noojb

just realised theres a similar topic on here already, but about memorising lines not chords. I guess this is kind of the opposite problem so it will be interesting to get peoples views.

Hi guys, i've been working on my walking bass lines and i've been playing lots more standards recently. When playing these tunes i find that i'm usually ok when i have a chart in front of me, but i find it really difficult if the charts taken away to memorise the chords and think about playing interesting walking lines at the same time. I find when playing functions if i'm playing funk tunes or rock or pop tunes i'm fine memorising hours and hours worth of material because i'm thinking about the grooves and the lines that i'm playing. When it comes to thinking about what chord comes next and walking at the same time i get lost. Have any of you guys got any techniques that you use for memorising these tunes? and i was wondering when you play these tunes if your thinking about all the chords all the time or if your playing more by ear and following melodies rather than thinking about each individual chord.

personally i think that the bassists primary role is to keep the groove. If you're soloing and licking away and losing the groove then i think it's kind of not doing your job right as a bassist. but then again it can work and it's all down to personal opinion!