Some Awesome Walking Bass Line Players

This list highlights some of the greatest jazz walking bass players. The most effective way to develop your own lines is to emulate lines from the original recordings of the bassists who inspire you, learning directly from their original recordings. Over time, their vocabulary will integrate into your playing, helping you evolve the unique walking style that drew you to them in the first place.

The most important thing I look for in a musician is whether he knows how to listen. -
​ Duke Ellington

Pops Foster (1892-1969) - Great slap bassist
Walter Page (1900-1957) - Pioneer of walking bass style
Milt Hinton (1910-2000) - Amazing slap bassist, 2nd most recorded musician
Slam Stewart (1914-1987) - Sang while he bowed his solos
Jimmie Blanton (1918-1942) - Virtuoso solist and jazz bass innovator
Israel Crosby (1919-1962) - Creative melodic bassist
George Duvivier (1920-1985) - Great sound and feel, widely recorded
Oscar Pettiford (1922-1960) - Pioneer Bebop bassist
Percy Heath (1923-2005) - Great time feel
Sam Jones (1924-1981) - Wonderful drive in his bass lines
Ray Brown (1926-2002) - Played with incredible drive and taste
Red Mitchell (1927-1992) - Melodic bassist, tuned his bass in 5ths
Leroy Vinnegar (1928-1999) - Great walking bassist
Andy Simpkins (1932-1999) - Warm sound, great groove
Paul Chambers (1935-1969) - Played with power and great feel
Ron Carter (1937- ) - Unique bounce to his feel, most recorded musician
Charlie Haden (1937-2014) - Played simple, lyrical and effective bass lines
Miroslav Vitous (1947- ) - Modern free-wheeling style