walking bass

American  

[beys] / beɪs /

noun

1. (in jazz piano) a left-hand accompaniment consisting of a continuous rhythm of four beats to the measure, usually with a repetitive melodic pattern.

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walking bass British  

/ beɪs /

noun

1. jazz a simple accompaniment played by the double bass at medium tempo, usually consisting of ascending and descending tones or semitones, one to each beat

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Example Sentences

The instrument is mostly used in nonmelodic ways, either playing that jazzy walking bass motif, insistently hitting the same high note for a percussive effect or plunking discordant chords to convey darkness from the past.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2024

But that song where you meet Trevor and Craig, we wanted a walking bass, we wanted horns.

From Salon • Oct. 26, 2023

A walking bass line, and then a swinging jazz trio, give Belafonte a backdrop for brash, syncopated, trumpet-like phrasing.

From New York Times • Apr. 26, 2023

His instantly timeless songs traverse funk-soul brotherhood, with walking bass lines, jangly chords, percussive wallop and a vocal tone that drips with Cali cool.

From Washington Post • Oct. 16, 2022

Nevertheless, Onofre still enjoyed playing his walking bass, and although he never gave concerts at 5:00 P.M., his neighbors often heard that jive bass coming from the Chateau Martinez around dusk.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols