Root, fifth and octave

The one shape every bass player uses: root, fifth and octave, moved through A, D and E. Learn it once and it works for every major and minor chord.

← All bass lines & exercisesTechniqueBeginner
70 BPM
Start at 70 · goal 130 BPM
Press play — or hit the space bar.
Position on the neck
0 frets
Frets 5–9 · key: A majorSee the scale →
1234EADG12341234123412345777577757777999

Where to play it

012345678910111213141516171819EAADEDABGDE
Playing now Notes in this lick

How to practise it

  1. The fifth is one string up and two frets higher; the octave is two strings up and two frets higher.
  2. The shape is the same on every chord — only the starting fret and string change.
  3. Mute the strings you aren't playing with the side of your plucking hand and the fretting fingers.
  4. Start at 70 BPM. Only speed up when you can play it cleanly three times in a row — the goal is 130 BPM.