The Greatest Walking Bassline Approach (You've Probably Never Heard Of)

#jazz #bass #walking #tutorial #jazzlesson #paulthompson
A technique not nearly covered enough when it comes to walking bass and developing good lines. This technique is used on just about every great Jazz album you own and every bassist needs to know how to do it. Deceptively simple, you'd be hard pressed to find a great Jazz Bassist that hasn't utilized this approach. #4notes #4beats
Website: www.paulthompson.us
Instagram @pdbass74

[@morganchilds9054]

This is such good info. As a drummer... I'll say... I appreciate MOTION in a bass line. It makes the cymbal beat pop and dance. Of course there's a way to play pedal tones that pop, but I think pedalling is an approach for very specific musical situation. Generally, the line needs to keep moving, and a bassist has to stay congnizant of the range they're playing in as they approach the end of sections and choruses. Maximizing the effect of drops of octave and skips is important... I want to hear those effects in a subtle way at crucial points in the harmony (generally), and then in a more emphatic way when energy starts to build and release. So a person could think about walking up from the lowest register to the highest, and have a plan for a drop in a really emphatic point in the music... Look ahead to the spot where landing on a really good note will have its greatest effect. It goes without saying that the voice leading needs to be clear; walkups are an easy way to get there.

[@argot4086]

man , i have been doing these background gigs for over 30 years,,,and never heard that so on point expression! Wallpaper gigs..

[@Kan-o-tex]

I loved playing "wallpaper gigs" with my bluegrass band; nobody was really listening so we felt free to experiment and mess around with arrangements while getting handsomely paid. I'm just getting back into upright bass and love your channel. Thanks!

[@blow-by-blow-trumpet]

Great stuff. I'm a trumpet player but learning to walk bass lines really helps me learn and negotiate the harmony.

[@jazzbrew68]

Oh man. This was pure gold and yes... you've just laid out my practice for the weekend. I gotta get a lesson with you in 2022 Paul! Happy Holidays to you and yours.

[@CharlesRey]

This is gold that you are teaching to people are just getting started on walking bass lines. Kudos to you sir!

[@christinaholroyd629]

I've never seen your videos before, but you're great! You're teaching is wonderful and you seem like a humble, decent guy.

[@CameronCrowleyMusic]

Fly Me to the Moon is a really good example of this too! Amazing tutorial and channel

[@katabatica]

Appreciate the shorter no-filler format. There's too many KZbin videos now that are ten minutes long, regardless of the actual content

[@pacemasterful]

So glad to have encountered your channel, it's given me new inspiration to practice and my mind is expanding

[@pdbass]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@jackthebassman1]

What a beautiful timbre

[@judeb.1119]

one of the most concise and clear instructional videos on youtube geared towards bassists. subscribed and excited for more!

[@nickfane6729]

This is also the key to a lot of classic R&B and rock bass. Great to know!

[@dale116dot7]

Sometimes I sneak in these jazz walk ups (whichever applies for the change happening) into bluegrass or country (what I usually play). it breaks up the monotony of too much root-five or the standard country walk up which can get boring after a while, not just for the bassist but the rest of the band. Good to know changes across different genres, a number of country and bluegrass bassists incorporate jazz and classical movement into their playing.

[@michaelchevalier1471]

I came across your channel about a month ago and it has been so helpful. I really appreciate the straight forward explanations and demonstrations. Jazz can be so daunting and to be able to pull back the curtain and show it isn't so scary is such a relief. I look forward to more of these little lessons from your channel.

[@rembeadgc]

Love your straight forward, methodical and focused approach to something very simple but abundantly applicable.

[@JamesW-li5oi]

This video was i.mensely helpful. I just got a bass sax and am trying to go from being a lead instrument to a bass line player and had no idea where to begin. I've always found theory more useful than transcribing. It's much easier for me to apply a concept than just copy others.

[@sowelldon]

Bro! I've watched so many of your videos. I just watched your video on Anthony Jackson and subscribed to your channel. OMG!!! You are freaking Awesome!! I don't read music and I don't know music theory but listening to you. I need to get over myself. You rock man!!

[@Barabyk]

You're a brilliant communicator. Pure joy to listen and learn!

[@josephrichard7743]

Thank you so much. I am currently in my schools chamber orchestra but I personally want to get better at jazz for my senior year I will continue to watch ur videos and u seem like a decent guy

[@erivers71]

This bass teacher is genius. Circle of fourths= brilliant lesson.

[@pvillez]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you very much

[@gvbarbosa78]

Thanks for speaking slowly and congratulations for your accent. For a non native speaker it makes all the difference. Great lesson! 👍🏻🙏🏻

[@francescodipalma9785]

Watched > Saved > Liked > Subscribed.

[@crimfan]

This mixed in with some arpeggios and octaves or drops and a whole lot of good bass lines are right there. It's like knowing your Scrabble words.

