Walking bass lines are one of the best ways to learn how chords are built and how progressions really work. They are also a brilliant workout for exploring the neck, and superb sight-reading practice into the bargain.
In this lesson we break walking lines down into simple, repeatable formulas — step-by-step recipes you can apply to almost any chord progression, whether you are playing jazz standards or the walking lines that turn up in pop and soul tunes.
What you'll learn
- Simple note-choice formulas that work over any chord
- How walking lines teach you chord construction as you play
- Ways to practise walking bass all over the fretboard
Transcribing lines from the jazz masters is always worthwhile — but formulas get you walking convincingly today. For more, try Walking Bass Lines the Easy Way and Walking on the Spot | Jazz Blues Bass.
Want to walk like Ray Brown? One-to-one lessons are the fastest route.