Playing Hub

Technique: Jazz soloing on the double bass

2021-06-22T16:17:00

DannyZiemann

How to build from a simple bass accompaniment to an improvised solo line in a few basic steps

There is a lot of ‘wisdom’ passed on as part of the learning tradition of any instrument, and for double bass that includes the idea that we don’t need to play solos in jazz. This is not true, and it creates a lot of fear and rejection around improvising when we do have to do it. It has also led to numerous bad jokes about bass solos being boring or lame, because many players never learn how to improvise solos effectively! It doesn’t have to be that way, because if we can improvise a blues walking bass line, we’re already partway there. We just have to build on what we already know…

Already subscribed? Please sign in

Subscribe to continue reading…

We’re delighted that you are enjoying our website. For a limited period, you can try an online subscription to The Strad completely free of charge.

  • Free 7-day trial

    Not sure about subscribing? Sign up now to read this article in full and you’ll also receive unlimited access to premium online content, including the digital edition and online archive for 7 days.

    Free trial

    No strings attached – we won’t ask for your card details

  • Subscribe 

    No more paywalls. To enjoy the best in-depth features and analysis from The Strad’s latest and past issues, upgrade to a subscription now. You’ll also enjoy regular issues and special supplements* and access to an online archive of issues back to 2010.

    Subscribe

 

* Issues and supplements are available as both print and digital editions. Online subscribers will only receive access to the digital versions.