musical terminology

[msp4real]

Is there a word for a bass line that just alternates between the tonic and fifth of the current chord? Frighteningly, the only example that readily leaps to mind is the guitar bit in "The Biggest Lie", but it's a fairly common bass affair.

Comments

[audacian]

A walking bass line?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walking_bass

Er, not exactly tonic -> 5th, but its the first thing I thought of.

[audacian]

Musician husband says he's not sure it has a name, but it sounds polka-esque.