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Bass Chord Identifier

Name dyads, shell voicings and full chords on 4- and 5-string bass, in standard and dropped tunings.

Chord Diagram
××××
Fret positionFrets 1 – 5

Tap the X/○ above each string to mute or open. Tap a fret cell to place or remove a finger.

Identified Chord
Tap the fretboard to identify a chord.
Exporting chord on 4-String Bass in E A D G
Instrument: 4-String Bass
Tuning: E A D G
Capo: None

How to Use the Bass Chord Identifier

  1. Select 4-string or 5-string bass from the instrument dropdown.
  2. Pick your tuning: Standard, Drop D, Half Step Down or D Standard on 4-string; Standard or Drop A on 5-string.
  3. Tap the fretboard to build a chord or dyad.
  4. The identifier shows chord names, intervals, and alternative readings.

Chords on Bass Guitar

Full chords are less common on bass than on guitar, because the low register can sound muddy when too many notes are stacked. But dyads (two-note intervals), power chords (root + 5th), and tasteful inversions are everyday bass tools. Slap bass, chordal fingerstyle, and solo bass all lean on chordal playing.

  • The classic bass double stop is a 10th: fret 3 on the E string and fret 4 on the G string is G and B. Use fret 3 on the G string for the minor version. The wide gap stays clear where a 3rd would turn to mud.
  • Low B is about 31 Hz, so small speakers mostly give you its overtones. Check it through the rig you will play on.

Common Bass Tunings

  • Standard 4-string (E A D G): the foundation of most bass playing.
  • Drop D (D A D G): gives you a low D and makes power chords on the low strings easy.
  • D Standard (D G C F): entire instrument tuned a whole step down, heavier and thicker.
  • 5-string Standard (B E A D G): adds a low B for extended range.
  • Half Step Down (Eb Ab Db Gb): common in some rock and metal styles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play chords on bass?

Yes, but typically with fewer notes than on guitar. Dyads and three-note voicings sound clearer than dense four-note chords in the bass register.

What's a power chord?

Two notes a perfect 5th apart (root + 5th). It's neutral (neither major nor minor), which is why rock and metal use it so much: it works over both.

Why does the tool sometimes say “No chord”?

A single note shows its name, and two notes that aren't a chord show their interval, such as G and B: major 10th. Three or more notes that don't match a chord formula read as no chord, so add or change a note.

Does it support 5-string bass?

Yes. Select “5-String Bass” from the instrument dropdown. Standard tuning is B E A D G.

How do I find voicings for a specific chord?

Type the chord name (like “Em” or “D7”) in the search field. The tool shows playable voicings for your chosen bass and tuning.

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