How do you walk? (Jazz-- Bass)?!
Question: How do you walk in Jazz? Is there some sort of musical theory to it? or is it just a mixture of randomness.
Answers: How do you walk in Jazz? Is there some sort of musical theory to it? or is it just a mixture of randomness.
Nothing random about it. A walking bass line is derived from either the mode/scale of the chord or the arpeggio of the chord or chromatic movement towards the next change.
To begin - start by just outlining the chords - if it's a Cmaj7 chord, play C-E-G and then either an A or B.
The scale that you can use is a major scale or a lydian mode. Modes add interesting dimensions to your walking patterns by adding "outside" notes.
It's not random at all, but it also depends on the kind of tune you're playing and of course, the key you're in. Walking bass derives from left-hand work in stride piano of the 20's and early blues and gut-bucket piano. You can hear a lot of walking bass in piano boogie records of the 40's - Pete Johnson, Albert Ammons, those guys.
Know your keys and practice, your own ear is the best rule for you. Listen and learn.