Hi, I’m Toru Hoshino, a bass teacher.
In this article, I break down a solo I played over “Autumn Leaves,” a chord progression that’s a favorite at jam sessions.
When you look up bass solo videos, a lot of them are
amazing, but moving around so much you can’t really copy them.
I think that’s a common feeling.
So here I played a solo that stays in a range that’s easy to copy, with minimal use of the high register, while still sounding “jazzy.”
Contents
My “Autumn Leaves” Bass Solo
Filmed in April 2019. One chorus.
Points I Kept in Mind While Soloing
Point 1: Don’t Go All-Out Right From the Start
When you start a solo, it’s really common to rush in and play too much, too soon — especially at sessions.
A lot of this just comes down to experience, but by leaning into long tones in the opening, I’m setting up a contrast with the eighth-note lines that come later.
A section, measure 1. Video 0:00–
Point 2: Note Intervals
As a “jazzy” way of using notes, I often move through phrases using intervals of a whole step or more, especially 3rds.
Here’s a phrase built around an ascending run of 3rds.
A section, measure 8. Video 0:14–
I go into more detail on 3rd intervals in this article:
Why Your Solo Doesn’t Sound “Jazzy” Yet — and How to Fix It
Point 3: Phrases Built on Chromatic Approach
Another “jazzy” trick I use a lot is the chromatic approach.
Measures 3–4 of the B section.
This phrase climbs chromatically toward the target note, then immediately descends chromatically right back down.
B section, measures 7–8. Video 0:47–
I hope this gives you some ideas for your own playing! ^^
Want Personalized Feedback on Your Playing?
This is exactly the kind of thing that’s hard to fix alone — and where having a teacher makes all the difference.
At Line on Bass, I offer an online lesson service where you send me a video of your playing, and I give you specific, detailed feedback — every single day if you want.
Students from around the world are using this to fix exactly these kinds of issues and steadily improve their jazz bass skills.