cm bass lines

[gingerjazz]

Im just starting wit chord melody and can put chord to most melodies withthe melody note on top. But can you guys help with how you go about adding bass lines as well or do you tend not to bother with this too much.Any advice would be appreciated.

[ksjazzguitar]

It's an over-generalization, but generally (if we are talking about 4 beat per chord) your first note will be the root, and your last note may be either a chord tone or more often may be a step approach (diatonic or chromatic) to the next chord. The other two notes? They can simply be chord tones. They can also be scalar approaches to the last note (diatonic or chromatic) and if the second note is a chord tone, the 3rd note can still be a scalar approach.

A few years ago I made up a "walking while" comping drill sheet for some students. I don't want to post it (once it's on the internet, it's out there forever) but if you send me your email, I'll send it to you.

Peace,
Kevin