Some basics to keep in mind when playing bass lines and chord changes at the same time:

When I’m playing bass and changes, I visually separate the instrument into a 3-string
bass (B E A) and a 3-string guitar (D G C).

Left Hand: The bass lines are almost always played with the first (index) and second
(middle) fingers. Rarely do I ever use my third (ring) or fourth (pinky) fingers in a bass
line.

The chord changes are almost always played with the third and fourth finger, unless of
course I’m playing a 3-note chord. At that point you have to add another finger.

My chord voicings consist of mostly 3rds and 7ths (guide tones). I do use extensions
from time to time, but you have to be very careful how you use them because things can
get muddy in a hurry. You only have to play extensions occasionally to give the illusion
that you’re playing more than you really are.

Right Hand: I play all my bass lines with my thumb. Two-note chords are played with
the first and second fingers. Three-note chords are played with the first, second and third
fingers.

Rhythm: Since walking bass lines are made up primarily of quarter notes, it is absolutely
critical that each quarter note is played as legato as possible. Short choppy quarter notes
will ruin a swing feel faster than anything. Remember that the bass line is sacred. If it
doesn’t feel great, then nobody will care how “hip” your changes are.

Rhythmically, when it comes to playing chord changes you have four main components.
They are upbeats, downbeats, legato and staccato. Everything you play will consist of
combinations of these four components. Make sure you can play each one slowly and
accurately before moving on. Now, combine them. See examples.

When you feel you have it together, check your accuracy with a metronome or a click.
Put the metronome/click on 2 and 4. Once you can make this feel good, you can increase
the tempo. It is crucial to remember, that speed is a by-product of accuracy. If you are
not accurate, your speed will simply not develop. If you try to play too fast too quickly
you will simply reinforce the bad habit of sloppy playing. Remember, “If it doesn’t feel
good, it doesn’t count”.

Have fun and play slow.

Copyright  2002 Grace Base Productions

 Gm7 - C7 Rhythmic Comping Examples
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Copyright 2002 Grace Base Productions