Walking Bass Fundamentals from Udemy

Always wanted to learn how to play walking bass, but it was to difficult?

This course is a follow up to my best-selling "Walking Bass - Quick Start Guide" course. In this course I'll take you further and you'll learn how to strategically compose cool sounding walking bass lines from scratch. Yes - you will be By the end of the course, I guarantee that you'll be able to do it. In this course, I'll show you a strategic and simple way to construct and improvise walking bass lines right there on the spot using chord tones and different intervals. The concepts are easy to understand and it's something all bass pros know about, but rarely share. It took me years to figure out what I'm about to show you, and you'll be able to learn it in just a few weeks of practice. You'll then have a new bass skill that will stay with you forever and you'll be proud of it - I'm sure.

Please watch the free preview videos to get a taste for what’s inside.

This course is shot in HD video and features quality bass playing audio mixed with the backing tracks. The course is split into eight chapters, each adding a new note to our "easy walking bass" strategy. This means that each chapter is very doable - you just need a bit of practice but you'll understand concepts involved immediately.

This course includes:

PDF, Guitar Pro 5 & Guitar Pro 6 tabs for each playing example
Interactive backing track videos for jamming and practice
English subtitles
Unlimited forum help and instructor feedback
Walking bass pro tricks & strategies
Fun playing examples

I want you to know that it is important to me to hear back from you, while you're going thorough the course. This is why I'd like to encourage you to send me messages anytime, I’ll be checking them out and responding quickly (usually the same day. ). Also, I’d like to ask you to record audio files or videos (you can post videos on Youtube and share the link) and send them to me for feedback.

I’m here to help YOU, so please don’t be shy :)

This course is designed as a walking bass fundamentals tutorial. We won’t be going into any complicated theory and walking bass concepts - I'll just show you stuff that you really have to know to be able to enjoy walking bass. You'll learn walking bass essentials and basics. Everything else, when it comes to walking bass, just builds up on this foundation that you'll gain. I'll show you fundamentals that'll enable you to enjoy walking bass as a playing style and unlock your improvisation ability on bass. Walking bass sounds impressive, so this is an amazing skill to have. There is no magic behind it, rather simple ideas and strategies that you can apply immediately to understand which notes can you play over which chords.

This course, does not rely on music theory much. You'll learn some theory related concepts such as intervals that you have to know in order to enjoy walking bass, but I tried to skip theory that you don't actually need as much as possible. This is a problem of many other walking bass courses out there, as those just dig too deep into music theory that it becomes boring too soon. You’ll just need to have a very basic understanding of how to find certain notes on the fretboard (in basic, most often used positions on the neck) and be able to play quarter notes steadily. Since walking bass heavily relies on chords, you’ll need to have a basic understanding of chords and root notes, but we cover those topics within the course so you can just dig into it and ask me questions along the way if something is not clear.

Please send me your feedback about the course. What did you like? What did you not like? How could I improve it? Your feedback means a lot to me and I need to in order to better shape the course content for YOU.

Please Enroll Today.

Cheers,

Bogdan aka Bass Rebel

What's inside

Learning objectives

Gain necessary foundations in the walking bass style
Learn to compose walking bass lines
Be able to improvise walking bass lines on the spot
How to successfully perform 2 feel and 4 feel walking bass lines

Be able to jam with fellow musicians
Become more familiar with bass fretboard
Become familiar with light theory concepts such as intervals on bass
Be able to jam over supplied jazz style backing tracks

Gain necessary foundations in the walking bass style
Learn to compose walking bass lines
Be able to improvise walking bass lines on the spot
How to successfully perform 2 feel and 4 feel walking bass lines
Be able to jam with fellow musicians
Become more familiar with bass fretboard
Become familiar with light theory concepts such as intervals on bass
Be able to jam over supplied jazz style backing tracks

Syllabus

Chapter 4: Root, 3rd and 5th

Learn the improvising strategy of using root,major or minor 3rd and 5th notes for constructing a walking bass line.

Learn a 2 feel walking bass line which is utilizing the root, 3rd and 5th improvisation strategy.

Learn what this course is all about and prepare to get started.

Learn what are root notes and how to find a root note for each chord.

Learn how to play the basic 2 feel walking bass rhythm.

Learn about intervals on bass.

Learn how to play the perfect 5th interval on bass.

Learn the improvising strategy of using root and 5th notes for constructing a walking bass line.

Learn a 2 feel walking bass line which is utilizing the root and 5th improvisation strategy.

Practice what you've just learned by playing along the backing track.

Learn how to play major and minor 3rd intervals on bass.

