Intermediate Bass 7
Walking Bass : "Turn Down"
By Roy Vogt
Bass Instructor, Belmont University 		Print This Lesson
Roy Vogt.
In this column, we're going to add several variations to the walking line we played through in the last lesson. Like soloing, good walking lines need a variety of options. These create variations in the line and keep it from sounding stale and predictable. Just like soloing, it helps to have a good set of "licks" under your fingers that you can use at a moment's notice.

I've provided you with several "licks" written over the Dm7/G7 ii-V progression. These are:

  • R 3 5 b5
  • R 5 R b5
  • R2 b3 3 (This can be played over either a Minor or Dominant chord and either 3rd will be the chord tone or a chromatic approach tone - very handy!)
  • R 5 7 b5
  • R 7 6 5
  • R 2 b 3 3 / R 7 6 5 (This is a two bar pattern.)

Walking Patterns.

Notice that the notes after the Root can be above or below the Root. This allows you to change direction and keep the line in more or less the same register. On the mp3, I've played all six variations through the entire tune and on the seventh time through, I mixed them up a bit as you would in a real world situation. To begin, I recommend you do the same thing: use one pattern at a time through the play-along track; then, mix up the lines.

Having all of these options committed to memory is a valuable piece of the bassist's tool kit when playing Jazz and Swing styles.

Peace and Low Notes,
Roy C. Vogt
Nashville Bassist
Bass Instructor, Belmont University, Nashville, TN

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