In this bass lesson, you’ll learn 2 easy minor and major 10th shapes.
What are tenths on bass guitar?
Tenths on bass refer to major 3rds or minor 3rds played one octave higher.
For example, if you play the 8th note of the E string, you’ll play a “C” note. Then, if you play the 7th fret of the A string, you’ll play the “E” note, which is the major 3rd.
If you bring the “E” note up one octave, to the 9th fret of the G string, you’ll play the major 10th.
If you bring the “E” note on the G-string down a half-step, resulting in the note Eb, you’ll play the minor 10th.
How to play major 10th chords on bass
To play the C major 10th dyad:
- Put your first finger on the 8th fret of the E string (the C note)
- Put your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the G string (the E note)
How to play minor 10th chords on bass
To play the C minor 10th dyad:
- Put your middle finger on the 8th fret of the E string (the C note)
- Put your ring finger on the 8th fret of the G string (the Eb note)
What you can learn after tenths
After you’ve learned tenths I recommend diving straight into triads.
You could also move onto learning other intervals or 2-note chords.
See you in the next lessons!
