Strumming with Walking Basslines (feat. Blowin' in the Wind by Bob Dylan)

Lesson #493 • Jul 14, 2023

In this week’s lesson I’ll answer a question about combining strumming with walking basslines — using Bob Dylan’s classic Blowin’ in the Wind as an example. This will help you capture the distinctive guitar sound Dylan is using during the chorus, which goes a long way in elevating a 3-chord song. And of course, you can use this technique in plenty of other songs & situations – so it’s absolutely one worth getting the hang of.

I should note, this is not a tutorial for the full song! Rather, in answering the question sent in by Song Notes member Michel, I show exactly how I integrate walking basslines into the strumming of the chorus section. This may not be the exact notes Dylan plays, but it captures the essence of the song all the way.

0:00 Overview
1:06 Chords, Progression & Strumming
3:41 Bassline Tab (Key of C chords)
9:41 Bassline Tab (Key of D chords)

Instructional PDF 1 page

Lesson Discussion

Extended Video Lessons

The following videos are available to members of Song Notes Premium. If you’re not a member, learn more about the many perks of Premium membership here on my Song Notes website. To those of you who are members — thanks for your support! It makes these lessons possible.

Exercise Playthrough (Key of C)

Exercise Playthrough (Key of D)

Listen to Bob Dylan’s Version

Here’s Bob Dylan’s album recording of Blowin’ in the Wind:

Interested in a Full Lesson for Blowin’ in the Wind?

I’d love to make a full video lesson for Blowin’ in the Wind at some point – along with a print-friendly song sheet including all the lyrics/chords/etc. If you’d like me to get it done sooner than later, let me know by clicking the button below.

Click to Request

In the meantime, here’s a few tutorials teaching the full song from other teachers I trust and recommend:

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Strumming with Walking Basslines (feat. Blowin' in the Wind by Bob Dylan)

Instructional PDF 1 page

Lesson Discussion

Extended Video Lessons

Exercise Playthrough (Key of C)

Exercise Playthrough (Key of D)

Listen to Bob Dylan’s Version

Interested in a Full Lesson for Blowin’ in the Wind?

Unlock My Secret Stash!

Browse Related Lessons

Enjoy My Lessons? Show Your Support!

Looking for More Song Lessons?

Featured Courses

Strumming & Rhythm

Fingerstyle & Travis Picking

Blues Starter Kit

Reading Music for Guitarists

Learning Lead Guitar

Beginner Chord Guide

Practical Music Theory

Using a Capo

Fun & Helpful Tools I've Made

Fret Monster

Capo Captain

Key Master

Blank Tabs

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

Recent Lessons