[@JohnHorneGuitar]

Great information Paul! Everyone should learn these not just bass players!

[@gerardclaude1652]

I am practicing with a big smile on my face. Thank you so much.

[@ThomasBrophy]

PT!!!! You are a master teacher. Thank you for sharing.

[@minglian6433]

KZbin did it again. Pure Gold content

[@leodavis5256]

"I've got some practicing to do" was my thought exactly just before you said it. I need to run through all the keys more often.

[@butterboydan]

New fave jazz channel?

[@doublebasshq]

This is so great, Paul! Such a great lesson!

[@extramile734]

It's moving in 5ths. 5ths. It is the cycle of 5ths. You are a great educator thank you for your great work.

[@pmvoice88]

Great video. These walkups are the connective tissue to chord movement and resolution.

[@kevinr.theodore767]

Man, I got hyped by the thumb nail and thought you was to do a Mingus review. You got to do a Mingus Review this year !

[@cocoelyssesofficial]

I love your videos, you are an amazing teacher✨🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽‼️

[@johnxaviermusic]

Beautifully simple! Subbed👍 Thank you for the content.

[@searching4the]

Very nice! So much info in a short video. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@ianstewart2846]

Great stuff dude. Perfect video lesson that anyone can use. Bravo!

[@daveamico990]

Love it Thank you!

[@endoplasreh]

Wow. This is great info that I never thought about. Thanks so much.

[@carloscortes2017]

Thanks , more like this please! Excelent, short and straight

[@dingoswamphead]

Great lesson, Paul, and what a beautiful bass you are playing.

[@pdbass]

Thanks! ‘72 Pollmann. She’s a looker!

[@Gk2003m]

I’d already noticed this occurring in my own lines as I listen to the masters; nice to see it pointed out this way. In fact it’s so entrenched in my playing that I’m trying to get away from it and do something else! But if I’m lazy, it’s the first many bars of, say, How High The Moon.

[@vanderpoolfarmsl.l.c.9983]

Love the timbre of your bass!

[@chrisharrison809]

Subscribed. Giving this to my students ASAP. You’re the man.

Respect! I watch your classes everyday, mentor. Congratulations

[@billkirbymusic]

Thanks for the video! An simple approach taught in a usable formate. Have a happy holiday!

[@SaltyMusicOne]

Totally agree there’s are a must know pattern - I like to add the octave displacement to make to give some variety- so fog down a seventh where appropriate - but again, Janis is core must know.

[@davidmaslow399]

Yeah Paul! How cool!

[@toddhamby]

Great video again Paul!

[@daniellemeyer5159]

Never heard of, but played it a million times. Nice to have a term for it. I like it thanks.

[@wonder6789]

Excellent and excellently done.

[@RodGoelz]

Love these lessons!

[@drstrange629]

I always automatically hit “like” as soon as you I open one of your videos.

[@Tattoed_soul]

Great vídeo. Thank you!

[@Lutemann]

This is quite good. Thanks.

[@paulpaul00]

Great! Love your tone...

[@Rinchenuker]

Great lesson. Thanks.

[@fideldely5988]

Thank you, thank you. Thank you!

[@charlieburns1385]

Awesome thanks👍🎶

[@williamjohns9322]

Heading upstairs to practice right now! Great video

[@tomsteger1]

Super helpful! Thank you!!

[@SteveSam66]

Great lesson! Thx

[@Britelife50]

excellent and layed out perfectly

[@alfredbellanti3755]

Thank you for this Sir. 😊

[@ProgRockDan1]

Thanks for sharing this bass instructions

[@dimensionstomorrow]

Super helpful! 🤯

[@bassocanario]

Dr. Dopenstein's Dopesauce Delivery👍🏾🤓 The beauty/effectiveness of simplicity, eh?🙌🤗💣😉

[@donkelly36]

really nice, love this video!

[@maXXer00]

Just commenting to help the algorithm spread the coolness. Bravo!!!

[@Sebastianandthedeepbluemusic]

thanks for the ideas I'm gonna give it a go

[@korelmemili]

Thank you!

[@mandohat]

Thanks!

[@davetuttle9701]

Excellent

[@alethallinger]

excellent!

[@patrickr12342]

Superb Videos. My first vid, was the ten doublebass lines in hip hop. Thumbs up and greetings from germany. Thanks, a lot, for your work.

[@charles8072]

thanks a bunch for the vid.

[@alexdebling1564]

Ron Carter sent me here. Great video, and thanks for the "Wallpaper gig" definition. Not gunna lie; for a second, I was impressed your nice clothes weren't covered in wallpaper paste ;)

[@pdbass]

Whaaaaaaa?!?! The GOAT saw my video?!?!

[@alexdebling1564]

@@pdbass He reacted to it on Facebook :)

[@pdbass]

I just saw it! I might retire now 😁

[@alexdebling1564]

@@pdbass If The G.O.A.T hasn't retired yet, what right do we have ;)

[@johndangerbenedictarnold7862]

Thank you for making Morgantown cool!

