Violin · Level 5 · Intermediate
Slash chords and a walking bass in C major on Violin
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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.
C
Notes: C · E · G
C/E
Notes: C · E · G
F
Notes: F · A · C
G
Notes: G · B · D
HOW TO PRACTISE IT
Six steps to a clean loop.
- Play each chord as an arpeggio, one note at a time: C, C/E, F and G. Press play on the card, then match each note.
- Stay in first position: use the open string where you can and keep the fingers close to the string.
- 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, with a full, even bow on each.
- 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.
C major has no sharps or flats; its relative minor key is A minor.
Questions
What are the chords in I–I/3–IV–V in C major?
In C major the progression is C | C/E | F | G.
What is the key signature of C major?
C major has no sharps or flats. Its relative minor is A minor.
Is this lesson right for my level?
This is a level 5 lesson (intermediate). If it feels too hard, start with “Sixth chords”.
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