Idiot-Proof Bass Chords (2 Easy Chords for Any Song/Jam)

Get started with bass chords and avoid the mud. These 2 easy shapes work in any key, and you’ll still hold down the low end.

Bass chords can be awesome, but they can also be a huge muddy mess.

In this lesson, I’ll show you 2 easy bass chord shapes that work in any situation, anywhere on the bass (without sounding muddy).

Triads, the most common type of chord in rock/pop music, can cause problems on bass without some tweaking. So I’ll show you how we can take a basic triad and hack it apart into the super-usable chord shapes you’ll learn in this video.

Then I’ll show you how to play these two bass chord shapes, which are called “tenths,” in detail with fretting and plucking tips. (don’t worry, they’re super beginner-friendly)

After that we’ll jump right into playing some music along with Buffalo Springfield, Fleetwood Mac, and Alicia Keys.

But how do you know how to use these shapes to make your own music? It can be hit or miss to just guess without any theory. I’ll take you through the basic formula that most popular music uses, so you can come up with your own chord progressions that sound naturally good.

Then we’ll finish up by using the chord progression formula to write a quick song together. Plus I do some really good singing at 14m15. 😜

#easybasschords #NoobJoshApproved

[BassBuzz]

What’s your favorite song that uses bass chords?

[Mistshinobi]

Small thing, but I really appreciate you making these vids on a Squier Jazz Bass and not some $5, 000. Showing folks it's not just the gear that makes you sound and play well.

[Ferozz]

Dude i cant believe it. Im from Argentina (we speak Spanish) i've been studying english for many years and now watching yours videos i can understand you every Word that you said. You inspire me to keep going on with the music and also this beautifull instrument. Thanks!

[DacotaWolf]

I feel like you’re teaching is severely underrated. I’ll have to watch this a few times but I feel like you just simply filled in enormous gaps in music theory for me in just a few minutes. I thank you sir.

[LittleGenevieve]

I would press the golden buzzer for you, you deserve it.

[kirkbolas]

Lou Reed -Walk On The Wild Side- is where I learned to use this Root 10th technique when the band I was in covered the tune. The original had both an electric and an upright bass, whereas our cover band had just me on electric. Our keyboardist suggested I play the root-10th. It worked out quite well.

[TheAlmightyYaya]

I dig the post-production! The clear tab schemes and other graphics are big on the screen, the animations are easy and efficient, the cutting and sound effects always underline the lesson but are fun, the black background is soothing so you can keep your attention on what's going on. And of course the script, pedagogic-wise and fun-storytelling-wise... and you Josh! Thanks 🙏 - makes me wanna rock'n'roll, well, first pluck some decent tones together ✌️😁🎸👌

[daniB]

You're like my favorite bass teacher on YouTube, man. You explain everything so concisely. Merry Christmas, Josh!

[jasongandar]

You have to be like the best teacher for bass ever. You explain things in a way no one has ever showed me. I appreciate you for what you do. Keep up the amazing work

[gabrielefailla]

AT LAST! Someone who taught me how to play chords on bass the easiest way. Thanks so much Master Buzz

[Clanget]

This. Was. An. Awesome. Video.
Thanks very much for that.
It's a talent to be able to break down complex things down to the very fundamental things.
Thanks again.

[stewartent]

Man you're a genius I just want to thank you, in my short time of playing bass this video has made theory and songwriting click to me you're freaking genius you are the Bass

[YuNG_SaMCh]

Dude..., I messed up and bought your competitors lesson for a year. Your way of teaching is so much easier to comprehend. I'm a new bassist and I wish I would've found you first. Keep it up bro!

[antonhansson]

10:20 falling away with you?

Sick props to you man! I've leart so much from you in the short time I've played, you are an amazing teacher dude

[StrikerFTW]

I've been looking at tutorials all over YouTube and was getting really frustrated because many of them get into too complicated stuff for absolute beginners like myself. This video made me enjoy learning basst! Simple stuff, sounds great, makes me actually play something on my bass, frustration diminished! Thanks a lot!

[timwilliams]

As is often the case when I engage with Josh’s lessons, I don’t necessarily learn anything new, but the way he walks you through it gives me a new perspective somehow. I’m so appreciative for what you’re doing. The bassbuzz BA lessons are truly amazing if you have the patience.

[jasoncherry]

I’ve become a major fan of this page, I’m just getting started playing bass and your videos have really helped me jump into playing the bass. At my age I wasn’t sure if I would be able to make heads or tails of the bass but now I’m actually making sounds that don’t make my dog bark and growl at me. Thanks Josh!🎸🤘

[juanleon]

You're the best teacher I've ever met. Love your videos. Greetings from Costa Rica!

[jonhillman]

this is really useful. i've been using the 10th interval without knowing what it was and i was using it in a gimmicky way. this really opens things up for me.

[spoon]

I’ve been playing for almost a decade now and continue to check out these vids to both help me understand why I make the sounds I make (in terms of theory) and pick up a few shortcuts along the way. Cheers my guy 👌