Intermediate Guides Intermediate Bass Jake Skudder March 4, 2025 0 Comments

Introduction to Arpeggios and Chord Tones on Bass

Want to move beyond basic basslines and start playing more musically? Understanding arpeggios and chord tones will help you create melodic, expressive bass parts that fit perfectly with the music. This guide will show you how!

1. What Are Arpeggios & Chord Tones?

🎯 Chord Tones: The notes that make up a chord (root, 3rd, 5th, etc.). These are the most important notes in a bassline because they define the harmony.
🎯 Arpeggios: Playing the notes of a chord one at a time, instead of strumming them together. This is a great way to outline a chord and add movement to your basslines.

✅ Why Learn Them?

✔ Helps you create basslines that fit perfectly with chords.
✔ Makes it easier to improvise and jam with other musicians.
✔ Adds melody and expression to your playing.

2. Basic Arpeggio Shapes for Bass

Here are the most common arpeggios you’ll use in basslines:

A. Major Arpeggio (1 – 3 – 5) 🎵

Example: C Major Arpeggio (C – E – G)

G |—————–|
D |———2–5—|
A |——3———|
E |—————–|

📌 Use It In: Pop, rock, funk, and jazz basslines.

B. Minor Arpeggio (1 – ♭3 – 5) 🎶

Example: A Minor Arpeggio (A – C – E)

G |—————-|
D |———2–5–|
A |——3——–|
E |—————-|

📌 Use It In: Blues, rock, and metal for a darker sound.

C. Dominant 7th Arpeggio (1 – 3 – 5 – ♭7) 🎸

Example: G7 Arpeggio (G – B – D – F)

G |—————-3–|
D |———-2–5—–|
A |——-3———–|
E |——————-|

📌 Use It In: Funk, blues, and jazz grooves.

3. How to Practice Arpeggios on Bass

✅ Start Slow – Play arpeggios cleanly with even timing.
✅ Use a Metronome – Keep your rhythm tight.
✅ Play Along with Chord Progressions – Apply arpeggios in real music.
✅ Experiment with Different Rhythms – Don’t just play straight up and down.

Beginner Exercise

Play C Major, A Minor, and G7 arps one after the other.
Try creating a simple bassline using these arpeggios.

4. Songs That Use Arpeggios & Chord Tones

🎵 “Stand by Me” – Ben E. King (classic I-VI-IV-V progression).
🎵 “All About That Bass” – Meghan Trainor (walking bass with chord tones).
🎵 “Super Freak” – Rick James (funk bassline built on arpeggios).
🎵 “Autumn Leaves” – Jazz Standard (arpeggio-based walking bass).

5. Next Steps: Take Your Playing Further

🚀 Learn to Use Passing Notes – Add extra notes between chord tones for smoother lines.
🎼 Experiment with Inversions – Start arpeggios on different notes for variety.
🎸 Combine Arpeggios with Scales – Mix them into basslines and solos.