The job of the bass player is to outline the harmony of a song, by following and ‘sounding out’ the chord changes. Walking Bass is one of the best techniques to learn how to do this properly and one that will also have huge benefits to your all-round playing. Walking up and down leads the ear from one chord to the next and helps to create a momentum that really drives the music forwards. We look at how to build walking bass lines that are easy to play, but that sound great and look at the techniques that will allow you to best play them.
The bass guitarist always (unless they’re taking a solo!) follows the chord progressions but this can sound a little mechanical. There are ways to drive the music forward by linking the chords i.e. walking the bass lines up and down to the next chord. The ‘walk’ can consist of using notes in the key with a metronomic feel or maybe some chromatic notes thrown in with a rhythmic groove.
The aim is to give the music forward, step-by-step motion and make it more interesting for the audience (and bass player). You will learn how to construct walking bass lines that sound great. The key to this style of playing is to create lines that continually rise and fall. The ‘walk’ can consist of chord notes (arpeggios), scale notes and chromatic notes that when combined properly, will produce lines that will really give the music a lift. Adding in some rhythm, can enhance your lines even more. It’s a Funky technique that’s used widely in Blues, Jazz, Funk and Rock music.
We look at the approach and techniques used to build and play walking bass lines to give the music a real lift.
High Beginner to Intermediate bass players.
The session is 60 minutes long; don’t expect to master everything during the session. The tutor will go through all the key parts, demonstrating them and discussing the associated techniques and know-how.
The real work is done by you afterwards. Armed with the materials (PDFs, backing tracks and video recording), you’ll have all the tools to work on things at your own pace.
When you book you’ll have two options:
1. You want to join the live Zoom session.
You’ll receive the joining instructions on the day. Being live, you’ll be able to put your own questions directly to the tutor during the session. Choose option 1, Live lesson and materials.
2. Maybe you’d like to attend but can’t make it on this occasion?
You can buy the materials and receive them after the session (i.e. lesson PDF(s) and access to a Zoom recording of the live session). Choose option 2, Materials only.