Todd,

How much theory is in the "Walking Bass Line Module System"?

And what can we expect from your next DVD?

I'll stop by the Zon booth tomorrow to say hello.

Mark

Todd,

How much theory is in the "Walking Bass Line Module System"?

And what can we expect from your next DVD?

I'll stop by the Zon booth tomorrow to say hello.

Mark


Primarily I develop strong/beat weak/beat theory in my "Walking Bass Line Module System" DVD. It's not a theory course.....although most theory courses don't seem to explain strong/weak beat theory very well.... In a nutshell I explain the theory you need to compose and create your own walking lines. Make sense??

Here's what's on my new "Technique Builders" DVD;

* I totally break down the ergonomics and mechanics of the right and left hands and fingers.

* Floating thumb technique

* Right hand muting versus left hand muting

* Right hand touch

* Supportive fingering

* Ghost notes

* Hammer-ons and pull-offs

Plus a bunch of exercises/drills that apply to the things that weall play.

The one thing I don't cover is "thumb slapping".

That's a subject totally unto itself....plus, Norm Stockton and many others have done the definitive versions of teaching that technique.

BUT..........

My new "Technique Builders" DVD covers all the other stuff in a very organized and thought out manner. I also go into great detail to explain and demonstrate how everything works. I think you'll be very happy with it.....or at least I hope
you and others will be.

It'll really help you clean up your playing....that's for sure.

__________________________________________

Sorry, but I won't be at NAMM this year. I'm not quite over my second go-around with this nasty cold bug......and I have an abundance of out-of-town gigs coming up.....so....I really need to get as healthy as possible. I'm sure you can understand.

I'm terribly dissapointed that I can't go to NAMM.:( I was really looking forward to seeing everyone.....do a little playing...and promote my new ZON TJ-6 signature model bass. Please be sure and stop by the ZON booth and check it out.....order 2 or 3!! HA!:D ......maybe take some pictures for me etc.

Be sure to say hi to my friends at ACCUGROOVE, ENSOTEC and BARKER BASS. Tha't the other places I was going to be hanging out at.

Anyway.........have a great time.

Stay healthy!

is it far above a beginner's level?

is it far above a beginner's level?


Actually it's perfect for beginners wanting to learn it right the first time.........or for the "self taught, old pro" who wants to fix some bad habits.

I've had GREAT success teaching this method since 1991 with fantastic results.

Are you a beginner??......an old pro.....somewhere in the middle?

is it far above a beginner's level?

PFD,

I realized I should ask which DVD you we're asking about:eek: ....was it the walking bass DVD???.....or my soon to be released "technique" DVD???:help:

Let me know and I can advise accordingly.

Primarily I develop strong/beat weak/beat theory in my "Walking Bass Line Module System" DVD. It's not a theory course.....although most theory courses don't seem to explain strong/weak beat theory very well.... In a nutshell I explain the theory you need to compose and create your own walking lines. Make sense??

Here's what's on my new "Technique Builders" DVD;

* I totally break down the ergonomics and mechanics of the right and left hands and fingers.

* Floating thumb technique

* Right hand muting versus left hand muting

* Right hand touch

* Supportive fingering

* Ghost notes

* Hammer-ons and pull-offs

Plus a bunch of exercises/drills that apply to the things that weall play.

The one thing I don't cover is "thumb slapping".

That's a subject totally unto itself....plus, Norm Stockton and many others have done the definitive versions of teaching that technique.

BUT..........

My new "Technique Builders" DVD covers all the other stuff in a very organized and thought out manner. I also go into great detail to explain and demonstrate how everything works. I think you'll be very happy with it.....or at least I hope
you and others will be.

It'll really help you clean up your playing....that's for sure.

__________________________________________

Sorry, but I won't be at NAMM this year. I'm not quite over my second go-around with this nasty cold bug......and I have an abundance of out-of-town gigs coming up.....so....I really need to get as healthy as possible. I'm sure you can understand.

I'm terribly dissapointed that I can't go to NAMM.:( I was really looking forward to seeing everyone.....do a little playing...and promote my new ZON TJ-6 signature model bass. Please be sure and stop by the ZON booth and check it out.....order 2 or 3!! HA!:D ......maybe take some pictures for me etc.

Be sure to say hi to my friends at ACCUGROOVE, ENSOTEC and BARKER BASS. Tha't the other places I was going to be hanging out at.

Anyway.........have a great time.

Stay healthy!


Well, I'm sorry I won't be able to see you and catch up. We can do that another time when you are feeling better.

I will be ordering the Walking Bass Lines DVD this week, I can't wait to dig in!

