Jazz

Walking bass

What means walking bass? Literally walking bass means a bass that is always in movement. Check the examples:

First step

On the first step we introduce a whole-tone down (blue) on the second beat from each bar, and on fourth beat we play also whole tone up (blue) from the next chord. The exception is on the chord Cmaj7, where we play a half-tone (b or h note) because the note B flat sounds a little out.

II V I

C major

Second step

On the first step we introduce a half-tone down (red) on the second beat from each bar, and on fourth beat we play a whole tone up (blue) from the next chord.

II V I

C major

Third step

Now on second and fourth beats we play a half tone (red).

II V I

C major