Intro to Triplets in Walking Bass Lines

by Ariane Cap 4 May 2025 2 minute read

Add triplets to your walking bass line for instant enhancement!

There are many ways to spice up a walking bass line and in this episode, I focus on triplets. We’ll talk about what types of notes make the most sense to use for your triplets, as well as placing them on different beats of the bar to keep things interesting.

Practice descending triplets

Practice these variations and focus on the descending triplets as I show you in the video until you are comfortable playing them in time and with a good even tone. before you unleash them on stage or at the jam session.

But don’t overdo it!

As with any “device,” it’s best not to overdo them by dropping them in too often. But placing them smartly in your walking bass line will enhance a solid groove. 

Mix triplets with some “burps”/skips (TT episode #45) and you will have yourself a functional walking bass line that will keep the soloists happy and you’ll have more fun in the process!

Follow along with this PDF and create your own exercises!

Interested in more tips on triplets?

Check out Tapping Triplets on the Bass

→ Triplets in Walking Bass Lines

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Hi. I'm Ari.

As a bassist, I have toured/played/recorded with a variety of rock, Jazz, and funk bands, I have worked with some incredible producers (Keith Olsen) and musicians (Paul Hanson, Muriel Anderson) and I toured Brazil with Stu Hamm as a duo.

 

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When I started playing bass, I excelled very quickly because I had an amazing teacher who taught me using a powerful method. This method transformed my playing so quickly that I passed a bunch of high-level university auditions and even tested out of entire classes at university even though I had been playing for only a very short time.

 

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I started teaching online in 2009 and have embraced technology as a powerful learning tool since then, never losing sight of the importance of providing feedback and personalized guidance to learners.

 

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