Learn the improvising strategy of using root and major or minor 3rd notes for constructing a walking bass line.

Learn a 2 feel walking bass line which is utilizing the root and 3rd improvisation strategy.

Learn how to play the 4 feel walking bass rhythm.

Learn how to compose 4 feel walking bass lines.

Learn a 4 feel walking bass line which is utilizing the root, 3rd and 5th improvisation strategy.

Learn how to play major and minor 7th intervals on bass.

Learn the improvising strategy of using root,major or minor 3rd, 5th and major and minor 7th notes for constructing a walking bass line.

Learn a 4 feel walking bass line which is utilizing the root, 3rd, 5th and 7th improvisation strategy.

Learn how to compose walking bass lines by following chords.

Learn to randomize walking bass lines using cells.

Utilize dynamics to create more interesting walking bass lines.

Learn a walking bass line which is changing from 2 feel to 4 feel to change atmosphere.

Final course tips.

Use this backing track to practice improvising your own walking bass lines.

Where to go next.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides interactive backing track videos for jamming and practice, which allows learners to immediately apply new skills and solidify their understanding of walking bass lines

Focuses on practical application and improvisation, which is essential for musicians who want to develop their own unique style and contribute creatively in jam sessions

Includes tabs in PDF, Guitar Pro 5, and Guitar Pro 6 formats, which ensures accessibility for learners using different software and devices to study and practice

Requires a basic understanding of chords and root notes, which may necessitate additional learning for absolute beginners with no prior musical experience

Teaches how to improvise using root, 3rd, 5th, and 7th intervals, which are fundamental building blocks for creating interesting and dynamic walking bass lines

Focuses on essential concepts and skips in-depth music theory, which may not suit learners seeking a comprehensive theoretical understanding of walking bass

Reviews summary

Fundamentals for walking bass players

According to learners, this course offers a clear and simple introduction to the walking bass style. Many students praise the instructor's ability to explain concepts without getting bogged down in complex theory, making it particularly suitable for beginners. The included tabs and backing tracks are highly valued for practical application. While it successfully builds a solid foundation, some note that it focuses strictly on fundamentals and may require further study for advanced concepts.

Covers essential basics but isn't an exhaustive theory course.

"This course is definitely fundamentals, don't expect advanced concepts."

"It provides a solid base to build upon."

"While great for basics, I'll need another course for deeper theory."

"It sticks to the essentials needed to start playing."

"Good as a first step, but not comprehensive for advanced players."

Instructor is quick and helpful in answering questions.

"Bogdan answered my questions very quickly and was very helpful."

"Great support from the instructor in the forum."

"I appreciate the prompt feedback I received."

"Instructor is very responsive and cares about student progress."

"Questions are answered promptly and clearly."

Provided tabs and backing tracks are excellent for practice.

"Great resources provided for practice."

"The included materials really helped solidify my learning."

"The backing tracks are invaluable for practicing the lessons."

"Having the tabs made learning much easier."

"I loved playing along with the exercises using the provided materials."

Focus on fundamentals without complex theory is perfect for new players.

"This course is exactly what a beginner needs to start walking."

"It skips the overwhelming theory and gets straight to playing."

"I was a beginner and felt comfortable with the pace and content."

"Perfect starting point for someone new to walking bass."

"Doesn't require deep prior theory knowledge, which is great."

Instructor explains concepts simply and effectively.

"The explanations were very clear and easy to follow."

"Bogdan does a great job of breaking down complex ideas."

"I really appreciate how the instructor simplified the process."

"Everything is explained in a simple, easy to understand way."

"His teaching method is direct and effective."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Walking Bass Fundamentals with these activities:

Review Basic Chord Theory

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Strengthen your understanding of basic chord construction and progressions, which is essential for creating effective walking bass lines.

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Review major and minor scales and their corresponding chords.
Practice identifying chord qualities (major, minor, dominant) by ear.
Study common chord progressions in jazz and blues.

Read 'The Jazz Theory Book'

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Deepen your understanding of jazz harmony and theory to enhance your walking bass line composition and improvisation skills.

View The Jazz Theory Book on Amazon

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Read chapters related to chord voicings, scales, and improvisation.
Analyze walking bass lines from jazz standards and identify the theoretical concepts in use.

Practice Root, 3rd, 5th exercises

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Reinforce your ability to quickly identify and play root, 3rd, and 5th intervals on the bass, which are fundamental to walking bass lines.

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Choose a chord progression (e.g., I-IV-V-I in C major).
Play a walking bass line using only the root, 3rd, and 5th of each chord.
Increase the tempo gradually as you become more comfortable.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Explore 'Standing in the Shadows of Motown'

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Gain inspiration from the bass lines of James Jamerson and apply his melodic approach to your walking bass playing.

