anyone know of a

[Golchen]

I'm looking to get a chord book for 5 string bass. Anyone know of a decent one?

[endorka]

[quote name='Golchen' post='459315' date='Apr 10 2009, 02:18 PM']I'm looking to get a chord book for 5 string bass. Anyone know of a decent one?[/quote]

No, although Ed Friedlands "Working Bassists Tool Kit" has a chapter on the subject of 4 and 5 string chords.

Regardless, it is quite simple to work out voicings for chords on any bass guitar; some simple rules:

- try to keep the chords around and above the 12th fret or they may sound muddy

- It is not always possible, or desirable, to have all chord tones present. The important ones are the 3rd and 7th, these define the sound of the chord most strongly as they can vary (minor or major 3rd, major or minor 7th). The 5th is *usually* always a perfect fifth, and therefore contributes little to the character of the chord, so it can be omitted with little effect.

- It is sometimes possible, and indeed desirable, to omit the root from the chord, especially in the case of someone playing a bassline - "rootless voicings". This will give a far more open and intersting sound than vanilla root position voicings, and free up space for the bass player... if you have one.

So, based on the above, it is perfectly possible to generate simple 7th chords that function well with only two notes, three if you include the root. The upper register of 4 and 5 string basses lends itself quite well to this.

Jennifer

[xilddx]

All the above sounds top to me.

Voice leading is a good way of generating chords too. A great exercise.

[Golchen]

Good answer Jennifer!