Steve's Spinal Column #5

Here's a column dealing with my approach to bass lines as suggested by Jim Moy. The typical jazz bass line is a four to a bar, quarter note concept with many variations. "Walking Bass Lines" should outline the chord changes while being melodic and linear in nature. This is in contrast to the broken chord arpeggio technique that offers a different flavor.

Let's illustrate using a single chord. i.e. Gm7
There are three primary possibilities to create a bass line:

1- Chord tones-- in the case of Gm7 -	G Bb D F R b3 5 b7
2- Scale tones-- G minor scale (dorian mode)= GABbCDEF As you can see, the Gm7 chord is in this scale 3- Passing tones-- all tones not in the scale, but must be used in a melodic and functional way.

Now let's apply these ideas to my "Compass Bass" Concept.
First, find a G note in the left hand somewhere mid-range. i.e. 9th string, 5th fret on a Grand Stick.
Now let's play G A Bb C on that string. You're going toward the floor. or South.
Now try G F# F E on the same string and your going North.
Try a few notes to the left G C D F (East)
Find a few notes going right (west).
They don't have to be strictly one direction, just basically visually guided.
If you can find two, 4 note bass lines in each direction, you're ready for the next step.
If your fingers are trained you can just send the message to travel in a direction. The fingers will go to the four notes that have been "Memorized". To create bass lines, just change the order of the phrases. Play line #1 followed by line #5. You're making variations on things you've practiced with little effort. Just having two phrases in each of the 4 directions will give you many possibilities. You can always find other lines.

Now try this same concept with Major7 chords and Dominant7 chords. You will now be able to "create" walking bass lines based on practiced motor skills that still sound improvised. Make sure they swing. Try a simple progression like l Gm7 l C7 l FMaj7 l BbMaj7 l

You have a ton of possibilities using this system. If you've practice each chord it's easy to "improvise" a bass line. Remember you will play what you've practiced.

Also keep in mind the sonics of the bass line. Contrast the highs and lows, the tensions and resolutions. Above all, be melodic and catch the groove. Don't be a metronome. Harmonically, outline the progression, melodically be musical, and rhythmically, push the music forward. Knock down walls.