Walking bass lines aren't "built." While the expression denotes construction, the term isn't correct. Rather, a walking bass line is based in harmony, motion and resolution. That's the whole story of walking bass lines right there.
If you don't know how to come up with a proper walking line, then my suggestion is that you don't try. You will be involved in a guessing game of how to write or play one. Rather, your teacher should write some out for yo and have you play them. This is a way more trustworthy way to develop an understanding of how walking likes function. It is hard not to figure this out after practicing a few perfectly written lines on a few jazz standards. Aga, don't try to come up with your own. I've heard many bass players try this and they all showed that they didn't understand the harmony and resolution aspect of what constitutes a great walking line. Rather, get your teacher to write them out for your to practice. That's their job!
If you don't know how to come up with a proper walking line, then my suggestion is that you don't try. You will be involved in a guessing game of how to write or play one. Rather, your teacher should write some out for yo and have you play them. This is a way more trustworthy way to develop an understanding of how walking likes function. It is hard not to figure this out after practicing a few perfectly written lines on a few jazz standards. Aga, don't try to come up with your own. I've heard many bass players try this and they all showed that they didn't understand the harmony and resolution aspect of what constitutes a great walking line. Rather, get your teacher to write them out for your to practice. That's their job!
while I agree that your suggestion might work for some, I'm in education and I dont accept that It is appropriate for all. Some folks need to understand the big picture of how it all fits together and the theory behind that before they're confident enough to try things out for themselves, others very much learn through experience, others work on feel. I'm currently on my second teacher who is only really jamming with me and giving me pointers to help me improve as we go. It took a leap of faith to follow this as I wasn't confident at all but my feel got me through it nicely. My first teacher taught me basics, scales and modes. We are now working towards walking bass lines but that's a way off yet.
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