I wasn’t planning to make a Christmas video this year...
But then I was out driving, the radio was on, and that legendary track Driving Home for Christmas by Chris Rea came on.
And I had a moment.
"This tune is the perfect way to start learning country walking bass... and even begin dipping your toes into jazz."
So here we are — this lesson breaks down how a classic festive song becomes a goldmine for learning walking bass, whether you’re into country grooves, jazz harmony, or just want something fun to play over the holidays.
Why This Tune Works So Well for Bass Players
This song is built on three core sections:
- The Verse: A laid-back country 2-in-the-bar feel — super playable and great for learning root + fifth patterns
- The Chorus: Where the magic happens — a jazz-style 3-6-2-5 progression using classic walking bass ideas
- The Bridge: A beautiful, slightly unexpected sequence that ties it all together with musical elegance
It’s simple on the surface but packed with depth, and a great entry point for players who want to understand how country and jazz bass lines often overlap.
What You’ll Learn in the Video Lesson
In the full YouTube lesson, I cover:
- How to lock in with that country feel using root and lower fifths
- How to identify and play a 3-6-2-5 jazz progression
- How to build walking basslines using both country and jazz techniques
- How to jam and improvise over the changes with confidence
And if you’ve ever wondered how jazz bass lines are constructed, this lesson will give you a real-world context that makes sense.
Free PDF: Full TAB & Notation Included
Like always, I’ve put together a completely free PDF with all the bass lines written out in standard notation and tab. You can grab it by clicking the button down below.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re just starting to explore walking bass or you’re a seasoned player looking for some festive inspiration, Driving Home for Christmas is a brilliant track to study.
Plus, it’s just a great tune — and who doesn’t want a bit of groove and good cheer this time of year?
Catch the full lesson on YouTube, and let me know in the comments how you get on with it.
See you inside the lesson,
James
ebassguitar.com