Rhythm Guitar - Introduction to Walking Bass

Moving beyond the boom chuck

This lesson path will introduce you to standard walking bass runs in several keys and two different time signatures. I'll Fly Away will be used as a vehicle to demonstrate the walking bass in different keys. Even though the keys change, the song remains the same. This helps learning chord progressions and walks in new keys feel less daunting.

4 Video Lessons

1

Overview and What is Walking Bass?

The Walking BASSics

Walking bass is a term that describes the leading tones used to get from one chord to another. They are played on the bass strings of a guitar. They are most often played in an even steady beat and...
2

I'll Fly Away in G

Getting started in the most common key

This is the key you will most likely hear this song played in. A lot of people play it out of A as well, if that’s the case you’ll just put your capo on the second fret and use these same chord sha...
3

I'll Fly Away in D

Walking Bass runs in another "need to know" key

Same song, different key. The first two walks are in the same place as when we played in G. The third walk normally in measure 7 is missing from the basic arrangement because it is slightly more ...
4

I'll Fly Away in C

Everyone loves a trilogy?

The most challenging part of playing this song in the key of C is the F chord. Create a partial bar by laying the first finger slightly on it’s side and at an angle. Watch the video closely for a ...
5

Amazing Grace

Waltzing Bass

Amazing Grace is in ¾ or Walt's time. It's sometimes called Walt's time, instead of waltz time, because it was invented by Walt Disney...That's a lie, just checking if you were still paying attenti...
6

Where to Now?

Walk on boy(This is a hilarious Doc Watson pun, just smile and laugh...good job)

Ok, so now that we’ve covered the the walking BASSics you may want to look at Bluegrass Rhythm 101. This will take you through the nuance of bluegrass rhythm, walks, and ornamentation.