Idiot-Proof Bass Chords (2 Easy Chords for Any Song/Jam)

👉 My full beginner bass course: yeah.bassbuzz....
Get started with bass chords and avoid the mud. These 2 easy shapes work in any key, and you’ll still hold down the low end.
Bass Chord Progressions Cheat Sheet - www.bassbuzz.c...
Bass chords can be awesome, but they can also be a huge muddy mess.
In this lesson, I’ll show you 2 easy bass chord shapes that work in any situation, anywhere on the bass (without sounding muddy).
Triads, the most common type of chord in rock/pop music, can cause problems on bass without some tweaking. So I’ll show you how we can take a basic triad and hack it apart into the super-usable chord shapes you’ll learn in this video.
Then I’ll show you how to play these two bass chord shapes, which are called “tenths,” in detail with fretting and plucking tips. (don’t worry, they’re super beginner-friendly)
After that we’ll jump right into playing some music along with Buffalo Springfield, Fleetwood Mac, and Alicia Keys.
But how do you know how to use these shapes to make your own music? It can be hit or miss to just guess without any theory. I’ll take you through the basic formula that most popular music uses, so you can come up with your own chord progressions that sound naturally good.
Then we’ll finish up by using the chord progression formula to write a quick song together. Plus I do some really good singing at 14m15. 😜
Don’t miss the next free bass lesson! Subscribe here - yeah.bassbuzz....
#easybasschords #NoobJoshApproved

[@BassBuzz]

What’s your favorite song that uses bass chords?

[@robinmarsh3076]

BassBuzz does john the fisherman by primus count

[@ampharosgames7526]

nobody weird like me by victor wooten

[@rabanomartinez7759]

We Turn Red of RHCP

[@zzzyzzzyzzzyxxx]

Walk on the Wild Side

[@rabrown22000]

Tommy Shannon in Texas Flood

[@Mistshinobi]

Small thing, but I really appreciate you making these vids on a Squier Jazz Bass and not some $5,000. Showing folks it's not just the gear that makes you sound and play well.

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you! Trying to keep it real. :)

[@indywashere]

@@BassBuzz I especially appreciate it given that a squier j is the most expensive bass i own so far lol

[@indywashere]

@Pops Fereal agreed with that setup matters part. I've played a 70s rickenbacker set up so horribly that it makes me wish i had just played an Ibanez haha

[@courtneyyoung8356]

I have a Slammer! By Hammer! Just got it and starting out to play. My brother was playing like les claypool by the time he was 15 , he was amazing. I’ve been loving this new hobby and so far my favourite song I figured out to play along to is “a history of bad men” by the MELVINS! Lol I probably suck at it but it’s sooo fun. Definitely gonna sign up for a full course Josh, out of all the people on here, your teaching style is by far the best, and also most entertaining. Keep it up, and even somebody with the worlds tiniest hands and short ass fingers may have a chance :D hahaha

[@wannabecliffburton4275]

@@indywashere yeah I bought a Jackson in early September and I really need to get it set up properly because It buzzes like crazy with my clean tone from playing notes slowly.

[@Ferozz174]

Dude i cant believe it. Im from Argentina (we speak Spanish) i've been studying english for many years and now watching yours videos i can understand you every Word that you said. You inspire me to keep going on with the music and also this beautifull instrument. Thanks!

[@LittleGenevieve]

I would press the golden buzzer for you, you deserve it.

[@BassBuzz]

😊

[@FoxSaysWhat]

I feel like you’re teaching is severely underrated. I’ll have to watch this a few times but I feel like you just simply filled in enormous gaps in music theory for me in just a few minutes. I thank you sir.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Dacota!

[@daniB5000]

You're like my favorite bass teacher on KZbin, man. You explain everything so concisely. Merry Christmas, Josh!

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you! Merry Christmas to you too.

[@TheAlmightyYaya]

I dig the post-production! The clear tab schemes and other graphics are big on the screen, the animations are easy and efficient, the cutting and sound effects always underline the lesson but are fun, the black background is soothing so you can keep your attention on what's going on. And of course the script, pedagogic-wise and fun-storytelling-wise... and you Josh! YEAAAAAAH! Thanks 🙏 - makes me wanna rock'n'roll, well, first pluck some decent tones together ✌️😁🎸👌

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you! Rock away. :)

[@TheAlmightyYaya]

@@BassBuzz Woooooooosh!

