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Chordal Fingerstyle Study

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This study piece was written as a resource for working on the chordal fingerstyle technique, where the strings are played with the thumb and fingers in a similar way to that of a classical guitarist. As you’ll find out when working on this piece, it’s a technique that translates really well onto the bass guitar.

When learning this piece, you might find the following courses (all included in the monthly subscription cost) useful:

Don’t forget to hit the Download Resources button above to get the PDF transcription and audio files for this piece (available to subscribers only). The transcription is available with TAB and without, for those who wish to give their reading skills a workout.

This course is 42 MINUTES long and contains the following videos, each of which can be selected from the video player above:

1. Advanced Level - Chordal Fingerstyle Study

This video is a demonstration of the piece, performed on a Mayones Viking bass strung with stainless steel Rotosound strings for a bright tone.

2. Introduction

This video gives a brief overview of this piece and the technical challenges that it presents. It also offers some advice on finding the perfect tone for pieces like as this.

3. A Section

This lesson covers the opening theme which utilises the concept of repeated chord tones played over moving bass notes. This lesson covers bars 1-4 in the transcription.

4. B Section

This lesson covers the main theme which consists of an opening motif followed by two major seventh chords. This lesson covers bars 5-6 in the transcription.

5. C Section

This section introduces more chordal movement and some challenging fingerings. This lesson covers bars 7-13 in the accompanying transcription.

6. E Section

This section is a development of the line from letter B, with some alternative chord voicings introduced. This lesson covers bars 18-25 in the transcription.

7. F Section

This section develops the earlier C section, adding some legato runs into the established part. This lesson covers bars 26-36 in the transcription.

8. H Section

This section features a descending chord sequence in the upper register. Some of the fingerings required here are very challenging. This lesson covers bars 41-48.

9. Final Sections

This final lesson covers the remainder of the piece, which consists of repeats of earlier sections. This lesson covers bars 49-74.