The 3 Best Walk-Ups And Walk-Downs To Learn On Acoustic Guitar
I’ve taught a few walkup/walkdown lessons – here are my favorite patterns from each.
The 3 Best Walk-ups And Walk-downs For Guitar
Learn three essential walk-up and walk-down patterns for acoustic guitar players. These walking basslines for guitar are sure to breathe new life into your basic chords & strumming.
Each pattern covers different principles and ideas applicable to basic chord progressions, with an emphasis on chord switching and comfort level. The first pattern uses E and A chords with the most common strumming pattern. The walking bassline involves a concept called “chromaticism” which is used a ton in country and blues music.
The second pattern uses G and C chords. We do a different (common and simple) pattern, and discuss the fact that it’s a simple scale-based bassline, which gives a folksy classic sound.
The third pattern resembles Johnny Cash’s “Walk the Line,” and doesn’t need chord shapes, since the line itself is so intricate. It really highlights the role of bass players in outlining chord progressions.
Table of Contents
- 0:00 – Intro
- 0:47 – Walk-Up #1
- 2:55 – Chromaticism Explained
- 5:13 – Walk-Up #1 Play-Along
- 5:43 – Walk-Up #2
- 8:19 – Walk-Up #2 Play-Along
- 8:47 – Walk-Up #3 – “Walk The Line” Style Bass
- 9:42 – Walk-Up #3 Demonstration
- 12:49 – Walk-Up #3 Play-Along
- 13:17 – Tips & Resources