[@jasongandar8208]

You have to be like the best teacher for bass ever. You explain things in a way no one has ever showed me. I appreciate you for what you do. Keep up the amazing work

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Jason!

[@YuNG_SaM1Ch]

Dude..., I messed up and bought your competitors lesson for a year. Your way of teaching is so much easier to comprehend. I'm a new bassist and I wish I would've found you first. Keep it up bro!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Alan! Glad it's working for you.

[@kirkbolas4985]

Lou Reed -Walk On The Wild Side- is where I learned to use this Root 10th technique when the band I was in covered the tune. The original had both an electric and an upright bass, whereas our cover band had just me on electric. Our keyboardist suggested I play the root-10th. It worked out quite well.

[@gabrielefailla8210]

AT LAST! Someone who taught me how to play chords on bass the easiest way. Thanks so much Master Buzz

[@Clanget]

This. Was. An. Awesome. Video. Thanks very much for that. It's a talent to be able to break down complex things down to the very fundamental things. Thanks again.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Tobias!

[@juanleon2732]

You're the best teacher I've ever met. Love your videos. Greetings from Costa Rica!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Juan, I appreciate that!

[@stewartent2009]

Man you're a genius I just want to thank you, in my short time of playing bass this video has made theory and songwriting click to me you're freaking genius you are the Bass idol!!!!!!!!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Stewart! Text BASS to Simon Cowell to vote for me. :P

[@jeffreyhahler3022]

Reading the comments I will be a testimonial for Josh. I bought his teaching program, had no knowledge of music period. Got rid of my cheap Chinese made bass and bought a Jack Casady Epiphone. I hit the lessons every day and have learned so much in just 3 weeks. These KZbin videos are great but the program is A+.

[@timwilliams3948]

As is often the case when I engage with Josh’s lessons, I don’t necessarily learn anything new, but the way he walks you through it gives me a new perspective somehow. I’m so appreciative for what you’re doing. The bassbuzz BA lessons are truly amazing if you have the patience.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Tim!

[@StrikerFTW]

I've been looking at tutorials all over KZbin and was getting really frustrated because many of them get into too complicated stuff for absolute beginners like myself. This video made me enjoy learning basst! Simple stuff, sounds great, makes me actually play something on my bass, frustration diminished! Thanks a lot!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Emil!

[@jasoncherry3404]

I’ve become a major fan of this page, I’m just getting started playing bass and your videos have really helped me jump into playing the bass. At my age I wasn’t sure if I would be able to make heads or tails of the bass but now I’m actually making sounds that don’t make my dog bark and growl at me. Thanks Josh!🎸🤘

[@325spoon]

I’ve been playing for almost a decade now and continue to check out these vids to both help me understand why I make the sounds I make (in terms of theory) and pick up a few shortcuts along the way. Cheers my guy 👌

[@antonhansson4362]

10:20 falling away with you? Sick props to you man! I've leart so much from you in the short time I've played, you are an amazing teacher dude

[@BassBuzz]

Good catch Anton! And thanks for the kind words. :)

[@codyhaderlie8455]

I was looking for this comment. Glad someone else heard it too :)

[@r1d246]

@@codyhaderlie8455 I know I'm late, but same here haha

[@bassdrummer9849]

Awesome indeed, massive underrated Muse song.

[@Godloves1994]

I love knowing more about bass, such an underrated instrument

[@watercolour7606]

Hi Josh. This lesson explains so much so quickly. Best part of your lesson is how you use real life examples to illustrate what you are teaching. Thank you.

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome!

[@oliver6131]

Dude, I had to pause your video just to comment that you are awesome. Thank you for providing some great material and making it easy to find links such as the cheat sheet. I just bought a bass and you are literarily my teacher lol

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Oliver! Glad I can help. :)

[@lewissennet7832]

Josh is single handedly teaching me bass from half way across the globe. If I had the money I'd buy you're course. It's unfortunate you bugger that up by providing such quality on KZbin

[@jonhillman871]

this is really useful. i've been using the 10th interval without knowing what it was and i was using it in a gimmicky way. this really opens things up for me.

