A slash chord, often written as C/E or C on E, is a chord notation where the letter before the slash represents the chord, and the letter after the slash indicates the bass note. In a band setting, the guitarist typically plays the upper chord (C), while the bassist plays the lower note (E), allowing for a division of roles. However, when playing solo guitar, it’s essential to understand the significance of slash chords to convey their full harmonic meaning. Slash chords can be broadly categorized into two types.
The first type involves chords where the bass note is part of the original chord, offering a different inversion and creating a unique sound or progression. An example of this is C/E in the left case. Essentially, it’s a C chord, but the bass note should be played as E, which is the major third of the chord. So, the chord structure remains the same as C. In a band, the bassist plays E while the guitarist plays C. When playing solo, it’s beneficial to be able to play the bass note as E.
The second type involves chords where the bass note is not part of the original chord, creating a more complex and richer harmonic structure. An example of this is C/D in the right case. In this situation, the chord is essentially a D chord. This is often used in the key of G, forming a IV/V structure. The D chord, with added sevenths, ninths, and elevenths, becomes a C chord. Therefore, C/D translates to D7(9, 11). In this case, if you need to choose one chord to play, it is better to play D7. Of course, if you can distribute the parts among other instruments like a bassist, it might be preferable to play C.
Understanding these nuances can be quite challenging but is crucial for enriching musical expression. By mastering the use of slash chords, musicians can add depth and variety to their performances, creating more engaging and dynamic music.