Descending bass in C
A familiar pop and ballad sound built around a stepwise falling bass line: C–B–A–G–F–E–D, then back to G.
Why this progression matters
Slash-chord inversions let the guitar part carry a moving bass line without changing the harmony's basic role. This is useful for arranging, accompaniment and writing smoother chord transitions.
Practice note
Keep the bass note clear on each slash chord. Play the lowest string first, then the full chord, and let the C–B–A–G–F–E–D line connect the changes.
Bottleneck change: Am7/G → F
How to practice it
- 1Learn C, G/B and Am first; listen for the bass stepping down C–B–A.
- 2Add Am7/G, F and C/E to continue the line through G–F–E.
- 3Play only the bass notes once per bar, then add the full chord on the next pass.
- 4Use a slow downstrum and start each slash chord on its named bass note.
- 5Finish on G and resolve back to C so the loop has a clear home chord.
Where you'll hear it
- Acoustic pop and ballad arrangements with a stepwise bass line
- Songwriting practice for smoother inversions between open chords
- Chord accompaniment where the bass should move more than the chord roots
The chords you'll need
Drill the hard changes
Progressions break at their weakest transition. Drill adjacent pairs in isolation:
FAQ
What does the slash mean in G/B or C/E?
Play the chord before the slash, then make the note after the slash the lowest sounding note. G/B is a G chord with B in the bass.
Do I need a bass guitar to play this line?
No. The low strings on a guitar can outline the bass movement. Start each slash chord on its named bass string and keep the other chord tones ringing.
Keep learning
Pair this loop with a practice guide so the changes stick.