Keep It Groovy: Super Easy Bluesy/Jazzy Walking Bass
Hey there, bass players!
This lesson features a super easy walking bass line that can make your blues progression a bit jazzier and your jazz walking bass line a little more accessible. Think about it as a good gateway between the genres.
Using the same pattern across all chords, we’ll play a simple walking line that outlines the chord and includes a touch of chromatic motion. This helps with voice leading and gives it a jazzier feel.
As you move through the 12-bar blues form, be mindful to adapt the pattern when necessary; sometimes, we can omit the chromatic note if it doesn’t quite lead us to where we need to go.
We’ll focus on a standard quarter-note walking feel and add a bit of rhythmic special sauce with the addition of a swung eighth note.
Enjoy and keep it groovy!
Ryan Madora is a professional bass player, author, and educator living in Nashville, TN. In addition to touring and session work, she teaches private lessons and masterclasses to students of all levels. Visit her website to learn more!
