Descending Bass Line Chord Progression (I V6 vi I64)
The Descending bass line is the chord progression I-V6-vi-I64. In the key of C major it is C G/B Am C/G, and in the Nashville Number System it is written 1 5/7 6m 1/5.
Jump to the chords and audio in C, G, D, A and E
Why it works
A descending bass line, C-B-A-G, under I, V, vi and I. Slash chords let the bass walk down by step while the chords barely change. It is one of the most common voice-leading devices in singer-songwriter music.
How to use it
This progression is not easy to notate, but it is very commonly known as the descending bass line progression. A great example would be playing C-G/B-Am-C/G. Many songs use this in a variety of keys.
Songs that use it
These are the chords as played in each song, in the song's own key.
| Song | Artist | Section | Chords | Key |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tears in Heaven | Eric Clapton | intro and verse | A E/G# F#m A/E | A major |
| Always on My Mind | Elvis Presley | verse | G D/F# Em G/D | G major |
| Carrie | Europe | verse | G D/F# Em G/D | G major |
| One More Try | George Michael | verse | F C/E Dm F/C | F major |
Descending Bass Line Chord Progression: Chords and Audio in C, G, D, A and E
Press play to hear each key. The diagrams show the shapes used in the audio, and every chord links to its full page.
More progressions like this one
- I-iii: C Em
- I-ii-IV: C Dm F
- I-vi-IV-ii: C Am F Dm
- Singer-songwriter progression: Am F C G
All guitar chord progressions →
Created by
Giancarlo is a musician (teaching guitar since 2000), software engineer, AI consultant and published researcher
FAQ
What are the chords of the Descending bass line in each key?
In C major: C G/B Am C/G. In G major: G D/F# Em G/D. In D major: D A/C# Bm D/A. In A major: A E/G# F#m A/E. In E major: E B/D# C#m E/B.
Which songs use the Descending bass line?
Songs that use it include Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton, Always on My Mind by Elvis Presley, Carrie by Europe.
