What is a slash chord?

A slash chord like C/E means "C major chord with E in the bass." The note after the slash is the lowest note, creating a different bass movement than the root-position chord.

Are slash chords the same as inversions?

Often yes — C/E is the first inversion of C major. But slash chords can also have non-chord tones in the bass (e.g., C/Bb), which aren't traditional inversions.

Why use slash chords?

Slash chords create smooth bass lines between chords. Instead of jumping bass notes, you get stepwise motion that sounds more musical and professional.

Guitar Slash Chords - Create Smooth Bass Lines

What Are Slash Chords?

A slash chord is written as Chord/Bass Note — like C/E or G/B. The letter before the slash is the chord; the letter after is the bass note. This creates smooth bass line movement between chords.

Essential Slash Chord Shapes

C/E          G/B          D/F#         Am/G
xx2010       x20003       200232       302210

C/G          F/A          Em/B
332010       x03211       x22000

Walking bass example:
C → C/E → F → F/A → G → G/B → C
(bass: C → E → F → A → G → B → C)

Add Slash Chords to This Progression

CAmFG

Try: C → Am/G → F → G/B for smooth bass movement.

Descending Bass Lines

One of the most popular uses — a chord stays the same while the bass walks down:

Am → Am/G → Am/F# → F
(bass walks: A → G → F# → F)

C → C/B → Am → Am/G → F
(bass walks: C → B → A → G → F)

Used in: "Stairway to Heaven", "Something" by The Beatles

Next Steps

Deepen your understanding with chord inversions and apply these voicings in your songwriting.

Guitar Slash Chords - Create Smooth Bass Lines

What Are Slash Chords?

Essential Slash Chord Shapes

Descending Bass Lines

Next Steps

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

Guitar Chord Inversions

Guitar Chord Theory

Guitar Chord Embellishments

Guitar Songwriting Basics

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