Whenever I transcribe walking basslines, I generally write them out. I never write out solos or melody lines, but when it comes to basslines I find it hard to keep so many quarter notes in my mind.

I've heard people say that you shouldn't write anything out, including basslines. And I've heard people say that the opposite.

I can see the benefit of not writing them, but the time and effort is somewhat of a drawback. Especially if your doing a 10 minute transcription....lol

Anyway, whats your opinion.


edit: I would also like to state that when I do write the lines out, I usually play with the recording enough to only use the written line as reference. Most of it comes from muscle/mental memory.

There are benefits to both writing out transcriptions and doing them from memory. Writing transcriptions out can help one with sight reading other parts because you will have a better understanding of the rhythms that you see and can translate those things quicker in your playing. Playing transcriptions from memory helps one to internalize the solo or bass line. I recommend some of both.

I think it helps by giving you more practice at reading, but the real value for me is in looking at what chord/passing tones they're playing over the changes. Tools for the box.