View Bobby Rydell: Teen Idol On The Rocks: A Tale of... on Amazon

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Read about James Jamerson's life and musical background.
Study the transcribed bass lines and identify key techniques.
Try to incorporate some of Jamerson's ideas into your own walking bass lines.

Transcribe Walking Bass Lines

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Improve your ear training and understanding of walking bass construction by transcribing existing bass lines from jazz recordings.

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Select a jazz standard with a clear walking bass line.
Listen to the recording and notate the bass line.
Compare your transcription to a published transcription or a bass chart, if available.
Analyze the transcribed bass line for patterns and techniques.

Compose a Walking Bass Line

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Solidify your knowledge by composing your own walking bass line over a jazz standard or blues progression.

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Choose a chord progression (e.g., a 12-bar blues in Bb).
Create a walking bass line using the techniques learned in the course.
Record yourself playing the bass line along with a backing track.
Share your composition with other musicians for feedback.

Jam with other musicians

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Practice improvising walking bass lines in a real-world setting with other musicians to improve your timing, responsiveness, and musicality.

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Find a local jam session or open mic night.
Prepare a few jazz standards or blues tunes to play.
Focus on listening to the other musicians and creating a supportive bass line.
Ask for feedback from the other musicians after the session.

Career center

Learners who complete Walking Bass Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Bass Player

A bass player needs a strong foundation in various styles, and this course helps build that foundation by focusing on the walking bass technique. This course teaches players to construct and improvise walking bass lines, which is a critical skill for any bass player. The course covers essential concepts including root notes, intervals, and chord tones, which are all relevant to a bass player's daily work. The learning objectives, which include performing 2 feel and 4 feel walking lines, directly translate to performance skills needed by a bass player. This course may allow a bass player to expand their repertoire and improve improvisational abilities by learning a structured approach to walking bass.

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Jazz Musician

A jazz musician often uses the walking bass style, making this course a valuable resource for those in the field. The course demonstrates how to improvise walking bass lines using chord tones and intervals, skills central to jazz music. This course may be helpful to a jazz musician seeking to enhance their bass playing skills. The focus on 2 feel and 4 feel walking bass lines, along with jam sessions, is highly aligned with the practical demands of jazz performance. A jazz musician can benefit from this course to improve their bass playing as a component of a jazz rhythm section; learning walking bass is essential.

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Music Instructor

A music instructor, especially one who teaches bass, needs a thorough understanding of various playing styles, and this course provides just that by breaking down the fundamentals of walking bass. This course offers a structured approach to teaching walking bass, which is beneficial for a music instructor who wants to impart more detailed instruction to their students. This course may help a music instructor refine their teaching methods and introduce new techniques and concepts to their curriculum. A music instructor can benefit from this course by gaining a clear, step-by-step method for teaching walking bass, which can then be passed on to students.

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Session Musician

A session musician is often asked to play in diverse styles, and this course provides a valuable introduction to walking bass. This course helps session musicians become more proficient in the walking bass style, which is often used in jazz, blues, and related genres. The ability to improvise walking bass lines and jam with others, which are key skills taught in this course, are important for any session musician. Such skills would allow a session musician to confidently perform in the walking style when asked. This course may help a session musician broaden their skills and increase their employability in the music industry.

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Band Leader

A band leader often needs to understand the nuances of different instruments and styles, and this course provides a solid understanding of walking bass. This course helps a band leader better understand the role of the bass in an ensemble, particularly in jazz and related styles where walking bass is common. Knowing how to compose and improvise walking bass lines, as taught in this course, is beneficial for a band leader to arrange and direct their band effectively. A band leader may also be a jazz musician. This course may allow a band leader to communicate more effectively with band members and improve the overall performance.

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Composer

A composer benefits from a deep understanding of different instruments and playing styles, and this course offers insight into the walking bass technique. This course helps a composer understand how bass lines are constructed, especially within the walking bass style, which can be useful in composing pieces. The course material on chord tones and intervals can help a composer create more accurate and engaging bass parts. A composer may find this course to be extremely valuable for their own composition. This course may allow a composer to expand their musical vocabulary and explore new ways to integrate bass into their compositions.

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Music Arranger

A music arranger needs a solid understanding of how different instruments function within a piece, and this course offers a focused look at the walking bass technique. This course helps a music arranger understand the nuances of walking bass and how to incorporate it into arrangements. The concepts taught, such as root notes, intervals, and improvisational techniques, can help a music arranger generate more interesting bass lines. This course may help a music arranger improve the quality of arrangements, particularly those that include bass. A music arranger can use this knowledge of walking bass to create more intricate, balanced, and dynamic pieces of music.

