Unlock the secrets of creating musical, grooving, and expressive walking bass lines on one of jazz’s most iconic tunes. “So What” may look simple on paper—but crafting simple lines that feel alive, fresh, and intentional takes real skill. This book walks you through exactly how to do it.
In this newest volume of Bob Sinicrope’s acclaimed Walking Bass Line Construction series, you’ll get a hands-on, learn-by-doing approach that will be useful for anyone. Beginners get a clear, confidence-building pathway and more experienced players will get a good refresher course on crucial walking bass concepts.
Bass greats Victor Wooten and Rufus Reid, as well as countless educators, endorse Bob’s logical approach for building a rock-solid foundation in walking bass lines. What you learn here will expand your vocabulary, strengthen your groove, and elevate your sound in any musical setting.
Inside You'll Find:
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Progressive walking-bass exercises using approach notes, enclosures, passing tones, forward motion, and more.
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Clear, detailed explanations that show you how to practice, refine your feel, play with spirit, and deepen your groove.
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Backing tracks so you can instantly apply each concept in real musical situations.
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TAB for beginning electric bassists, using a practical range up to high C (first 5 frets).
Whether “So What” is one of your first jazz standards or a tune you’ve played for years, this book gives you the tools to walk with creativity, clarity, intention, and confidence.
Spiral-bound, 77 pages, Table of Contents.
Sample Pages:
Supplementary Content Links Page: “So What” Links Page
Endorsements:
“Bob Sinicrope's Walking Bass Line Construction book is an amazing book for anyone learning to walk jazz bass lines. A very simple but unique approach makes it not only highly educational but also enjoyable.”
— Victor Wooten, bassist
“I have known Bob Sinicrope for at least 50 years. I have observed how consistent and passionate he is about playing the bass, teaching what the bassist needs to do to be musically successful. His book, Walking Bass Line Construction, is quite thorough and will teach the user to be an excellent bassist/musician/listener!”
— Rufus Reid, jazz bassist/composer
Bob Sinicrope is a renowned jazz educator who founded the Milton Academy Jazz Program in 1974. Originally a math teacher, he switched to jazz education, inspired by his studies and collaborations with jazz greats. Sinicrope's teaching focuses on classic jazz recordings, guiding students in tribute concerts and performances at prestigious venues. Internationally recognized for his clinics and contributions to jazz literature, he is in the DownBeat Hall of Fame for Jazz Education. Bob is an active bassist in the Boston area and leads the music groups The World Leaders and SoundsGlobal. https://www.bobsinicrope.com/
