Flute · Level 5 · Intermediate
Slash chords and a walking bass in G major on Flute
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A slash chord keeps the same chord on top but puts a different note in the bass. Here the bass climbs step by step from I to IV.
G
Notes: G · B · D
G/B
Notes: G · B · D
C
Notes: C · E · G
D
Notes: D · F♯ · A
HOW TO PRACTISE IT
Six steps to a clean loop.
- Play each chord as an arpeggio, one note at a time: G, G/B, C and D. Press play on the card, then match each note.
- Keep a steady air stream between notes; for the higher notes, aim the air a little higher instead of blowing harder.
- Set the tempo to 60 BPM and play the progression with one chord per bar. Bring out the bass note of each chord a little more than the rest.
- Play the chord tones one at a time, one note per beat, tonguing each note lightly (“too”).
- Raise the tempo to 80 BPM once you can play the loop three times without stopping.
- Record one take, listen back and check for a bass line rising one step at a time.
Listen for
Aim for a bass line rising one step at a time. A common mistake is playing the root in the bass on the slash chord.
Why it works
I/3 is the first inversion of I, with the third in the bass, creating a smooth line toward IV.
G major has 1 sharp; its relative minor key is E minor.
Questions
What are the chords in I–I/3–IV–V in G major?
In G major the progression is G | G/B | C | D.
What is the key signature of G major?
G major has 1 sharp. Its relative minor is E minor.
Is this lesson right for my level?
This is a level 5 lesson (intermediate). If it feels too hard, start with “Sixth chords”.
Your hands learn faster than your eyes.
Reading a chord chart is step one. Play it to a metronome, record it, and hear yourself get better, all in one app.
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