Guitar course for beginners Part 23 Learn the fraction-chords

Among guitar chords, there are “fractional chords.”

For a C chord, the original root note is “C,” but this pattern specifies notes such as “E” or “G” as the base note.

It is written as “C/E” or “ConE” on the music score.

There are also cases called “slash chord” or “over chord”.

Here, we will introduce fractional codes.

What exactly is a fractional chord?

A fractional chord is a chord whose base note is a note other than the root note.

On music scores, it is written as “C/E” or “ConE”.

There are also cases called “over-chord” or “slash chord.”

I have summarized the Japanese name and English name in the table below.

Examples of using fractional chords（Key-C）

Fractional chords may often be used in fairly common chord progressions.

The purpose is to make the connections between each chord smoother by lowering the bass note.

Examples of using fractional chords（Key-G）

This is a pattern with Key-G.

Fractional chords for bands with bassists and pianists

In the case of a band or unit with a bassist or pianist, fractional chords do not necessarily have to be played exactly as specified.

This is because the bassist or pianist will play the specified bass note instead.

Before playing a song, we recommend asking the bassist or pianist, “What should we do here?”

Summary

So far, we have introduced fractional chords.

By understanding fractional chords, you will be able to notice the flow of bass notes in a song.

Also, I don’t panic when I see something like C/E written on a musical score.

Make sure you master it so you don’t end up thinking, “Huh? How do I play this?”