playing the 5th means playing the 5th note from the root note so for example a the 5th note from C would be E.
If it is a diminished or half diminished it would be the same note but it would be the flat of the natural note.
TalkingBass – Online Bass Lessons (2023). This Lesson Will Change How You Approach Walking Bass Lines! [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKZFn0djGbk&list=PLatsInsznGD0jzRP4znqPtcyOsH2CwK51 [Accessed 25 Sep. 2025].
Scott’s bass lessons (2021). Trying to learn Walking Bass Lines? LEARN THIS FIRST. [online] www.youtube.com. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN8vCV8oDvc [Accessed 25 Sep. 25AD].