Walking Bass Modules

[Eublet]

Hi, Todd,

How would you answer someone, perhaps a fairly new player, that thinks your walking bass DVD might not be something they need tackle, since they aren't interested in being a jazz player?

Thanks!

[SmittyG]

I know this is directed at Todd specifically, and I'm sure he will answer as soon as his schedule allows but, if you don't mind too much, I'm going to jump in since I can answer this question from a student's side of things.

Now, I do have an interest in playing jazz, however, I have almost no opportunity. But I do have many, many opportunities to perform blues and country and have always done walking parts for those styles. Studying the modules Todd teaches had an immediate positive impact on my abilities and confidence to play those parts. In fact, the "song" Todd uses to demo the modules is a 12-bar blues; a "jazzier" one maybe, but a 12-bar blues nonetheless.

From my viewpoint, music is music. Anything that makes me a better musician, regardless of intended style, makes me better in all styles.

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by SmittyG

I know this is directed at Todd specifically, and I'm sure he will answer as soon as his schedule allows but, if you don't mind too much, I'm going to jump in since I can answer this question from a student's side of things.

Now, I do have an interest in playing jazz, however, I have almost no opportunity. But I do have many, many opportunities to perform blues and country and have always done walking parts for those styles. Studying the modules Todd teaches had an immediate positive impact on my abilities and confidence to play those parts. In fact, the "song" Todd uses to demo the modules is a 12-bar blues; a "jazzier" one maybe, but a 12-bar blues nonetheless.

From my viewpoint, music is music. Anything that makes me a better musician, regardless of intended style, makes me better in all styles.

Thanks SmittyG,

Well said......I appreciate your excellent response.

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by Eublet

Hi, Todd,

How would you answer someone, perhaps a fairly new player, that thinks your walking bass DVD might not be something they need tackle, since they aren't interested in being a jazz player?

Thanks!

Well.........It's kind of like a football player not being interested in running and lifting weights.....but it's something that'll really get them in shape to play football....make sense????

ALL BASS PLAYERS need to know how to create great bass lines. Learning to play walking bass lines in a "jazz context" is the best way I know how to teach you how to imply and manipulate harmony and create interesting bass lines. DON'T LET THE JAZZ WORD SCARE YOU......Like I said in my "Bass Guitar Magazine" column: "I'm not trying to make people into jazz musicians...it's just that jazz is the GYM we're going to work out in."


Once you get to where you can improvise walking bass lines in a jazz context, then "harmonically" speaking...everything else will be a piece of cake... (Most) Everything else you'll play will be a matter of editing out harmony....and editing in the style you're performing. I hope this makes sense.

Besides, the key word here is CREATE. This skill will teach you exactly how and why bass lines work. I assume you want to be a CREATOR...and not just a COPIER of great bass lines. That's the big difference.

Please accept this advice in the "friendly" tone in which it is intended....