Double Bass How to do better walking bass lines

[Nyec]

Hi SXWr check out Invalid Link Removed, it will definitely give you valid pointers and open up new ideas to keep your bass lines interesting.

 

[lsabina]

Hi SXWr check out Invalid Link Removed, it will definitely give you valid pointers and open up new ideas to keep your bass lines interesting.

I'd approach this author's 3rd point (delayed/anticipation...) very, very carefully. It's the bassist's job to keep things on the beat (in swing style) so that other instrumentalists, whether they are comping or soloing, can explore delays, anticipations, etc., and have a solid "1" to work off of.

 

[Huy Nguyen]

+1 Yeah that's a cool trick but I would definitely stay away from that as it might make people with weak time get lost. If you're not used to it, it sounds like a mistake.

 

[lurk]

Check out R Carter's book. By cutting down on your note choices you concentrate on what's really important: placement, inflection, sound, etc. That's what makes a great walker. The notes are almost irrelevant as long as they fit the chords and lead well. Playing stuff that lies easily under your hand allows you to concentrate on this important stuff and play with authority and hold up your part of the bargain. No one hires a bassist cause they play great notes.

 

[damonsmith]

I haven't really seen anyone talking about subtleties of the quarter note. Rather than stiffen or regulate your time, working with a metronome should give you the ability to place a sound in an exact place in time.

If you concern yourself with the many different ways a quarter note can be played you can play a compelling walking line with just roots and 5 or leading tone here or there.

If you study the placement of quarters by PC, Wilbur Ware, pre-fifths Red Mitchell, Leroy Vinnegar & Sonny Dallas you'll have a wealth of material to work with. Look for the details, where on the beat they are, how the put a spin on the notes or compress and release the time in the line. There are obviously tons of others but those 5 bassists offer a wide spectrum on the fine art of straight quarters.

 

[bobsax]

Anybody mention bass guitar ? I'm a DB player learning BG.
So much of DB utilizes open strings . I'm finding it really hard to do decent bass lines in closed position (no open strings) with the bass guitar .
It makes you really appreciate guys like Patitucci and Wooten .

 

[pnchad]

There's nothing wrong with open notes on EB - the only time it really matters is possibly in a very slow walk where you can hear the difference. I'm covering some stuff right now where Will Lee was the bassist and I was trying to play quick licks in a fixed position. Then I saw a vid of Will playing it mostly open strings. Much easier!

 

[bobsax]

There's nothing wrong with open notes on EB - the only time it really matters is possibly in a very slow walk where you can hear the difference. I'm covering some stuff right now where Will Lee was the bassist and I was trying to play quick licks in a fixed position. Then I saw a vid of Will playing it mostly open strings. Much easier!

I suppose , what I notice is the DB players that double on BG don't really utilize the upper neck and closed position play. Patitucci with the six string plays mostly closed of course he uses open strings but he doesn't need too.