I've been playing bass guitar for about 5 months, and would say I have the technique down nicely. Now I am trying to dive into the world of music but am not sure where to start. Up until now I've just been making up my own riffs, and have been playing by ear when I jam with friends. I am looking for a book that can teach me all I need to know about music, the notes/chords/scales all of that. And preferably something not completely confusing.

I kinda understand the whole concept behind tablature, but for some reason it never sounds right when I try to play it. Any feedback would be appreciated. I am willing to put the time into learning all of this, I just need something to learn from.

Sean Malone has a new book out called Music Theory for Bassists. That should be at least one good start for you, and I'm sure there's other great books out there. If you want to check out the one I mentioned, check out Sean's site at http://www.seanmalone.net

You need a teacher.

You need a teacher.

I'm in college at the moment, so I wont be able to get a teacher until the summer. So until then, I'm looking for books I can learn from.

Tired_Thumb: Thanks for the link, but which book was the one that you recommended. There were a few...

Also, anymore feedback would be much appreciated

I agree, a teacher would greatly benefit you. I understand your position being a college student but please remember that a teacher is someone who shows teaches you something. Maybe another fellow student at your school? Someone you can hang with and get pointers from with getting popped for a $40.00 lesson. Hang out with a bass guy at your local music store and just listen in on his rap. Worth a shot! I have people trail me around all day. I'm always dropping crumbs of knowledge around here :o) Good luck and KEEP PLAYING!

Tired_Thumb: Thanks for the link, but which book was the one that you recommended. There were a few...


Music Theory for Bassists

Bass Guitar for Dummies (http://www.amazon.com/Bass-Guitar-Dummies-Patrick-Pfeiffer/dp/0764524879/). Don't let the title fool you. This is one of the best books written for beginning to intermediate players. ;)

Good luck and have fun!! :bassist:

dimensionx - I agree with the others, you need someone to show you how to play bass. Since you are in university, you have some advantages. You should be able to find another student to give you lessons at a value - stop by the music department and see if someone is posting ads. If you don't find an ad, post one yourself. You will not be able to teach yourself how to play an instrument by books alone.

Another thing - try to sign up for music theory courses (probably those for non-music majors) to learn some theory and get college credit for it. I did that when I was in college and it was really useful.

I'm in college at the moment, so I wont be able to get a teacher until the summer. So until then, I'm looking for books I can learn from.

Tired_Thumb: Thanks for the link, but which book was the one that you recommended. There were a few...

Also, anymore feedback would be much appreciated


Okay. So you said you wanted to know everything you need about harmony and scales? I'm a big fan of the Berklee Harmony 1-4 curriculum, it's very easy to understand, and traditional harmony can be gotten from a book called Tonal Harmony. Google the Berklee book store, should be able to order them.

the tab probably always sounds wrong when you play it because tab is not always correct...all tab is is a website where someone who THINKS they know how to play the song writes out for everyone to see how they play it...thats all tab is.

+1 for the teacher though...best thing you can do for your playing...