[@gedwistle1974]

I've watched about a gazillion bass lesson vids on youtube and I have to say that this is undoubtedly the most useful and succinct one for beginner and intermediate bassists.

[@meso707]

Best music teacher ever. I say this as a psychological and pedagogical sciences major. Thanks a lot for the awesome vids 🙌

[@samuelg315]

Hey Josh. I took your Beginner to Badass course about a year ago. You are a fantastic teacher. I've missed your lessons. This one is a great example of your teaching style and ability to connect concepts to your students. Keep up the great work. (I'm looking forward to the "Intermediate to Super Badass" course!)

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Samuel!

[@deeplyable]

Im left handed but play right. I cant do nothing with my right hand but bass and guitar for w.e reason! I play rocksmith to learn and noticed on some songs i couldnt find the right rhythm, especially on songs i didnt know. Your videos helped out a ton, thank you!!

[@EricSmith-dx1ll]

you know the perfect time when to introduce the theory. it creates very understandable and functional lessons that help be grow as a beginner bass player!

[@exztaza]

I AM beginner bassist and your channel came from heaven for me !

[@itzzhunter.._]

I have to admit something I paid for a year of .... let's call it pots bass lessons. But I've learned more from these videos then I have in the 6 months I've learned from the paid one. Don't get me wrong I've leaned alot from the paid course, but if you don't already know theory alot of it goes over your head. Josh explains it in alot easier terms.

[@PatrickLarson]

The bass boxes really resonate with me. When I watch someone play bass it makes no sense until I can see the visual box. Great graphics! They really help visual learners. I also appreciate you playing on a Squier.

[@BassBuzz]

Glad the visuals are helpful Patrick!

[@EddyJames]

Thanks! Your teaching is so helpful! It’s saved me a cpl times when I got discouraged… you’ve kept me playing, and that, I think, is the mark of a great teacher. Thanks again.

[@Kianquenseda]

I'm 65 and your lessons are the best !!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Dennis!

[@christophe2987]

Hello, Nice lesson, this is much more than just two chords ! With this you can make 90 % of pop and rock music, and even record a LP !! Thanks a lot !

[@trixbox7]

This guy is the man - hands down best instructor on the web

[@TouchPerInch]

Thank so very much!!! I've been looking a well explained (plus exercises) about this!! You're a life savior 🤩. Definitely gonna add this to my practice routine ❤

[@MrMarekbH]

Love your approach...as an author of Bass Gym 101 books I appreciate great logic and practical adaptability of your lessons with minimalistic music theory (but not skipping it entirely as in many other popular methods, it so important to understand what you´re doing on the bass, it really pay offs in a long term). True gems! Big fan of yours here...best educational channel for the BASS!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Marek, appreciate what you do too!

[@rafprodrigues]

This video opens my mind about how to create songs in the bass! Thanks!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Rafael!

[@lockedfn-subpls]

Loved this 10th's lesson. I had started adding triads to my bass lined. They were muddy in the low 3rd of the neck. The 10th with no 5th is a great new trick for me, thanks a mill

[@danielmiller2886]

As an "ok" guitar player for the last 30 years, your videos have been great to help me as I have started playing bass at church. Even though the tuning is the same, the mindset is totally different. Thanks!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Daniel!

[@AmyClareTasker]

6:00 blew my mind! Playing rhythm on the E string while letting the 10th ring on the G string sounds SO GOOD! 🤩

[@adrianortega7581]

10:19 "Falling away with you" detetected You're a great bassist. Lov u

[@BassBuzz]

10 points to Griffindor! Thanks Adrian. :)

[@spamsingles5948]

Great song choice. Wasn't expecting that

[@santianzhinei]

No way! dreams is my favourite! thanks for the bass tab and covering

[@MrDucehands]

Thank you for your approach to helping other bridge the knowledge gap from theory into practice.

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome!

[@kuslers]

After 28 years of trucking my finger joints are buggered.have a hell of a time doing chords.I play mostly whole notes but will try.

[@revpaul301]

Fun learning with your course! Thank God!

[@aprameyakrishna7634]

I just bought a bass..like I haven't even started playing yet and it's stuck at college bcz of the lockdown and am at home...So I've just been watching these videos of yours and now I know am gonna get the hang of it soon n become a good bassist if I follow you throughout

[@TLKjoe]

THANK YOU SO MUCH I've been a player for 25 years and never knew what the "9th" or "11th" chords actually meant. Oh my God, it's just extended scale degrees into the next octave. Holy balls, I think I'm having a heart attack. This mystery has plagued me for a quarter century. Everyone else seemed to know what it meant, so I played along. I need to lay down. Oh my God.

