Lecture Notes: Composing Jazz Walking Bass Lines

Introduction

• Objective: Learn to compose jazz walking bass lines in four steps.
• Concept: Composition is the foundation for improvisation.
• Method: Transcribe works of great bassists (e.g., Ray Brown, Ron Carter, Paul Chambers) and practice composing bass lines.

Guidelines for Composing Walking Bass Lines

• Use these as guidelines, not strict rules.
• Depends on the musical context.

Steps to Create Walking Bass Lines

Step 1: Root Note on Beat One

• Write the root note on the first beat of each bar.
• Walking bass lines are characterized by a quarter note pulse.
• Example chord changes:
  • C minor, F7, Bb major 7, Eb major 7, A half diminished, D7 flat 13, G minor 6, G7

Step 2: Target the Next Root on Beat Four

• Options for Beat Four:
  • Half step above or below the root of the next bar.
  • Scale note above or below the next root.
  • Repeat the root unless it remains the same.
• Examples:
  • Chromatic step from E to F on F7.
  • Scale note from C to Bb on F7.
  • Root repeat from G7 to C minor.

Step 3: Chord Tone on Beat Three

• Select a chord tone (root, third, fifth, or seventh) on beat three.
• Aim for a strong harmonic structure.
• Examples:
  • E flat on C minor, A on F7, F on Bb major 7.
• Use sixth on major chords for variation.

Step 4: Connect Beats One and Three

• Use chord tones or scale notes to connect beats one and three.
• Avoid repeating notes unless contextually appropriate.
• Examples:
  • C to E flat via D on C minor.
  • A to C via Bb on A half diminished.

Conclusion

• Combine steps to compose a complete walking bass line.
• Practice with backing tracks.

Additional Resources

• For mastering jazz walking bass lines and improvisation, consider enrolling in the "Bass Mastermind" course.
• Learn to achieve a double bass sound on electric bass by watching the recommended video.

Application

• Apply these steps to any jazz standard or blues form, like "Autumn Leaves".

• Note: Comment with jazz standards you wish to see bass lines for next.
• Explore more advanced courses for personalized feedback on bass lines.