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Music Therapist

Although perhaps not core to the role, a music therapist may find a course such as this to be useful in their practice. This course may help a music therapist better understand the role of bass and rhythmic elements, and this could assist in sessions. The ability to jam with fellow musicians, emphasized in the course, is a skill that a music therapist may utilize in group sessions. A music therapist may benefit from understanding how to structure musical exercises. This course may be useful to a music therapist who wants to expand their knowledge of musical performance; walking bass does relate to a common foundational way to play bass.

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Songwriter

A songwriter may use the skills taught in this course to enhance the bass parts of their songs. This course is a useful opportunity for a songwriter to explore walking bass techniques, which can help build a strong foundation for song arrangement. The course's focus on rhythm, chord tones, and improvisation can inform creative decisions for composing bass lines. This course may help a songwriter develop a deeper understanding of how bass can support melody and harmony. A songwriter can benefit from this course by improving their understanding of bass and rhythm as a foundation for musical writing.

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Audio Engineer

An audio engineer needs a strong understanding of various instruments, including bass, and this understanding may be improved through the concepts in this course. This course may help an audio engineer gain insight into the walking bass technique. This can help them mix and record bass tracks more effectively. The course's focus on the walking bass style can help an audio engineer become more familiar with the nuances of bass playing. An audio engineer can benefit from this course by improving their ability to work with bass tracks, particularly in genres where walking bass is common. This may include jazz or blues.

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Music Producer

Although it does not directly teach music production, this course may be useful to a music producer who wants to understand walking bass. This course may be helpful for a music producer who wants to have a deeper understanding of the walking bass style. The specific concepts of rhythm and harmony as they relate to bass are important to overall musical understanding. A music producer might use this knowledge in their work, even if not playing the instrument themselves. This course may allow a music producer to expand their awareness of bass lines when creating music.

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Orchestrator

Although not the core of their work, an orchestrator benefits from insights on various instruments and musical techniques. This course may be useful for an orchestrator who wants to expand their understanding of jazz and related genres. While walking bass is not typical in orchestral music, the principles of harmony and rhythm are universal. An orchestrator may want to develop a wider range of musical understanding and so this course may be useful. This course may be helpful to an orchestrator who seeks a fuller understanding of harmony and rhythm, especially in how it relates to the bass.

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Music Critic

Even if not actively performing, a music critic benefits from a solid understanding of various musical techniques. This course may be useful for a music critic who wishes to understand the technicalities of the walking bass style. This could help them to critique music in a more informed way. The nuances of how walking bass lines are constructed can be a useful area of study for a music critic. This course may be helpful to a music critic who values a thorough understanding of the elements of music, even those that are not at the core of their area of expertise.

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Sound Designer

A sound designer may find this course, which focuses on the walking bass style, to be useful in building a foundation of musical principles. This course, while specific to walking bass, touches on rhythm, harmony, and chord structures, which are useful skills for a sound designer. The course's focus on musical structure may be indirectly valuable. This course may be helpful to a sound designer who wants to improve their understanding of music, as this may inform their sound design work.

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Acoustician

An acoustician may find this course of some value in understanding the characteristics of bass instruments. This course focuses on walking bass, which can give an acoustician some insight into bass. While the course is focused on performance, acousticians may be interested in the characteristics of the bass. This course may be helpful to an acoustician who wants to broaden their understanding of musical instruments by understanding technique and playing style. This may inform the approach to their design work.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Walking Bass Fundamentals.

The Jazz Theory Book

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Provides a comprehensive overview of jazz harmony and theory. It covers topics such as chord voicings, scales, and improvisation techniques. It is particularly useful for understanding the theoretical underpinnings of walking bass lines and how they function within a jazz context. This book is commonly used as a textbook in jazz studies programs.

The Jazz Theory Book

Spiral-bound

Bobby Rydell

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Details the life and work of James Jamerson, the legendary bassist for Motown Records. While not strictly jazz, Jamerson's bass lines are incredibly melodic and sophisticated, providing a great source of inspiration for walking bass concepts. It offers insights into creating bass lines that are both supportive and musically interesting. This book is valuable as additional reading to broaden your understanding of bass line construction.

Bobby Rydell: Teen Idol On The Rocks: A Tale of...

Paperback

Bobby Rydell: Teen Idol on the Rocks: A Tale of...

Kindle Edition

Walking Bass Fundamentals

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Fundamentals for walking bass players

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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