[@milanmajercik9956]

Mister, you are a very talented teacher. And I love your style of humour.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Milan! 😊

[@ubam]

you are the embodiment of the bass didactic!

[@inkrebel1136]

Yes!! This is exactly what I needed! I’ve just gotten comfortable with power chords and was looking for another shape to tackle. Thanks!

[@jaimealvarez143]

What a nice lesson for beginners. I am a guitar player discovering the delights of bass guitar

[@BassBuzz]

Welcome to bass Jaime!

[@RabbiVannL]

All I can say is I can't wait until you cover this in your course, of which I am in module 5. My skills are on the upswing, and the folks I play with are taking serious notice. Thanks for being not just educational, but, most importantly, relatable. And tell Noobie Josh to keep practicing. He'll get there. LOL

[@jaypie0864]

Thanks for using a Squier too. It proves it's more about the player and less about the instrument.

[@Ponnybit]

so many tents going around i feel like camping!

[@BassBuzz]

Haha I stared blankly at the screen for like too many seconds after reading this. Ten pun points to Griffindor.

[@rebellane]

this deserves more like lol

[@rjp63vip]

Yo Josh! This works! You da maaaaan! Using the wisdom you shared in This video I wrote a groovy Melodic bassline for a song I'm writing . . Thank you

[@rjp63vip]

Yo Josh! This works! You da maaaaan! Using the wisdom you shared in This video I wrote a groovy Melodic bassline for a song I'm writing . . Thank you

[@samlelowitch]

This is a really useful and practical video. Thank you!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Sam!

[@garrycollins1054]

Thanks so much for this lesson Josh. You explained this so well, absolute lightbulb moment for me, thanks mate!

[@5150powder]

That bro was killer information. For me, where I am now, stone cold brilliant. Thanks Josh.

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome!

[@richardbrowne1670]

Thank you so much.... love from Australia 🇦🇺

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Richard!

[@shadebug]

Ooh, I just figured out how major scales work. I'd been working off that lesson where you taught us that BC and EF are always buddy close and extra friendly but then I used the chord chart to try and figure out where the notes were and paid attention and realised that it's 3,4 and 7,8 that are always together (which is easy because 4 and 8 are clearly the best numbers). So now I know all the major scales on one string and in a second I'll work out what happens when I drop down five frets on the next string but I'm not there yet so no spoilers

[@astika81]

honestly one of the more brilliant and useful lessons out there. it was useful to me even if I did know the content it just helped set it in my mind. Other tutors have a lot to learn from you.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Rami!

[@climaxxfb3770]

I usually don't subscribe so quickly. You are going to be huge! Great natural personality coming out, good production quality, and excellent teaching. I can already feel myself improving on bass despite being a guitar player and singer.

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@jeffevangelho9909]

I really enjoy your videos. I am a classical guitar player but have been learning bass guitar to accompany my teenage son who is a drummer. If I was still in the Bay Area I would try to get lessons.... thanks for the instruction!

[@espada9973]

Dude this lesson is fire! I found it really useful, it's good to have something nice to play straight from the beginning. Thanks!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome! 🔥

[@robertdavis.jr.3772]

Josh, I really enjoy your style of instruction. Back in early-mid 70's I played at bass in a high school garage band but have no formal music Ed. just hunt and peck through something we were trying to play. In 02 I had an Industrial mishap with uper spinal ing.(cadaver bones in me now) leaving some prob with right index and arm so I have taken the bass back up for some therapy to work the arm and hand. Jaco I will never be but I enjoy your instruction style and have learned a lot so far. Thank you and keep it coming. I'll be covering the rear guard. Robert Davis Jr.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Robert!

[@duard8652]

Best explanation ever. Multiple people IRL and online, including bandmates, tried to put bass chords into my head and failed. One vid and I can play some tunes. Next time can you show some ways to put these into a full band song?

[@BassBuzz]

Glad it helped Eduard! Just follow the steps at the end to stick em in a song, except you're working off an existing progression instead of creating one.

