{"id":13789,"date":"2020-02-10T14:59:46","date_gmt":"2020-02-10T13:59:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jazzguitar.be\/blog\/?p=13789"},"modified":"2025-12-04T14:58:01","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T13:58:01","slug":"walking-bass-lines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jazzguitar.be\/blog\/walking-bass-lines\/","title":{"rendered":"Walking Bass Lines"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this lesson, you will learn how to combine chords with a walking bass line over a 12-bar jazz blues in F. The goal is to make the guitar function as both the harmony and the bass. This approach lets you keep the groove moving and outline the chord changes clearly.<\/p>\n

A walking bass line moves through a chord progression, one note per beat. It outlines the chords of the progression and moves smoothly from one chord to another, while keeping the groove alive.<\/p>\n

Walking bass in a band is usually played by the bass guitar or double bass player, but being able to play walking bass lines is an essential skill for jazz guitarists when playing without a bass player.<\/p>\n

Walking bass on guitar is usually played fingerstyle. Use your thumb for the bass notes and your other fingers to comp the chords<\/a>. The challenge is keeping that bass line going while comping the chords.<\/p>\n

Being able to walk a bass line and comp the chords at the same time is an invaluable skill to have and one that will allow you to work in situations where other guitarists cannot.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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\"Dowload<\/a><\/p>\n

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Table of Contents<\/h3>\n
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  1. Video, Backing Tracks, and Tabs\/Notation<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Step 1 – Playing The Roots<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Step 2 – Half Time<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Step 3 – Walking Bass<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Step 4 – The Chords<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Step 5 – Combining Walking and Comping<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. Step 6 – Adding Chord Substitutions<\/a><\/li>\n
  8. Walking Bass Line Patterns<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n

    Video – Jazz Blues Walking Bass<\/h2>\n
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