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Constructing Walking Jazz Bass Lines: Walking Bass Lines in the Blues in 12 Keys

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Published in Constructing Walking Jazz Bass Lines I Walking Bass Lines The Blues In 12 Keys Bass Tab Edition: Walking Bass Lines In 12 Keys Techniques And Exercises For The Electric Bass

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A Jazz Bassist Playing A Walking Bass Line Constructing Walking Jazz Bass Lines I Walking Bass Lines The Blues In 12 Keys Bass Tab Edition: Walking Bass Lines In 12 Keys Techniques And Exercises For The Electric Bass

The walking bass line is a fundamental element of jazz music. It provides the rhythmic and harmonic foundation for the rest of the ensemble, and it can be used to create a wide range of moods and atmospheres. In this article, we will explore the basics of constructing walking bass lines in the blues in 12 keys.

Constructing Walking Jazz Bass Lines I Walking Bass Lines The Blues in 12 keys Bass tab Edition: Walking bass lines in 12 keys Techniques and exercises for the Electric bass

Constructing Walking Jazz Bass Lines Book I - Walking Bass Lines - The Blues in 12 keys Bass tab Edition: Walking bass lines in 12 keys, Techniques and exercises for the Electric bass.

by Steven Mooney

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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What is a Walking Bass Line?

A walking bass line is a bass line that moves continuously, usually in eighth notes or quarter notes. It is typically played with a steady, even rhythm, and it often outlines the chords of the song. Walking bass lines can be used in a variety of musical styles, including jazz, blues, and funk.

Constructing Walking Bass Lines in the Blues

The blues is a 12-bar form, and the walking bass line typically follows the chord progression of the song. The most common blues chord progression is the 12-bar blues, which consists of the following chords:

| Chord | Bars | |---|---| | I | 1-4 | | IV | 5-6 | | I | 7-8 | | V | 9-10 | | IV | 11-12 |

To construct a walking bass line in the blues, you can start by outlining the root notes of the chords. For example, the root note of the I chord is C, the root note of the IV chord is F, and the root note of the V chord is G. You can then add passing tones and other embellishments to the bass line to create a more interesting and melodic sound.

Walking Bass Lines in 12 Keys

The blues can be played in any key, and the walking bass line will need to be adjusted accordingly. The following table shows the root notes of the chords in the 12 keys of the blues:

| Key | I | IV | V | |---|---|---|---| | C | C | F | G | | Db | Db | Gb | Ab | | D | D | G | A | | Eb | Eb | Ab | Bb | | E | E | A | B | | F | F | Bb | C | | Gb | Gb | Cb | Db | | G | G | C | D | | Ab | Ab | Db | Eb | | A | A | E | F# | | Bb | Bb | F | G | | B | B | F# | A |

To construct a walking bass line in a specific key, simply use the root notes of the chords in that key. For example, to construct a walking bass line in the key of C, you would use the root notes C, F, and G.

Tips for Constructing Walking Bass Lines

Here are a few tips for constructing walking bass lines:

Start by outlining the root notes of the chords.
Add passing tones and other embellishments to create a more interesting and melodic sound.
Use the pentatonic scale or the blues scale to create a more bluesy sound.
Experiment with different rhythms and syncopations to create a more personal and unique sound.

Walking bass lines are a fundamental element of jazz music. They provide the rhythmic and harmonic foundation for the rest of the ensemble, and they can be used to create a wide range of moods and atmospheres. By following the tips in this article, you can learn to construct your own walking bass lines in the blues in 12 keys.

Constructing Walking Jazz Bass Lines Book I - Walking Bass Lines - The Blues in 12 keys Bass tab Edition: Walking bass lines in 12 keys, Techniques and exercises for the Electric bass.

by Steven Mooney

4.3 out of 5