Walking Bass and Comping

Steve Herberman·
5.0 (2 reviews)
·INTERMEDIATE·7 String·1 lesson

In this class Steve takes you through the process of developing walking bass lines and adding comping chords in an array of specific locations to make the guitar sound like a full rhythm section. The bass lines are shown over a C Blues progression complete with chord substitutions to create more interest and momentum.

Next Steve has a challenging “4 to the bar” walking chord line PDF with even more chord substitutions and very useful “walk-ups and walk-downs” that can be used over most common progressions. Gain control over this very important aspect of accompaniment and make your comping swing like never before. PDF materials written for a standard tuned 6 string guitar. Running time: 55 minutes Features 6 pages of PDFs (in both standard notation only and TAB and standard notation.)

Course Content

Lessons

  • Walking Bass & Comping Full Class + Download3360

Reviews & Ratings

5.0
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rob steinhardt
11/25/2023

Steve hits it out of the ballpark once again! I have listened to the video a couple times at work getting an overview, and I'm finally getting a chance to begin working with it. As we know, everything Steve teaches is pretty high-level, so it takes full concentration and time to do proper study. It's a very different than learning landslide or My Creole bell. But what a fabulous lesson! Steve has this uniquely clear, concise and practical way of explaining things. As well as clearly demonstrating things that makes him one of the best instructors I have ever encountered. Explaining things in a way that makes sense, in a very logical sequential manner , it comes so naturally to Steve. That clarity means a lot. I have been working with and collecting VHS and DVDs since the mid-90s. Literally dozens and dozens and dozens of instructors. Give or take a few.. This review does not discuss the lesson with any specifics, as I work with the material I will try to post another review that talks about the lesson with some detail. But just from reviewing the material a couple times, I am confident that this presentation is going to unlock a lot of Doors for a lot of people. It's just a question of putting the time and effort into the study. Thank you so much. Rob.

Artur Cardoso
11/6/2023

"A unique approach to walking bass on guitar"

The way walking bass is taught and played by guitarists is usually limited to having chord stabs played only on the first beat of each bar, along with the root of each chord. Steve teaches us how we can break away from this pattern by exploring how chords can be placed on different beats, as well as how to harmonize every note in the bass line. Since chords are being added to notes other than the root, this approach brings about the use of inversions and substitutions -- which adds harmonic and rhythmic depth to the lines. Studying this material should benefit both the comping and solo guitar aspects of your playing. Highly recommended.

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About the instructor

Steve Herberman
Steve Herberman is an exceptional guitarist…known for his deft counterpoint" –Downbeat Magazine. "The clarity and balance Steve gets with his right hand is amazing". – Jim Hall. "Steve’s improvising is uniquely fresh with melodic ideas that twist and turn and perk your interest with occasional elements of humor as well. There is a constant groove in his solo lines. He shows prowess harmonically and linearly with an abundance of chops and with an exceptional clarity to it all." – Gene Bertoncini Steve Herberman taught jazz guitar on the faculty of Towson University near Baltimore MD for 14 years and is presently teaching guitar at Sidwell Friends School, Washington Conservatory and is an ensemble coach for the Jazz Band Masterclass. He has presented guitar masterclasses in Italy and the U.K. and at many universities across the U.S. Steve has written instructional material for Downbeat magazine, Mel Bay’s Guitar Sessions, Just Jazz Guitar, Fingerstyle Guitar Journal and Fingerstyle 360 webzines. Steve Herberman is a graduate of Berklee College Of Music and has performed with renowned musicians such as Keter Betts, Buster Williams, Gary Bartz, Drew Gress, Chuck Berghofer, Harvie S, Mark Ferber, Jim Snidero, Ali Ryerson, Steve Williams, Steve LaSpina, Jeff Hirshfield, John Pisano and many more. Steve Herberman has recorded three CDs as a leader; Thoughtlines (2001) Action:Reaction (2006) and Ideals (2008.) In 2014 Steve recorded a live duo album with fellow guitarist Steve Abshire titled "Between Friends.” In 2017 Steve recorded a duo CD with award-winning vocalist Lena Seikaly, set for a Feb. 2018 release.