[@theadversarylight-bringing6980]

Educational and hilarious, cant think of a better way learn!

[@benquadinaros5069]

I've learnt so much in the last few days from you thank you sm

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Ben, glad I could help! 😊

[@Check-it-out]

Since you are my new favourite bass teacher i think i am entitled to make a request... Could you please do a video on Gospel ? Not because i go to church or anything... Hey, i am not even religious ! But it is great to practice speed and accuracy and sounds awesome as well. Thx !

[@pampurrs88]

Very good lesson Josh. Thank you! (Simon looked impressed)

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Pam!

[@adamsDevArt]

You are the best bass teacher ever! Thank you!! keep it up!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Adam, I appreciate that! Will do. :)

[@BridgetsYo-Yo]

Already learned something useful in the first two minutes your great man

[@udoti]

You are a great teacher and bassplayer!!!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Udo!

[@BlindTeoProductions]

I love your entertaining videos. Keep up the great work. I was thinking of starting some kind of instructional videos, but you got the basics handled. Yes, bad pun!

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you!

[@Chris_grafilionaire]

This helps so much. Thank you! 🤩

[@evelyngomenuka6026]

You make my quarantine days better ❤🎶

[@kwt7667g]

Loving the music theory! Putting it all together; especially at the end!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Ken!

[@richardbrice3499]

An excellent teacher, really useful.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Richard!

[@prospergreat8543]

I'm in love with your teaching

[@jamesdeanhernandez7864]

Thamk you ! Mr bassBuzz I always learn new things from you.

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome James!

[@Katy_Fair]

Great instructive video. I've bought myself a base as a 30th birthday present, very excited to get stuck in with more of your videos and start playing something that sounds half decent!

[@charlescdt6509]

Yep the evil 4 chords in EVERY pop song strikes its head. Love the vids keep up the good work.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Charles!

[@charlescdt6509]

@@BassBuzz What hand exercises do you do to warm up before playing?

[@BassBuzz]

It depends on what I'm doing, but something like this can be helpful - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYXPkIl3g9yFbNU

[@cactustactics]

Not exactly what this video's about, but I wanna give a shoutout to 5ths! They're not just for distortion, throwing one in at the right time can really make the bass fill out. The bassist from Tricot does it a lot, it's a nice one to have in the dynamics toolbox

[@BassBuzz]

5ths are great! As long as you don't play them too low and make a mud puddle. :)

[@cactustactics]

@@BassBuzz honestly I don't think it matters so much! They're so neutral it just kinda makes the root sound bigger or something, but yeah that's siutational

[@filip1x95]

Hell, now I know how to play chords! That means Im no longer super newbie! Thanks Josh!

[@corkandi]

This is brilliant! I'm learning so much and your teaching style is down to the ground! I salute you & thanks.

[@fullgopherman7066]

Please keep the content coming this channel is awesome

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you, more on its way. :)

[@valeriotagliaferri2125]

Thank you Josh, that's a very interesting lesson to learn.

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Valerio!

[@xD3adKl0wnx]

Older video of yours, but man, Josh, killer knowledge bomb here! I'm recently getting back into learning bass again (I was a self taught bassist for a few years because everyone else was learning guitar) and I found your channel and subscribed immediately.. Big fan of everything I've seen from you so far!

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you!

[@leascaart]

FANTASTIC VIDEO!!! Your explanations are the best!!! You know how to communicate and you understand media!!! THANK YOU!!!

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you!

[@foottounsi]

Dude you are awsome, I just picked up a bass and am happy to find u here

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Nizar, congrats on your bass!

[@jlsdwj]

Woaa this is lit 🔥 I love the way you teach and the joke that you bring haha

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Jalu!

[@alexbasobasii7046]

I'm happy that I found this channel first when I bought my bass today

[@nicolazocco9881]

Liked so much this lesson...add to the title "...&little theory" since I killed some little doubts i had after watching

[@fresheggs9943]

Cool lesson man...very cool 🎼🎸💚

[@scootmaloot4583]

i love this channel so much, commenting for algorithm

[@BassBuzz]

:P

[@Fonkemman]

Thanks for the free non-clickbait lessons!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Emmanuel! Next up: The One WEIRD Bass Hack You NEED (that'll make you a millionaire) (you won't BELIEVE)