Feel better,

Mark

PFD,

I realized I should ask which DVD you we're asking about:eek: ....was it the walking bass DVD???.....or my soon to be released "technique" DVD???:help:

Let me know and I can advise accordingly.

Both I guess, but I was referring to the one MArk was. I checked your site and didn't see 2 dvds.

thanks

Both I guess, but I was referring to the one MArk was. I checked your site and didn't see 2 dvds.

thanks


PFD,

There's a small mention on my home page about the "soon to be released" technique DVD.....but no worries.

Actually, both DVD's will work great for beginners....

If you've got your walking bass together, then you probably don't need my DVD........

The Walking bass DVD is ideal for you .....assuming you know your major and minor triads......and what a half step (one-fret) above or below any given note is. If you have an idea what and where the notes are in the first 5 fret area, then you're in good shape to understand the material. It's really a great system for organizing your ideas.

Happy to help.

Ok, I have had my first couple of hours with Todd's DVD and I must say this is the BEST way to learn the walking bass line groove. Plus, it can be quite a good left hand workout (especially going slow - I threw that in just for you Todd!).

Anyone wanting to brush up on your walking skills should get this DVD.

And no, I am not being compensated for this review. :D

Ok, I have had my first couple of hours with Todd's DVD and I must say this is the BEST way to learn the walking bass line groove. Plus, it can be quite a good left hand workout (especially going slow - I through that in just for you Todd!).

Anyone wanting to brush up on your walking skills should get this DVD.

And no, I am not being compensated for this review. :D

Mark,

Hey, glad that the DVD is working out for you. I kinda thought it would!!:D

I really appreciate the endorsement.

BTW, I talked to the manufacturers today and my new "technique builders" DVD is supposed to be here Thursday!! I'll do a seperate thread about it later today or early tomorrow.

Play slow!!;)

Just joined the School of Todd, via a purchase of the
Walking DVD.

I'm looking forward to it. I'll post some comments once I receive it and get some hours under my belt.

Just joined the School of Todd, via a purchase of the
Walking DVD.

I'm looking forward to it. I'll post some comments once I receive it and get some hours under my belt.


Way to go Frank!!!!:hyper:

Just joined the School of Todd, via a purchase of the
Walking DVD.

I'm looking forward to it. I'll post some comments once I receive it and get some hours under my belt.

+1
Just ordered it myself and I'll post a review as well. I've been playing for 10 years, but my walking is less than I'd like it to be,

+1
Just ordered it myself and I'll post a review as well. I've been playing for 10 years, but my walking is less than I'd like it to be,

I'm looking forward to it.

You know, I was really dissappointed when I first started watching this video.

It starts out o.k. but at first I thought "Hmm...this is a bit misleading." Then Todds ugly mug shows up on the screen and I then I thought "What the heck could this spectacle wearing, bald headed geek possibly know???"

Man, I was really disappointed after seeing him.

Then he started to play and I realized..."Hey, this isn't the Carmen Electra belly dancing instructional video!! It's the one I got from TalkBass!!"

Whew!

So anyway,

I have been struggling with my walking for a long time now. After watching this dvd I have already improved ALOT! The 'module' idea makes perfect sense to me. I have bought several instructional books on walking theory and all I got was discouraged. It always seemed so complicated. Todd presents his system clearly and in a way that even beginners can start walking IMMEDIATELY!

Yes, it's that easy. Todd's system is that good.

Like Todd mentions in the video, it will be up to the individual to follow through and learn the system and internalize the whole thing completely. BUT like I said, this system will start you walking RIGHT NOW!

O.k., I'm starting to feel like an infomercial.

If you have been wanting to walk or have been struggling to walk well, get off your can and get this video. Then send me a thank you note written on a $5 bill.

You will be glad to after taking my advice and getting this video.

:D

Joe.

So you're saying there's no belly dancing? :(

Maybe on his next DVD ;) :D

What exactly is a *module* in this context?

Is there lots of material to play along with?

Thanks.

What exactly is a *module* in this context?

Is there lots of material to play along with?

Thanks.
I guess basically a module is a specific way to play a measure. Todd specifically defines it in the dvd but I can't quote if off of the top of my head.

You will be able to start walking along with ANY song that you know. As long as you can keep up with it. If walking is unfamiliar territory, start slow. But you WILL be able to start RIGHT AWAY. Once you get the hang of it, it will go fast.

There is no documentation that accompanies the dvd but there is some available on the website for free with the purchase of the dvd. There are even backing tracks!

I don't want to be too descriptive about his method. If Todd wants to release any specific info he can do it, not me.

