Root–Fifth Bass Exercise
Play the root of each chord on beat 1 and the fifth on beat 3 (or the rhythm shown). The fifth sits one string higher and two frets up from the root. Play the lines over the progressions on the sheet with a metronome, then try them over your own progressions.
Root and fifth on C
Root and fifth on F
Root and fifth on G
Root and fifth on A
Goal
Master the most common bass pattern of all and learn to outline any chord progression with just two notes per chord.
How to practise
- Shape: root on the E or A string, fifth one string higher, two frets up. The fifth below the root is at the same fret, one string lower.
- Start with half notes (root on 1, fifth on 3), then quarter notes, then add the octave.
- Metronome at 70–80 BPM. Lock in with the click; keep the notes their full length.
- Play over the progressions on the sheet, then loop I–IV–V or I–V–vi–IV in the progression player in different keys.
Self-check
The chord change should happen exactly on beat 1. Listen for clean transitions with no gap or buzz, and mute the previous note when moving.
Next steps
Add octaves, then bass arpeggios. Read bass basics and chord progressions.