In this episode of Jazz Bass Quick Bites, we’re focusing on playing a walking bass line over one chord, G7. In the video edition, I spent some time talking about walking bass lines and play through three different approaches to creating a line over the G7 chord. On the accompanying music example, you can find the different examples – I encourage you to try playing them and explore the idea of walking over the G7 chord!
You can find the written example HERE.
Here’s a little bit of info about the different examples
EXAMPLE 1 –This one outlines the chord tones of a G7 chord by playing through them in quarter notes. This type of walking line can often be found in a blues setting.
EXAMPLE 2 – This one takes a “journey” through the G7 chord by moving through the mixolydian scale, landing on chord tones on the downbeat of every measure.
EXAMPLE 3 – This one continues to take the “journey” through the G7 chord while adding some extra emphasis to the chord tones by approaching them from a half step above or below the chord tone.
Once you play through the lines – send me a message and let me know what you think! Even better, make a video of yourself playing the line and send it to me!
Check out some more parts of this series:
Jazz Bass Quick Bites 1: Getting Started