If you already walk and do it well, I have no idea how valuable this dvd will be to you. It is a gold mine for me!

Well worth my Upgrade fee and even cheaper on Todd's website if you don't want to donate to TalkBass.

Get it! Now! Hurry!

or don't.

:D

Joe.

So you're saying there's no belly dancing? :(

Maybe on his next DVD ;) :D

As long as he's not the one doing it!

:eek:

:D

Joe.

I just got both Todd's DVDs (Walking Bass v. 1 & Technique Builders). I am by no means a beginner but I don't have money for regular lessons and am polishing my skills before moving to a big city (SF Bay Area) in several months.

I feel like 90% of the time my walking bass lines are quite good but they do not yet have the uncanny sense of direction and 'inevitability' of the masters (Ray Brown, Charles Mingus, Scott LaFaro). I've worked out of a couple books (Rufus Reid's Evolving Bassist, Todd Coolman's The Bottom Line) but not in the last couple months. I got Todd's videos in the hope of jump-starting the learning process, and...

Success! I sat down with the Walking video a couple nights ago. It's elementary. This is not a put-down at all--he's just dealing with the fundamental, basic elements of good bass line construction from the bottom up. He emphasizes that as bass players, we are expected to fill the function of outlining the root motion/harmony and keeping good time with a full tone. IIRC his definition of a "module" is a one-bar or two-beat pattern/phrase that can be plugged in anywhere in a progression.

It's amazing the variety that you can get just from using a chord's 1, 3, 5, octave, and chromatic tones above/below the next root. Todd's coverage of strong/weak beat theory and tone also are helpful in getting an authentic jazz concept. I haven't yet visited Todd's site for the supplemental materials.

Todd's presentation is clear and logical. Most examples are over an F Blues with a jazzy turnaround; he also applies the modules to Autumn Leaves. There's a little sheet in the DVD box that lists the modules. After playing along with the video I took the cheat sheet and applied the modular approach to some of my favorite jazz tunes (Nefertiti, Satin Doll, Nature Boy, Chelsea Bridge) and felt a sense of direction to my lines that was previously lacking. I'm definitely gonna keep working on these. Haven't had a chance to watch the Technique video yet but I'm hoping to tonight.

Todd, I know you said you're working on another Walking video that will cover higher arpeggio/chord extensions--I hope you'll also cover odd time signatures, rhythmic embellishment and maybe a little bit of Latin bassline construction. Thanks for the inspiration!

Todd, I know you said you're working on another Walking video that will cover higher arpeggio/chord extensions--I hope you'll also cover odd time signatures, rhythmic embellishment and maybe a little bit of Latin bassline construction. Thanks for the inspiration!

I think he essentially has the volumes sketched out in his mind, since I think he's putting on DVD what he has already taught his students successfully over the years.

I already have requests in for the other volumes, too :) - to keep going with this method but illustrate it with minor keys.

Just finshed watching the modules DVD, and it definitely has some great content. Broke it down into bite-sized chunks, which is a very valuable perspective. So far so good, now just tons of time to invest to internalize all this stuff!

Hi guys,

Hey, a big, giant THANK YOU to all of you for your very kind and supportive words concerning my DVD's.

I'm so happy that the information is benefitting all of you.

Praise God for that!!

I'm planning on sitting down next week and mapping out my "master plan" for getting more DVD's out.

I'll let you all know what I'm planning on doing. ( I actually do have a plan!!).........and roughly when I plan on doing it.

A lot of you have had great comments and suggestions on topics you'd like to know more about. Thanks so much for that!

I'm slammed through Sunday March 12th. I'll post all this stuff next week sometime ( Lord willing!! )

Thanks for your patience!!

I thought I'd offer some comments now that I have watched the DVD a couple of times.

Simply - it's Excellent. While lots of instructional videos spew something, show one example, and scurry off to the next topic randomly, TJ lays it out methodically, one piece at a time. Once the concepts are explained, you get treated to many different small pieces to internalize.

The super organized, one piece at a time approach made me wish I lived in TJ's region so that I could take private lessons with him.

You can't Not succeed with this video, if you put the time in.

Great, great job, and it makes me look forward to other volumes.

IS THERE ANY STORE THAT CARRIES THE DVDS OR ONLY ON THE WEBSITE

I am pretty sure he just sells them direct. Just order through his website. They got to me in like 2 days.

IS THERE ANY STORE THAT CARRIES THE DVDS OR ONLY ON THE WEBSITE

Hi Jonathan,

Sorry I'm so slow in getting back to you. My schedule has been extremely FULL lately....plus.....I just got all my tax stuff finished. Whew!!!

Anyway......to your question!

