Six Foot One is a good example of a tune that we can use the simple concept of alternating bass notes. As in many forms of music, bass lines can be very simple in Swing (they can also be very complicated walking bass styles).
Alternating bass usually refers to alternating between the root (or tonic) note of a chord and the fifth as the bass of the chord. To create the alternating bass style we are going to use a couple of chord shapes that we have already seen together.
If you don't remember the chords to Six Foot One, here is a refresher.
Now, let's look at how we alternate those bass lines.
And the video...
Notice how the alternating bass line moves the rhythm of the song. This is really useful technique for adding that sort of moving or driving sound to your playing.
A word of caution, though... When playing with a bass player, this sort of movement can really get in the way of the overall sound. It's important to let the bass player be a bass player. Just like it is important for them to let you be a guitar player!
That said, in ensembles where there is not a bass player, and especially when you are playing solo or accompanying a soloist, this method is really useful. Just to play around with it, try not using a pick and just using your fingers!!!
~Danny
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