Does a walking bass line usually consist of chord tones?

Question

Do we define a walking bass by it consisting of mainly chord tones? So it's just a skeleton of a chord progression? What if it wasn't just chord tones, would it still be considered a walking bass line or just a regular bass line?

Answer 1

Hi there, I think I can help answer your question.

While a walking bass-line certainly uses chord tones, I would argue that a more prominent characteristic of a walking bass-line would be the chromatic notes or half-step approaches that are used to move to and from the chord tones. Another important characteristic of a walking bass-line would be the rhythm. Usually, a walking bass-line will stick closely to playing only quarter notes or eighth notes while only deviating occasionally. The rhythm of your bass-line is what provides the "walking" part and by using non-chord tones to approach your chord tones the bass is connecting the chords of the song together.

The ratio of non-chord tones to chord tones as well as rhythms used in a walking bass-line is entirely up to you, the composer! I recommend listening to and analyzing your favorites walking bass-lines.

Hope that helps!

-Nic