Chord Tones Essentials – Applying The Fifth

The fifth interval is a useful chord tone because it has a fairly neutral sound. We don’t have to worry too much about major/minor considerations.

Soul Style

For the first example we can create a simple bass line using the root and 5^th pattern for each chord: (Time: 1:55)

In the previous example we used only the 5^th above the root, but we can also use the 5^th below the root: (Time: 3:20)

We can also try using the 5^th as more of a small accent or hiccup in the groove: (Time: 4:35)

By combining the root, 5^th and octave patterns we can create some very interesting lines. (Time: 6:10)

Rock Style

For our rock style we can stick to the pedal bass line but we’re going to create more of an ostinato pattern using the root, 5^th and octave: (Time: 7:37)

Reggae Style

For the reggae style we can use our original bass line pattern while adding the 5^th pattern to create a more interesting line with smoother movement:

(Time: 9:35)

Note: In the recorded example I use variations on that core bass line for each repeat.

Jazz Style

In our jazz style we can start to make use of the 2 feel. The 2 feel is exactly what the term suggests: 2 notes per bar.

We play on beats 1 and 3. The easiest way to get started with this style is by simply playing a root – 5^th pattern. Root on beat 1, 5^th on beat 3: (Time: 11:42)

Exercise: Play along to the backing track and experiment with register. Move into different areas of the neck .