Freddie Green Chords

Bass string chords Freddie Green Style Category 1, 6th string roots

7 X 1

m7 X

X

2

X

X 3

2

dim X

4

m6 X

X

X

2

2

4

X

X

aug X

X

X

1

1

X

3

2

6

X 1

3

X

X

1

3

2

3

maj7 X

X

1

3

4

X

Freddie Green style chords can be used when a steady rythm is needed, as in comping in a big band. In every chord in the first category the root note is found on the 6th string, and in the second category on the 5th. Using these two categories of chords you can play any chord in an arrangement, since there are no fifths in the fingerings. Just play major or minor and the 6, 7 or maj 7. Use dim and aug on diminished and augmented (#5) chords.

Bass string chords Freddie Green Style Category 2, 5th string roots

7 X

m7 X

X

X

dim X

1

X

X

1

6

4

X

X

aug X

X

X

1

2

3

1

2

3

maj7 X

X 1

2

4

X

3

m6 X

1

X

2

3

X

X

1

3

2

X

X

2

3

Guitarist Freddie Green is perhaps best known as the strumming, rhythmic anchor to one of Count Basie's strongest bands. Born in Charleston, S.C., on March 31, 1911, Green moved to New York as a teenager. Talent scout John Hammond heard him one day and recommended him to Count Basie. While Basie wasn't immediately impressed, Green hung in there and won him over, staying for 13 years. That "All-American Rhythm Section" of Basie's also included bassist Walter Page and drummer Jo Jones. In 1950, Green was left out of the small-group configuration by Basie. Green essentially invited himself back into Basie's group. He stayed with Basie until the leader died 35 years later. Green continued to record himself close to the end of his own life. He died on March 1, 1987, in Las