To understand why a PDF of Carter’s lines is so valuable, one must first appreciate the architect behind them. Before Ron Carter, the bass was largely a time-keeping instrument, rooted in the "four-on-the-floor" swing tradition pioneered by players like Jimmy Blanton and Oscar Pettiford. Carter, however, approached the instrument with a composer’s mind.
: Study the transcribed lines to see which scale degrees Carter emphasizes on strong beats (usually roots and fifths). Ron Carter Bass Lines Aebersold Pdf 44
This book provides a "behind-the-scenes" look at how a master constructs professional walking bass lines. To understand why a PDF of Carter’s lines
| Chord | Ron Carter’s Typical Approach | |-------|-------------------------------| | | He often starts on the root (A), then walks up the Dorian scale: A–B–C–D. But instead of landing on the D (the 4th) on beat 4, he will chromatically approach the next chord. | | D7 (V7) | He emphasizes the altered tensions (b9, #9, b13). Example: Over D7, he might play D–F# (3rd)–C (b7)–Eb (b9) leading to G minor. | | G-7 (i minor) | He rarely plays the root on beat 1. He might start on the 3rd (Bb) or 5th (D) to create melodic interest. | | C7 (V7/IV in Bb major) | He outlines the tritone substitution possibility. Instead of C–E–G–Bb, he might play C–E–Gb–F (using a b5 to lead to F major). | | Fmaj7 (IV) | He plays “chordal skips” – e.g., F–A–C–E (ascending arpeggio), then walks down. | : Study the transcribed lines to see which