Walking Bass Line:
A walking bass line is a smooth, steady sequence of bass notes that creates a flowing rhythm, often moving in quarter notes.
It’s commonly used in jazz, blues, swing, and rockabilly, providing the foundation that keeps the music moving forward—hence the name “walking” bass.
Unlike static basslines that repeat simple patterns, a walking bass line constantly shifts, outlining the chords while adding groove and momentum to a song.
Why Is It Called a Walking Bass?
The term “walking bass” comes from the way the notes seem to “walk” up and down the scale in a steady, stepwise motion.
When playing a walking bass line, your fingers alternate smoothly between strings, mimicking the natural movement of walking—one note leads into the next like footsteps on a path.
This continuous motion keeps the rhythm driving forward, making the bassline feel fluid and dynamic rather than static or choppy.
How Does a Walking Bass Line Work?
A walking bass line typically follows the chord changes of a song while outlining the harmony. The bassist plays a steady rhythm—usually quarter notes—that connect the root notes of each chord. These lines often use a combination of:
Root notes (the foundation of the chord)
Chord tones (other notes within the chord, like the third or fifth)
Passing tones (notes between chord tones to create smooth movement)
Approach notes (notes leading into the next chord tone for a jazzy feel)
By mixing these elements, a walking bass line can be both supportive and expressive, adding character to a song.
How to Play a Walking Bass Line
To play a walking bass line, follow these steps:
Start with the Root Note – Begin by playing the root note of each chord in the progression.
Add the Fifth or Third – Use other chord tones (like the third or fifth) to outline the harmony.
Use Passing Tones – Play notes in between chord tones to create a smooth, walking feel.
Keep a Steady Rhythm – Most walking bass lines are played with a swing feel in quarter notes.
Experiment with Approach Notes – Try adding chromatic (half-step) or diatonic (scale-based) approach notes to transition smoothly between chords.
Are Walking Bass Lines Improvised?
Yes and no. In jazz and blues, many bassists improvise their walking bass lines in real-time, making subtle changes based on the song’s feel and the soloist’s phrasing.
However, some walking bass lines are written out or follow standard patterns, especially in rockabilly and blues.
Learning common walking bass patterns will help you develop the ability to improvise naturally.
Which Three Notes of a Chord Do Walking Bass Lines Use?
Walking bass lines typically emphasize three key notes from a chord:
Root – The foundational note of the chord.
Third – Defines whether the chord is major or minor.
Fifth – Adds strength and stability to the line.
Sometimes, the seventh is also used, especially in jazz, to create more harmonic depth.
Walking Bass Line Examples
Want to hear walking bass in action? Check out these classic examples:
Jazz: Miles Davis – “So What” (Paul Chambers’ iconic walking bass line)
Blues: Muddy Waters – “Hoochie Coochie Man” (classic slow blues walking bass)
Rockabilly: Elvis Presley – “Blue Suede Shoes” (boogie-inspired walking bass)
Swing: Duke Ellington – “Take the A Train” (walking bass drives the rhythm)
Walking Bass Line in Guitar & Other Instruments
While traditionally played on an upright or electric bass, walking bass lines can also be played on guitar, piano, or even synthesized in electronic music.
Guitarists often use walking bass in jazz comping or rockabilly riffs, while keyboardists might outline bass lines with their left hand.
Final Thoughts
Walking bass lines are essential in jazz, blues, and many other genres, giving songs a sense of movement and groove.
Whether you’re playing them on bass, guitar, or even programming them in a DAW, learning how to create fluid, harmonically rich lines will make you a stronger musician.