A FUNDAMENTAL APPROACH TO A WALKING BASS LINE IN JAZZ STYLE

Abstract

            As a jazz bass player, the best quality of a walking bass line is the primary concern. The jazz bassist’s usual role in the band is the chord progression narrator andtimekeeper. They also create a foundation and connection to the band by using awalking bass line. It is important for every jazz bassist to know that in every quarter noteand every beat, there is meaning for the other band members. Understanding the basic chord structure and having a good ear may help the jazz bassist to create an excellent bass line; however, creating a walking bass line can be complex and a mystery to a beginner. So, this is a demonstration which describes to a reader how a bass line is produced in jazz by using the experience and  knowledge of the author. In this paper, the writer attempts to give a lesson which is suitable for the beginner to the intermediate level. As the beginning of this paper, there is an explanation that tells a reader how the bass line was developed throughout jazz history.  To clarify to the reader, the author also creates some examples which would be beneficial to any bassist who is interested in this method. The specific goal of this paper is to assist and encourage the reader in perceiving the basic concept of creating a walking bass line and the author hopes this method will be beneficial to any reader.