WALKING BASS

The walking bass line is usually made up of arpeggios and scale passages. The main object is to
state every beat, so the line is predominantly crotchets, but can include quavers and triplets.
This table shows some basic rules of the walking bass. (Chord tones = Root, 3rd, 5th, 6th or 7th)
Beat

One chord per bar

Two chords per bar

Usually a root (but can be another chord tone if chord is a Root

repetition of the previous bar)

Chord tone or passing note

Chord tone or passing note

Chord tone or passing note

Root

1. Chord tone (especially a leading note)

2. Passing note
3. Semitone up or down into chord tone of next chord

Chord tone or passing note

Passing notes can be used between chord tones either on the same chord or between chord
changes, often as leading notes or approach tones (these are notes that approach a chord tone
chromatically from above)

Repeated notes are sometimes used, but are not recommended over a chord change or from a
strong to a weak beat (see below)

Chords are nearly always in root position, although inversions are required in certain
sequences, eg I Got Rhythm. Where chords are changing every beat use roots.

Quaver and triplet notes can be used at times for variety.

Large interval leaps are useful occasionally and are usually followed by a scale passage
moving in the opposite direction.