Topic: Guitar Chord Notation
Frequently I see cholds in sheet music written as, for example, D/F#, or G/B. How are such chords to be played?
- Russell_Harding
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Re: Guitar Chord Notation
This is a frequently asked question these are called slash chords D/F# for example means the note D is the chord and the note F# is the lowest note played in the chord all slash chords follow this rule: "the note to the left of the slash is the chord and the note to the right is the lowest note in the chord" 
"Growing old is not for sissies"
- bensonp
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Re: Guitar Chord Notation
Right on Russell. And you can get by just playing the chord and forgetting about the slash chord. Works for me.
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I have finally found happiness in my life. Guitars, singing, beer and camping. And they all intertwine wonderfully.
I have finally found happiness in my life. Guitars, singing, beer and camping. And they all intertwine wonderfully.
Re: Guitar Chord Notation
Russell and Bensonp,
Thank you both.
Ibexx
Re: Guitar Chord Notation
Hi ibexx, our compadres' are correct, but usually the slash chords would be played by the bass guitar, same thing really. i know ite an old post but only just joined..!
- Russell_Harding
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Re: Guitar Chord Notation
This is incorrect the reason for slash chords is more for chord voicing the bass usually plays the root and a slash chord is not restricted to first position forms, as an altered chord it can be played anywhere on the neck
janzi5 wrote:
Hi ibexx, our compadres' are correct, but usually the slash chords would be played by the bass guitar, same thing really. i know ite an old post but only just joined..!
"Growing old is not for sissies"
- Zurf
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Re: Guitar Chord Notation
As a bassist, I always played the alternate bass note of the chord when a slash chord came along.
Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
Re: Guitar Chord Notation
I find you can pretty much ignore the slash bass note when you're strumming but it makes a heck of a lot of difference when you're finger picking. The alternate bass note often gives the song a kind of running bass line while the actual chord doesn't change. It can be really effective.
"We cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening our own." (Ben Sweetland)
Re: Guitar Chord Notation
I agree with Greatbigdave on this one. Fingerstyle will require you to add that /note. AND, you'll like it. By the way Dave, how big is Great Big?
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Re: Guitar Chord Notation
Six feet five and about 230 pounds. When I tried to put in a user name there were lots of Daves so I tried Bigdave and that was taken so I put the great on and that worked.
"We cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening our own." (Ben Sweetland)
- mekidsmom
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Re: Guitar Chord Notation
totally off topic but WOW Greatbigdave... you are ONE BIG DUDE! My neck hurts just thinking of how far I'd have to tip my head to look up at you... 
Welcome to chordie, I don't think I've seen you around here yet!
teenie tiny 5'0"
aka Amy
Art and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder.
What constitutes excellent music is in the ears of the listener.
What constitutes excellent music is in the ears of the listener.
- steelstrings
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Re: Guitar Chord Notation
Wow. 6'5. I'm only 6'0 
I wish I was taller. I want to play basketball.
"Where you begin doesn't matter. Your willingness to start is what counts."
Without music life would be a mistake.
Country music is three chords and the truth.
Without music life would be a mistake.
Country music is three chords and the truth.
Re: Guitar Chord Notation
Thanks Amy it's nice to be here! It has it's good points being tall but big fingers can be a pain on the guitar sometimes. B7 for example comes out as FFRUPP as my fingers damp all the strings next door to the ones I'm supposed to be fretting!! Also you bang your head a lot. It is handy for basketball though!
Back on topic, a really nice example of a slash chord is on the first two chords in Handbags and Gladrags by Stereophonics. Its the same chord but the second time through starts with a different bass note. I have seen quite a few people play a different note altogether for that second chord because they don't realise it's only the bass note changing.
"We cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening our own." (Ben Sweetland)
Re: Guitar Chord Notation
Welcome too the site dave, tall and big is a good thing ( baseball football, etc. ) I am on the short side aka Fun Size.
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- Zurf
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Re: Guitar Chord Notation
steelstrings wrote:
Wow. 6'5. I'm only 6'0
What's stopping you? This guy was dwarfed by his team-mates in stature, but not in scoring: http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/page … tml?id=287
- Zurf
Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
- steelstrings
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Re: Guitar Chord Notation
lol. I thought there was a specific height to play basketball.
"Where you begin doesn't matter. Your willingness to start is what counts."
Without music life would be a mistake.
Country music is three chords and the truth.
Without music life would be a mistake.
Country music is three chords and the truth.
- mekidsmom
- The Chick Moderator
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Re: Guitar Chord Notation
dino48 wrote:
Welcome too the site dave, tall and big is a good thing ( baseball football, etc. ) I am on the short side aka Fun Size.
As the brunt of many a short joke, I haven't heard that one yet. I think I might take that and use it, instead of "vertically challenged"... I am "fun size"! LOVE IT!
Art and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder.
What constitutes excellent music is in the ears of the listener.
What constitutes excellent music is in the ears of the listener.