Bass chord companion
Learn the C Power chord on bass with chord tones, intervals, playable arpeggios, and fretboard maps.
Play these tones one at a time to outline the chord. The maps show the complete formula; the numbered exercises give an ascending path, including extensions in their written octave.
Standard four-string bass: E1 – A1 – D2 – G2. String 4 is low E; string 1 is high G. Fingers 1–4 are index through little finger; 0 is open. Use comfortable hand positions and shift where indicated.
C Power Chord complete chord-tone map around string 4, fret 8. Choose individual tones for a bass line.
Follow steps 1–2 below. Keep one hand position.
| Step | Degree | Note | String / fret | Finger | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | C2 | 4 / 8 | 2 | Fret 7 |
| 2 | 5 | G2 | 3 / 10 | 4 | Fret 7 |
C Power Chord complete chord-tone map around string 3, fret 3. Choose individual tones for a bass line.
Follow steps 1–2 below. Keep one hand position.
| Step | Degree | Note | String / fret | Finger | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | C2 | 3 / 3 | 2 | Fret 2 |
| 2 | 5 | G2 | 2 / 5 | 4 | Fret 2 |
Every C Power Chord chord tone across the neck, with roots highlighted for quick orientation.
Frets 0–24. Select a position or tap a note to hear it.
Try these progressions to hear the harmony in context. On bass, outline each chord with individual target tones.
Power chords keep the harmony open while the root movement carries the riff.
Alternate the tonic and dominant roots for a direct rock or punk rhythm part.
| Degree | Interval | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Root | C |
| 5 | P5 | G |
1 – 5
Compound degrees retain their names: 9, 11, and 13 are extensions. A voicing may place their pitches in a closer register.