[@pdbass]

^^^^This comment^^^^🤣

[@carloszagal1934]

very informative, thank you good sir. What about a video about how you approach solo-ing over changes? I WOULD love to see how you approach jazz solo-ing on upright. Great content as always!

[@pdbass]

I will cross that bridge! I just like to cover the most overlooked stuff first. We play bass, after all. Thanks for watching!

[@jeanneannvalfre9581]

Yes,thank you …..great info…..must have…..☮️🎶🔛🌎

[@albertarason4502]

Seeing this video made me realise that maybe I am not as bad of a bass player as I think I am sometimes because I know this technique very well.

[@austinhernandez2716]

I'm a trumpet player but this helps me in listening

[@keithmcduffie7182]

Comments Before Viewing: I Don't Think That We Will EVER Get To The Point That We Comprehend All The Things Charles Mingus Was Telling Us On That Bass ...... 2022 And We're STILL Trying To Catch Up!!!

[@xtremehackeroficial3873]

Nice...

[@andyokus5735]

I owned the great Ben Tucker's upright. I was so stupid I tried to play it like an electric. No go. That's ok I'm a killer electric player. I learned to walk from the monster Larry Taylor on John Mayall's " Jazz Blues Fusion " album. I highly recommend it to all players it's a kick ass record!

[@AmerBarakatBass]

Very helpful 👍👍 what about going back to

[@russellszabadosaka5-pindin849]

Digression...I joined my first pro band at 17 and we did a wallpaper gig at a local doctor's mansion. During a break I ran to the bathroom and accidentally walked in on my orthodontist snorting coke. I was only two years out of braces at that point. Good thing we were wallpaper because I was catatonic the rest of the night.

[@Jordan_Thomas]

I really gotta get one of those keyboard faucets

[@jorgeguberte]

30 seconds in and it's already a sub from me

[@laurentdorel8354]

Great talk, thank you! Is it a descending pattern like this walkup ? A walkdown ?

[@pdbass]

Yes! I will definitely be talking about that in another video. Thanks for watching.

[@nhoelescolano8952]

Thanks

[@lubormrazek5545]

actually used this in autumn leaves..without knowing it

[@renemama4369]

yes

[@joy1ess]

really excited to try this on the guitar!! 😌thank you so much (edit) this won't work on modal tunes tho.. like So What

[@live2groove]

Ha.. I refer to them as the "Hey Joe" climbs. That song moves in 5ths, so you go from the root to the 3rd and chromatic from there. It's also in Stevie Wonder's "I wish" going from the Ab back to the Eb-7. Yep, it's everywhere man.

[@AmeliaLewis]

Hi, Paul. Just discovered your work, and I have a question about this technique versus advice provided in Jazz Lesson #2 (Walking Bass Part I). There, you emphasize chord tones. "Play chord tones on 1 and 3." This works for the minor/dom7 and half-dim patterns provided here (since the chord tone on 3 is going to be minor, and that fits in the walkup and leaves two half-steps to complete the fourth), but it doesn't for the pattern supplied for major/dom7: from tonic half-half-whole-half puts the second on 3. It really isn't possible to put a major third on three and still have space for another note (well, barring microtones) on four before reaching the fourth. I realize that the advice for chord tones in walking lines includes room for exceptions, but should one only use this pattern for a major chord when sus2 can substitute for the third without sounding too sour? Or is this a case in which one needs to be aware (well, maybe simply a little more aware than usual) of the melody note(s) on 3 to avoid killing the groove? More simply, if the line is in a major chord without the dominant 7th, is it better to switch to an alternate technique rather than risk going sour here?

[@pdbass]

Great question. Oftentimes, 6ths and 2nds can work on those critical beats. The real task is to AVOID playing a b3 on beat 3 if the chord is major. The major/dom walkup is basically playing up a major scale with a passing tone between the root and second. I found this line transcribing players like Ron Carter, Paul Chambers, and Sam Jones. They all play it…a lot. Remember that where your line is going is as important as where it is in that moment. If it sounds right, forget the rules and just play.

[@KaltOhm]

Awesome video! Thanks! I’ll start practicing these walk ups. I wonder is there any book or method that collects all these patterns like walk ups, drops, etc. I’d love to have a reference like that.

[@Augany]

Seconded

[@pdbass]

If you know someone at Mel Bay, let me know!

[@KaltOhm]

@@pdbass I would definitely buy that book! 🙂

[@avialbersbenchamo4797]

Wow, God is in the air!

[@hugowasalreadytaken]

Hey man, great stuff! i loved the video :) If i could give you one pointer, i'd maybe sit a little further away from the camera, because it's a little intimidating if you sit so close to it haha Cheers,

[@pdbass]

👹😈🤡