Jazz (Rhythm) - Advanced

Walking Bass Jazz Blues

This exercise is based around the same 12 bar chord pattern used in the Jazz Blues Lead improvisation exercise above. The basic idea here is to sound like two instruments, namely a guitarist “comping” (the tri-tones/3rds/4ths played with index and middle fingers) with a bassist playing the walking bass line (thumb). The chord tones should be played short and choppy (staccato) whereas the bass line should flow smoothly and effortlessly throughout. The bass line employs a great deal of chromatic/passing notes. Try to work out what is going on with the harmony in this exercise to get a greater understanding of how you could use this technique yourself. Find a chord progression in The Real Book (jazz standards book) and try to walk the bass. Good luck!




NOTE: Soundfiles for this piece will be uploaded shortly. Please click on the URL link below to hear the piece (make sure pop-ups are enabled on your browser or press "shift" when clicking on the link). When the new window has opened, click the triangular play button in the right hand corner of the screen to hear the music (you will need Flash installed to hear/view the music).


http://chrispearcemusic.com/downloads/walkingbassjazzblues.php