fretboard, song structure, and arrangement.
This guide provides the charts, fingerings, and patterns needed to master chords on a standard 4-string bass. The Foundation of Bass Chords
Playing chords on a bass requires a different approach than on a guitar. Because low frequencies can easily sound muddy, bass chords are typically played higher up the neck (above the 5th fret) and often omit certain notes, like the fifth, to maintain clarity. The Formula Matrix
To build the 120 chord variations covered in this guide, you will apply 10 core chord qualities across all 12 musical keys ( Chord Quality Interval Formula Common Notation Major Triad Minor Triad 1 – ♭3 – 5 Diminished 1 – ♭3 – ♭5 Augmented 1 – 3 – ♯5 Major 7th 1 – 3 – 5 – 7 Cmaj7, CΔ7 Dominant 7th 1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7 Minor 7th 1 – ♭3 – 5 – ♭7 Half-Diminished 7th 1 – ♭3 – ♭5 – ♭7 Cm7♭5, Cø Minor-Major 7th 1 – ♭3 – 5 – 7 CmM7, Cm(maj7) Suspended 4th Essential Fretboard Chord Charts
The following fretboard shapes are movable. The root note ® determines the name of the chord. Align the root note with any fret on the E or A string to transpose the chord to your desired key. 1. Major Triad (Double-Stop Style) This shape omits the 5th to keep the low end clean. G String: 4th fret (Major 3rd) D String: Muted A String: 3rd fret (Root) E String: Muted 2. Minor Triad A compact shape perfect for dark, melancholy textures. G String: 5th fret (Minor 3rd) D String: 5th fret (Perfect 5th) A String: 3rd fret (Root) E String: Muted 3. Dominant 7th (Open Voicing) Spreading the notes across strings prevents a muddy tone. G String: 3rd fret (Minor 7th) D String: Muted A String: 4th fret (Major 3rd) E String: 3rd fret (Root) 4. Major 7th A lush, jazz-inspired chord shape. G String: 4th fret (Major 7th) D String: 2nd fret (Major 3rd) A String: 3rd fret (Root) E String: Muted 5. Minor 7th The quintessential shape for funk and R&B grooves. G String: 3rd fret (Minor 7th) D String: 1st fret (Minor 3rd) A String: 3rd fret (Root) E String: Muted Fingerings and Hand Mechanics
Proper hand positioning prevents injury and ensures every note rings out clearly.
The Left-Hand Pivot: Keep your thumb flat against the back of the neck, directly opposite your second finger. Do not wrap your thumb over the top of the fretboard.
Fingering Assignment: For standard triad shapes, use your index finger (1) for the root note, ring finger (3) for the fifth, and pinky (4) for the third.
Muting Technique: Use the flesh of your fretting fingers to gently rest against adjacent, unplayed strings. This stops unwanted sympathetic vibrations. 3 Essential Arpeggio Patterns
When playing in a band, you will rarely strum all the notes of a chord simultaneously. Instead, you will outline the chord using arpeggios (playing the notes one at a time). The Major Pop Pattern (1 – 3 – 5 – 6) Perfect for classic rock, country, and pop basslines.
G |———–2—| D |—–2—5—–| A |-3————-| E |—————| Use code with caution. The Walking Jazz Pattern (1 – 3 – 5 – 7)
The foundational building block for walking basslines over major seventh chords.
G |———4—–| D |—–2———| A |-3————-| E |—————| Use code with caution. The Blues/Funk Groove (1 – b3 – 4 – b5 – 5)
The classic minor blues scale pattern used to bridge chord transitions.
G |—————| D |———4—5-| A |-3—6———| E |—————| Use code with caution. Practice Routine for Mastery
To internalize all 120 variations, practice using the Cycle of Fifths. Start by playing a Major 7th chord shape on a C root. Move to an F root, then B♭, and continue through all 12 keys. Once you complete the circle, switch to the Minor 7th shape, and repeat the process. This routine builds muscle memory, trains your ears, and ensures complete fretboard familiarity.
To help me customize the next steps of your practice routine, let me know: What genre of music do you primarily play? Are you playing a 4-string, 5-string, or 6-string bass?
Do you prefer reading sheet music notation or tablature (TAB)?
I can provide specific chord progressions or backing tracks tailored to your goals.
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