Uploaded May 2016 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
BECOME A PATRON: patreon.com/joshfossgreen
FREE PDF FOR THIS LESSON: joshfossgreen.com/major-triad-arpeggios-bass
Being able to play arpeggios comfortably is a key skill for bass players. It gives you a framework to play over simple chords in a way that will work safely, but still give you more interesting options that just playing the root all day.
In this lesson I’ll cover the basic theory you need to know to understand arpeggios. I’ll explain what “major,” “triad,” and “arpeggio” mean in this context, and we’ll also talk a little bit about inversions.
This playalong exercise is just one example of how you can get comfortable playing triad arpeggios around the neck. Arpeggios require a lot more shifting and movement than scales since there are wider interval gaps between the notes. I find it really useful to be able to move around the neck on a given arpeggio without having to think too much.
Remember to practice this in all 12 keys, and come up with your own variations! If you want help doing that, check out my latest book Electric Bass Scales and Arpeggios, which has this stuff written out in all 12 keys for your practicing pleasure!
patreon.com/joshfossgreen
BECOME A PATRON: patreon.com/joshfossgreen
FREE PDF FOR THIS LESSON: joshfossgreen.com/major-triad-arpeggios-bass
Being able to play arpeggios comfortably is a key skill for bass players. It gives you a framework to play over simple chords in a way that will work safely, but still give you more interesting options that just playing the root all day.
In this lesson I’ll cover the basic theory you need to know to understand arpeggios. I’ll explain what “major,” “triad,” and “arpeggio” mean in this context, and we’ll also talk a little bit about inversions.
This playalong exercise is just one example of how you can get comfortable playing triad arpeggios around the neck. Arpeggios require a lot more shifting and movement than scales since there are wider interval gaps between the notes. I find it really useful to be able to move around the neck on a given arpeggio without having to think too much.
Remember to practice this in all 12 keys, and come up with your own variations! If you want help doing that, check out my latest book Electric Bass Scales and Arpeggios, which has this stuff written out in all 12 keys for your practicing pleasure!
patreon.com/joshfossgreen
