Go Back   TalkBass Forums > Bass Guitar Forums > Ask a Pro! > Ask Todd Johnson
Register Rules/FAQ/CUP Members List Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Ask Todd Johnson Jazz bassist, 6 string pioneer. Focusing on expanding the harmonic role of the bass guitar


Supporting Membership
Thank You

Latest Supporting Member
Donate to Upgrade Today

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
  #1  
Old 01-02-2009, 12:49 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Walking Module System 1 and Summertime

Sign in to disble this ad
I have the Todd Johnson Walking Bass Line Module System Volume 1. I'm still working my way through it, but so far I'm really enjoying it. This is top notch and highly recommended.

I do have a question though for Todd or anyone else familiar with the Vol 1 material.

I am trying to apply the triad modules to Summertime (hayward & gershwin). So far, I am unable to come up with a set of modules that sound decent when trying to walk this song. Perhaps this song is better served by the scalar approach (disc 2 - which I don't have yet).

Any thoughts?
  #2  
Old 01-03-2009, 01:39 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Los Angeles
Quote:
Originally Posted by edgewise View Post
I have the Todd Johnson Walking Bass Line Module System Volume 1. I'm still working my way through it, but so far I'm really enjoying it. This is top notch and highly recommended.

I do have a question though for Todd or anyone else familiar with the Vol 1 material.

I am trying to apply the triad modules to Summertime (hayward & gershwin). So far, I am unable to come up with a set of modules that sound decent when trying to walk this song. Perhaps this song is better served by the scalar approach (disc 2 - which I don't have yet).

Any thoughts?
Hi Edgewise,

The volume 1 modules will work GREAT on Summertime (or any other standard for that matter).....

Like I tell you in the DVD....Go through the progression using ONE module at a time...get in control of it... then repeat that process using different modules. Once you've got 10 or 15 of them together you simply need to mix them up and "use a different module every measure or so..."

Try this:

For chords that last 1 measure let's use these modules: 1353 135A 151A 151B and 1585

For Chords that last 2 beats: let's use 1A 1B and 15

Try using just those modules.....if you get stuck, then write them out....but try to think your way through it first OK??

So...... your assignment is to apply this to Summertime. Get it together and get back to me.

Cool?? Cool......

Have fun......I look forward to hearing from you soon.
  #3  
Old 01-03-2009, 06:12 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Thanks for responding. I'll take your suggested modules and give it a whirl.

Once things gel, I'll get back to you.

Cheers!
  #4  
Old 01-14-2009, 02:27 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Hey Todd,

You were spot on.

I'm playing the chords as follows:

Dmin (1353) | Dmin (135a) | Dmin (151a) | Dmin (1585)

Gmin (1353) | Gmin (135a) | Emin7b5 (151a) | A7 (1585)

Dmin (1353) | Dmin (135a) | Dmin (151a) | Gmin (1a) C7 (1b)

FMaj7 (135a) | Emin7b5 (1a) A7 (1b) | Dmin (135a) | A7 (151a)

Sounds not too bad, eh? I'll keep messing with it. I hope to pickup up your next dvd soon.

Thanks!

-EW
  #5  
Old 01-14-2009, 10:20 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Los Angeles
Quote:
Originally Posted by edgewise View Post
Hey Todd,

You were spot on.

I'm playing the chords as follows:

Dmin (1353) | Dmin (135a) | Dmin (151a) | Dmin (1585)

Gmin (1353) | Gmin (135a) | Emin7b5 (151a) | A7 (1585)

Dmin (1353) | Dmin (135a) | Dmin (151a) | Gmin (1a) C7 (1b)

FMaj7 (135a) | Emin7b5 (1a) A7 (1b) | Dmin (135a) | A7 (151a)

Sounds not too bad, eh? I'll keep messing with it. I hope to pickup up your next dvd soon.

Thanks!

-EW
You've got the right idea....Way to go. I'm proud of you

Play the tar out of that with a great time feel and you're on your way....Congratulations!!!!
  #6  
Old 09-29-2011, 08:32 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Syracuse N.Y.
Before I order Todds' Walking Bass Line book, could someone tell me what the (a), (b) and 1a, 1b, represent in the chord structures above?

Thanks for any replies, I am testing out this song for fun. Hope to get the book soon.
  #7  
Old 09-29-2011, 11:21 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Los Angeles
Quote:
Originally Posted by ctregan View Post
Before I order Todds' Walking Bass Line book, could someone tell me what the (a), (b) and 1a, 1b, represent in the chord structures above?

Thanks for any replies, I am testing out this song for fun. Hope to get the book soon.
Good question.....

1 = root

A = 1/2 step above the "next" root.

B = 1/2 step below the "next" root.

Make sense???
  #8  
Old 09-29-2011, 04:53 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Syracuse N.Y.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Todd Johnson View Post
Good question.....

1 = root

A = 1/2 step above the "next" root.

B = 1/2 step below the "next" root.

Make sense???
Great idea! Helps a player think ahead to the next chord too.

I found some guy on utube who explains it really well:

toddjohnsonmusic's Channel - YouTube

Last edited by ctregan : 09-30-2011 at 04:10 AM.
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

Follow TalkBass on Twitter   Visit TalkBass on Facebook  

All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:07 AM.




Copyright 2011 Talk Music Group Inc. All rights reserved.
Play guitar? Visit our new sister site TalkGuitar.com [beta]
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.12
Copyright ©2000 - 2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.