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Today we’re going to talk about playing chords with notes other than the tonic in the bass – also known as “slash chords.” There is a very simple rule to understanding slash chords. The first note is the fundamental chord, after the slash is the bass note. So for instance, a D/F# is a D major chord with an F# in the bass.
The two most common methods of voicing a non-tonic slash chord use the 3rd or the 5th in the bass.
Here’s an example of a D/F#:
This chord is used by everyone from Brian May to your next-door neighbor, but a prime example would be Lynyrd Skynryd’s “Freebird.” Yeah, I said it. In many cases, I find myself skipping the open A string. Anyway, the most common way to fret the chord is by wrapping your thumb over the top of the neck to grab that F#, like this:
Now, here’s a D/A. Same bass note principle applies.
Do you hear how much more full the chord sounds when strummed? Notice how you can play an alternating bass bit? Here’s another way to play it (at the 7th fret), which gives extra emphasis to the 5th. I personally like playing from this position with this particular chord shape – it’s a great place to jump off.
Things start getting a little more complicated when we start talking about the 4th, 6th, and 7th etcetera in the bass, etc. Fortunately, I know the perfect song to help exemplify the concept – the intro and main verse riff of “Dear Prudence” by the Beatles
(Note: The following tab and chords are in Drop D tuning – D-A-D-G-B-E).
Accordingly, let’s continue to look at relatively common sub-bass chords from the D position, and the second chord of “Dear Prudence”. Here’s what is technically a D7, but could also be a D/C:
The next chord is technically a Gmaj7/B but could also be considered a Bm add G:
And to close out the lesson, here’s the last chord of the “Dear Prudence” riff, which, again, could be three different chords, A# aug6, Gm/maj7/A#, or D aug add4/A#.
If you choose to omit the F#, it becomes a Gm/A#, which is a brilliant chord, by the way. As with everything guitar-related, feel absolutely free to mess around and experiment with these chords.
Check out this VIDEO GUITAR LESSON ON CHORDS
If learning songs on guitar is your goal, I recommend you to check out these courses:
