Jazz Bass Quick Bites 5: Walking Bass Lines On Dmin7
by on November 21, 2018 in Jazz Bass Quick Bites

In this episode of Jazz Bass Quick Bites, we’re starting work on a new chord, Dmin7. We get things started by digging into the chord-scale relationship which connects the chord tones of a Dmin7 and the D dorian scale. From there, we play some walking bass lines over the Dmin7 chord. We use the same strategies that we applied to the G7 chord – first using the chord tones as anchor points as we move through the scale and then providing a push towards the chords tones with chromatic leading tones. We’re going to add a another layer of swing to our lines today by taking a look at some rhythmic embellishments; in this case, we’ll be using eighth notes to create forward motion.

EXAMPLE 1 – This includes the foundational information that you’ll need to get started with the Dmin7 chord – the D dorian scale & the Dmin7 chord tones
You can find EXAMPLE 1 HERE< You can find EXAMPLE 1 with TAB HERE< EXAMPLE 2 – This includes both walking bass examples over a Dmin7 chord, using the eighth note rhythmic embellishment.
You can find EXAMPLE 2 HERE
You can find EXAMPLE 2 with TAB HERE

Once you play through the music – 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!

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