Slash Chords Simplified : Video Tutorial

What are slash chords?

Have you ever run into a chord chart or lead sheet that shows 2 notes with a slash in between them?

It would have looked something like this F/A or B/D# ?

slash chordsThese are known as slash chords! Ever wondered how to play them?

Today’s quick and fun lesson teaches you how to break down these complicated looking chords with ease. Slash chords sound fantastic. Plus, they’re so useful in jazz!

That’s not all. The video tutorial below will also give you some great chord playing shortcuts. So, when you run into slash chords you’ll be more than prepared!

This is an important part of being able to read lead sheets. You will be amazed by how simple these chord types are to break down and play!

Slash Chords Simplified: Video Tutorial

Get started learning now! Watch the short and sweet video tutorial below!

After you’ve finished watching this video be sure to continue reading for some important and helpful tips below. They’ll help you get good at playing these chords much faster.

Slash Chords Simplified Once And For All!

Please follow along for a brief recap of the main points highlighted in the video tutorial above.

These are all useful tips to help you completely master these special jazz harmony types.  

Ready for some examples on how to play these chords? Cool. Here we go.

Example #1 How would you play a D/F#?

Ok, so let’s keep things as simple as possible. Think of the first letter as the (top). The top letter is the chord you’re going to play.

The top for the slash chord example above is a standard D Triad.

Once you have your top chord identified, the (bottom) is the second letter after the slash. In this case F# is after the slash.  So, your bottom or bass note is F#.

slash chordsThe formula for breaking down these cool chords is that easy! Pretty simple right?

Let’s take this process even further…

How To Solve The Hand On Top Problem

Now that you know your (top) and (bottom) chord and note, you just have to put them together.

For the slash chord D/F# your right hand will be playing the top chord. Broken down a standard D Triad looks like this (D F# A.)

Your left hand will be playing the bottom note (F#).

Just remember first note is telling you what chord to play in your right hand. The top.

The second note is telling you what bass note to play under the chord. The bottom. Try it out right now. (Seriously do it. I’ll wait here…)

Doesn’t that chord sound great?

Let’s breakdown another groovy jazz chord…

Example #2 How would you play a C/F chord?

C is the chord you’ll play in your right hand. It’s just a standard C triad (C E G).

F is after the slash. F is your bass note. Put it all together and you have (C E G) over (F)

Your right hand plays the top chord and your left hand plays the bass note every time!

Let’s Make Slash Chords Even Easier!

slash chordsIf you are still having trouble grasping how the top and bottom formula works think of it as a math fraction. Yes, a math fraction.

Example #3 Take the slash chord of G/A, sound it out! Just like in math class, “G over A.”

Translation, you’re playing a standard G Triad chord (G B D) over your bass note (A). Simple as that!

Remember always, right hand top. Left hand bottom.

Now you’re a slash chords wiz!

These seductive chords are useful tools for jazz pianists of all levels. They may look complicated, but are quick and easy to learn how to play!

By the way, if you’re new to jazz chords and want a step by step method for going from zero to playign songs you love in 30-60 days then check out this special method right here

What’s Next For You To Explore After Slash Chords?

slash chordsOne of my goals is to help you become the best lead sheet reader you can be! Slash chords are just one of the many chords you’ll find in modern jazz standards.

Want help learning hundreds more of the best jazz chords in the world? I show you all my tools & strategies inside this program here 

Click here to get access

Until next time enjoy your piano practice. If you have any questions about the lesson and the video tutorial above please leave your comments below.

The path has been laid for you. Now, go make it happen for yourself.

Steve “Harmony Is Super Cool” Nixon

P.S. Yes, there are hacks and techniques you can use to shortcut the jazz learning process. They took me years to learn. And yes, I break them all down for you inside the course –> https://www.freejazzlessons.com/premium

Steve Nixon