How to Play Intro to Chord Arpeggios for Bass Guitar

Arpeggios are a critical note progression for bass players. The introduction to a bass guitar arpeggio chord should be smooth and relaxed. Bass players have to learn to assign the proper degree to each note that creates the scales and arpeggios.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Assign degrees to the scale being performed. The degree represents the notes being played in the note triad.

2. Label the first note in the major scale as the number 1. The 1 is assigned to the key note played in the scale. For example, with a C Major Scale the note C would be identified as 1.

3. Give a degree of 2 to the second note in the major scale. Using the C Major Scale again as the example, the D would be identified as the number 2.

4. Continue assigning scale degrees from 1 to 7. This degree system is especially useful in the creation of arpeggios where the degree is added to the Major or Minor chord progressions.

5. Practice playing several arpeggios for Major scales using this technique. Write the numbers in bold on a bass tablature to become comfortable with this notational style. Relax while playing and let the arpeggios flow naturally.