Slash Chords

A slash chord basically changes the bass note of the chord while keeping the main chord the same. A slash chord is written like “C/G”, which means you play a C major chord but put G (not C) in the bass. In other words, “C/G” literally means C major over G in the bass. Slash chords are common in many styles of music and on various instruments, from piano to guitar.

Slash chords bring richness and motion to your music. They create smooth bass movement, allowing the bass to move step by step and connect chords beautifully. For example, G → D/F# → Em, where the bass walks down G → F# → E. They also add emotional depth, since changing the bass note can shift the mood and tension of a chord. For instance, Am → Am/G → F feels like a gentle, introspective fall. In addition, slash chords give a fuller harmony by anchoring the sound with two distinct notes, one in the bass and one in the main chord, and they enhance voice leading, an idea that’s key in both classical harmony and pop ballads. Slash chords is like “chords with direction”, they make your song flow and move naturally, instead of just jumping between chords.

Concrete examples

D/F# Used to connect G → D/F# → Em: Smooth descending bass (G → F# → E) Example songs: Perfect” by Ed Sheeran

C/G: when moving to Am or F. Example songs: let it be by beattles or someone like you by adele.

Start using it yourself

Try rewriting a simple progression:
C → G → Am → F
into
C → G/B → Am → F/C

Then play it, see if it sounds richer and more cinematic