Right now, my website www.toddjohnsonmusic.com and www.bassbooks.com are the only 2 places that you can get my DVD's.

Except,.......Lemur Music in San Juan Capistrano CA carry my DVD's in their store.

That "might" change in the future. I'm looking into the possiblities of some "distribution" offers I've received lately. We'll see......

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Many thanks,

I am pretty sure he just sells them direct. Just order through his website. They got to me in like 2 days.

Hi Sean,

Hey, thanks for answering Jonathans question for me while I was tied up.

You're my hero!!! Well done my friend!

:cool:

Too bad your DVDs arent distributed in Europe, I guess its a bit harder and expencive to order the DVDs here.

Too bad your DVDs arent distributed in Europe, I guess its a bit harder and expencive to order the DVDs here.

Hi Weasel,

You can order the DVD direct from my site for $40 U.S. plus the shipping which I believe is about $5. I can generally get stuff out the same day...or the next day for sure.

Actually, I've had a bunch of orders to folks in Europe,.... England, Finland, Holland/The Netherlands, Germany etc.

I even had an order to Botswana, South Africa....and it got there in a week!!!!!!!!!

So....don't despair.....just go to my website www.toddjohnsonmusic.com and go to my online store page and you're all set. I see to it personally that you're taken care of. Cool????..........Cool !!!!:cool:

Hi,

I have ordered the Walking Bass DVD on 13/03 and it arrived today (21/03). I think 8 days from US to EU is excellent service. I live in the Netherlands myself. I can recommend ordering it direct from Todd's webpage without hesitation. Easy as pie.

Looking forward to having my first go at it tonight. And if I like it enough I might just order the Bass technique DVD as well. It's not like I couldn't use it :-)

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Geert

I've had the Walking Basslines DVD for a few weeks now, and I must say it's a GREAT Resource for the beginning/intermediate walking bassist, even those who've never played walking bass lines at all. The system Todd develops is very much original, simple to grasp, easy to practice, and ultimately effective in getting you going playing walking bass lines.


Todd's Walking Basslines DVD is definitely a recommended buy for anyone interested in getting a quality walking bass concept under their belt! I would even more widely recommend Todd's Technique Builders DVD too :)

Hi Guys,

First of all......a HUGE THANK YOU to so many of you that have invested in my teaching DVD's and have been so encouraging. I can't thank you enough.

(Thankfully).....A LOT OF YOU have asked about what plans I have for releasing more DVD's in the future.

Well, here goes!!!

Here's a basic look at what I hope to accomplish over the next couple of years!! (Lord willing!!....hey, He's driving...I'm just trying to do what I'm supposed to!.... :D )

TJ's 5 PILLARS OF BASS EDUCATION

I see my “bass education” series as having 5 basic pillars. In no particular order they are:

1.Technique
2. Reading
3. Line creation (walking bass lines)
4. Fingerboard Harmony – Vertical and Horizontal approaches. (Which is basically knowing the neck and applying theory.)
5. Melodic - soloing, improvisation

Most everything else is an offshoot or a combination of these skills.

The Technique DVD is done. This will "probably" be the only volume on Technique...at least for now. Sorry guys…. no thumb slapping or tapping from me. I love it; it’s great… I just don’t teach it. So many other guys play and teach that so well, that it would be redundant for me to go there.

Volume 1 of my walking method is DONE. Volumes 2 & 3 should be out late spring...(I'm hoping to start filming again in May and have something out in June...I hope!!!) that would finish the entire method (I think!). Volume 2 will be "Scale Modules". Volume 3 will deal with Modal, 3/4, Rhythmic Articulations etc. I'm not sure about other volumes...3 might do it. We'll see.

I'm hoping to have the Reading (3 or 4 volumes), Fingerboard Harmony (2 - 4 volumes) and the Improv DVD's (2 - ??? Volumes) up and out within the next 2 years.

Remember friends that I'm an independent producer and distributor, so I'll work as fast as I can!!! Your continued support and encouragement is critical and GREATLY appreciated!!!

Then.... I’ll start in on my "6 string specific" stuff.... my playing bass lines and chord changes at the same time method.... chord melody's...solo pieces etc.

It makes sense (to me at least) to get the “fundamental skills” out first…then I’ll dive into the 6 string waters! Ha!

More Cd's will be coming out too...We just came out with a new one with the Ron Eschete trio. It's available from my website now too...finally!! I think you'll all really dig that one. That trio just finished recording a CD with Glenn Cashman on sax...GREAT tenor player from New York...That should be out later this year. PLUS I know we're supposed to be doing a cd with a GREAT vocalist named Kate Reid this summer. Check her out at www.katereidmusic.com . She's FANTASTIC!!!

