Video 3 – 1-8-3 Bass Chords

Using Thirds to Create Very Cool
Mini-Chords on Your Bass

Intro to Bass Theory | Octave Pattern | Mini Bass Chords

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Decoding The Bass Guitar

In the last video I showed you how you can use the octave pattern to add a little spice to your bass playing. If you want to learn how to play other musical instruments such as piano you can visit this blog the different piano pedalling techniques for help. A very simple trick, with a great payoff.

In this video I showed you how you can take the concepts from the first video and the second, merge them together, and come up with a chord-like pattern that sounds really rich and very melodic. Please note this isn’t an actual chord, as you’re missing the 5 note.

I use this 1-8-3 pattern quite frequently now. If I want a little extra punch, I might hit all three notes at once. If I’m looking for a very mellow sound, I’ll probably hit the root note first, then pluck the other two strings at the same time to really let that third ring through. The key is to really play around with it until you can make it your own.

In Decoding the Bass Guitar I give you the tools you need to find these types of patterns on your own. The technique is simple, but powerful… and there are many other patterns like this just waiting for you to play them.

Have you heard of my No Weasel Clauses Satisfaction Guarantee? I give you a full 90 days to try out Decoding the Bass Guitar, and if you’re not 100% satisfied, I’ll give you a full refund. So I’m taking on all the risk here – you only end up paying if you improve!

Questions or Comments? Leave one below.

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Decoding The Bass Guitar

14 Responses to Video 3 – 1-8-3 Bass Chords
  1. Robert
    July 1, 2010 | 10:37 am

    What is the difference between a 6-string Bass, a 5-string and a regular 4-string Bass? Is a 6-string the ideal instrument to start learning the Bass? If not, what is the best to start with? I believe the extra 2 strings on a 6-string-Bass are a “B” & a “C”. I notice that a 6-string can’t be tuned up like one does for a regular guitar. Am I right?
    Please advise

    I think that the Bass is not only a rhythmic but also a melodic instrument today. When I checked Laboriel’s fingering / playing, I certainly believe it. He plays chords and presents the melodic side of Bass playing.What is your opinion on my assertion?

    Robert

    Robert

    • Jonathan
      July 1, 2010 | 5:54 pm

      Hi Robert,

      Yes, you’re right on the two extra string tunings. Personally I like the 5 string… 4 seems limited, considering what you can do with the extra string. In my opinion, a 6 would be nice, but now you’re getting into some fairly high notes, for the bass, so you’re going to need to incorporate that into your playing. Perfect for someone who understands chords and is going for that more melodic sound, but probably not ideal for everyone.

      Abraham Laboriel is an amazing player; he definitely uses chords a lot in his playing, and yes, I’d tend to agree with you, that there is a lot more melodic stuff that can be done with the bass than the straight bass line many like to stick with.

      That’s kind of the direction I was going with this 1-8-3 pattern – you can really use it melodically.

  2. Linda Sumner
    July 3, 2010 | 10:57 am

    Did I get on a Bass guitar list by mistake? I am only playing a regular guitar and am only getting bass guitar lessons. Are you only doing that for a while? Just wondering.

  3. Wayne
    July 5, 2010 | 11:37 am

    Hey Jonothan that’s very easy thanks
    God bless
    Wayne

  4. Andrew
    July 5, 2010 | 8:01 pm

    Hi Jonothan

    I had a mate buy me your Decoding the Bass DVD and I just got the call to let me know it has turned up.

    We are in Australia and I have really enjoyed the couple of free vids you have sent through. My head has been thinking along the lines you are explaining but you really explain it well.

    Can’t wait to see the DVD, keep up the great work and when our band goes somwhere I’ll give you the credit… :o)

  5. Minister Bernard Harrell
    July 15, 2010 | 11:31 am

    Hi Jonothan
    I really enjoyed your decoding the bass lesson download. I can not wait for the next lesson. I am programing my bain to think numbers, keep up the good work.

  6. stephanie
    August 11, 2010 | 10:44 pm

    Ilove what you send nd unfortunately i can’t really play my bass at this time because i have so many things going on at once i keep tripping over myself but you are motivating me to pick it up and start palying again. … i am a drummer by profession and i just got a gig offer and i am not sre i have time for that even. oh boy what a mess.
    thanx for this gift hyou give us
    stephanie

  7. chetos
    August 17, 2010 | 1:09 pm

    YOU SUCK!!!!!!!

  8. Skip
    September 4, 2010 | 7:00 pm

    Hi Jon,

    I love the DVD – are the follow-up videos a permanent thing or do you plan additional DVD’s in the future? If so will the members who have already purchased have access?

    Skip

    • Jonathan
      September 6, 2010 | 9:05 am

      Hi Skip, if I do any updates to this current lesson, you’ll get those for free, for sure. However, if I release a brand new lesson, that won’t be included.. (though I’ll likely give existing members a good deal on that!). Cheers.

  9. alisina
    March 6, 2011 | 9:46 pm

    thanks sir for the th video it is really great i liked it alot thanks again bye

  10. alisina
    March 10, 2011 | 12:12 am

    hi sir thanks for video
    it really great

  11. TIM MCRANEY
    September 3, 2013 | 9:18 pm

    THANKS JONTHAN
    THIS REALLY IS A GREAT REFRESHER THE VIDEOS ARE GREAT
    YOU USE TONE AND SIMITONE IM USED TO WHOLE STEP HALF STEP BUT I CAN ADAPT ,,GREAT JOB THANKS.

  12. Adewumi Moses
    September 11, 2013 | 12:51 am

    Pls how can i get your DVD here in Nigeria cause i really av passion 4 bass guitar but can’t find sum1 like u 2 teach me.