How to Play Chord/Bass Symbols

Review: Chord Symbols and Rhythms

This lesson assumes that you have already completed the Writing Music Lesson on Understanding Chord/Bass Symbols.

You should also have read the lesson on How to Play Chord Symbols.

Chords in Right Hand

Place the triad in the right hand.
Place the bass of the chord in the left hand. The bass of the chord is the note after the forward slash. If there is no forward slash, then the bass is the name of the chord.

G/B        

    

Chords in Left Hand

Play the melody in the right hand.
Place the triad in the left hand making sure the correct bass note is the lowest note.
This method is taught in many beginner books because it allows the pianist to play both melody and harmony.

G/B        

      

Playing the Exercise

For the next exercise play the chord however you wish, but make sure that the correct note is in the bass. You can play it as an arpeggio (one note at a time) or as a chord.