As you can see, I'm going to be BUSY for the next couple of years. Whew!!

Again.....HUGE THANKS to all of you for your continued support, friendship and encouragement.

God bless,

Hi,

Just had a chance to review the Walking Bassline DVD and I must say I am very content with it. It offers a very structured aproach to learning to build walking bass lines. It offers a clear practice method at a smoothly stepped learning curve.

What struck me as a very important comment at the beginning was to make sure to play long quarter notes. This is something I certainly will have to pay a lot of attention to while I go through the exercises. I already recognized it as a key area for me to improve upon. Nice to see this amount of attention to detail.

I noticed when downloading the supplemental material from the website, that if you try to download the PDF material with Firefox, it will say that the files are no longer there. However, downloading them with Internet Explorer works just fine.

Another thing, there seem to be two identical files called "DifModEveryMeas.PDF". Guess this is something for the webmaster to fix. Also, there doesn't seem to be a PDF with the scores for modules 26 and 27? It would be nice to be able to download these as well. No hurry- I won't get to them too quickly ;-)

Now - to practice! :bassist:

Cheers,

Geert

Hi,

Just had a chance to review the Walking Bassline DVD and I must say I am very content with it. It offers a very structured aproach to learning to build walking bass lines. It offers a clear practice method at a smoothly stepped learning curve.

What struck me as a very important comment at the beginning was to make sure to play long quarter notes. This is something I certainly will have to pay a lot of attention to while I go through the exercises. I already recognized it as a key area for me to improve upon. Nice to see this amount of attention to detail.

I noticed when downloading the supplemental material from the website, that if you try to download the PDF material with Firefox, it will say that the files are no longer there. However, downloading them with Internet Explorer works just fine.

Another thing, there seem to be two identical files called "DifModEveryMeas.PDF". Guess this is something for the webmaster to fix. Also, there doesn't seem to be a PDF with the scores for modules 26 and 27? It would be nice to be able to download these as well. No hurry- I won't get to them too quickly ;-)

Now - to practice! :bassist:

Cheers,

Geert

Hi Geert,

Hey, I'll talk to my webmaster and go over the "supplemental downloads" etc. as soon as I can get in touch with him.

Right now, there is not any written music for Modules 26 and 27.....I'll write them out and get them up,.....BUT....(and realize, this is the teacher in me talking) ......by the time you get through the first 25 modules, you shouldn't have any trouble figuring out 26 and 27 on your own.....in fact writing them out would be a good assignment.....wouldn't it?!?!?! ;) Ha!:D

That said;.....I appreciate you pointing that stuff out. I'll get to it as soon as I can.

Thanks again for your support and encouragement!

I'm definitely looking forward to volumes 2 & 3 of the Walking Bass DVD's. I've had volume 1 for a couple of months now and think it is an excellent resource. Very clearly explained and easy to work with, especially when you have the downloaded materials. :bassist:

Great work on it Todd! Can't wait to get the next one!! :cool:

Best of luck!

I'm definitely looking forward to volumes 2 & 3 of the Walking Bass DVD's. I've had volume 1 for a couple of months now and think it is an excellent resource. Very clearly explained and easy to work with, especially when you have the downloaded materials. :bassist:

Great work on it Todd! Can't wait to get the next one!! :cool:

Best of luck!

Pruitt,

Hey, many thanks for the kind words.

FWIW....I just booked studio time to "shoot" the next DVD... If I can, I'm going to try to shoot 2 dvd's worth on the next shoot.

I'll be shooting the first weekend in May......

More than likely it'll be available in late June.

Cool.

Man, I've got lots of work to do.

I'd better get back to work!

It'll be cool to see the Zon on video, Todd!

It'll be cool to see the Zon on video, Todd!

Hi Bernie,

Hey,....my Zon is in my "Technique Builders" DVD....but it's mostly the AMAZING 4 string ZON they let me use for the DVD.

That was a SWEET 4 string.:) :D

"Most" of my dvd's will be "mostly" done on 4 string....mainly because that's the "least" confusing thing for the largest percentage of players.

I'll get to my "6 string specific" stuff sooner or later....:hyper: ................ In the meantime, I'm trying to help as many folks as I can.

BUT......

My ZON TJ-6 is AMAZING...... I hope to play it for you in person someday!!!

Take care,

Would the Walking Bass DVD be suitable for someone that doesn't play jazz?

I use walking bass lines for pop, funk, r&b, blues, and gospel :) I guess I use it for runs in rock too, sort of. Take a listen to your music of choice and see if you can hear any, I bet you will!