Originally published June 17, 2014, lightly edited for clarity.
Triads — root, third, and fifth — are the harmonic core of every jazz walking bass line, and getting comfortable with them first is what lets scale and stepwise motion actually work over changes. This is another lesson on using triads as the core material for your bass lines and in this case jazz walking bass lines. Once again, the bass lines of all styles require that the core harmonic material be triads. Jazz walking lines are no different, but still, many students of jazz seem to be in a hurry to play scale and stepwise choices before thoroughly internalizing their triad choices. I have discovered in my own playing how really practicing walking bass lines just using triads helped make my linear playing sound and feel better. I was amazed at how improving my harmony helped my groove and swing. I hope you enjoy the following video. Walking bass is one of the styles I teach. For personalized help putting triads to work in your walking lines, online bass lessons via Zoom are available.
