Bass Arpeggio Exercises
Play each arpeggio from the root up to the octave and back: major and minor triads first, then maj7, 7, m7 and m7b5. Then play the diatonic arpeggio sequence through a key. Say the degrees (1, 3, 5, 7) while playing and use a metronome.
Arpeggio: C
Arpeggio: Am
Arpeggio: F
Arpeggio: G
Goal
Know the chord tones of every common chord on the bass. Arpeggios are the raw material for walking lines, fills and grooves that fit the harmony.
How to practise
- Start with major vs minor triads from the same root and hear the difference in the third.
- Add the seventh: maj7 (major seventh, one fret below the octave), 7 and m7 (minor seventh, two frets below the octave).
- Metronome at 60–70 BPM, quarter notes. Increase gradually.
- Play the diatonic sequence on the sheet: Imaj7, ii7, iii7, IVmaj7, V7, vi7, viiø7.
- Apply them over a ii–V–I in the progression player.
Self-check
Can you start each arpeggio from the 3rd or 5th? Can you play it from a root on the A string as well as the E string? Check notes with the chord builder.
Next steps
Read triads and seventh chords, then use arpeggios in bass walking ii–V–I.