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VIEW FULL LIVE VERSION : Fasttrack Bass--Lesson Book Review


Sumosized
12-24-2006, 01:03 PM
I recieved this book (part one and two) along with one of the song books. All I can say is WOW what a great way to start learning.

I was using Bass for Dummies, but thought I would benifit from an actual lesson book. I opted for this series because of a recomendation from someone on TB (sorry I don't remember who) The firts book starts off with the basics of how to hold the bass, how to use a pick, and how to play with one and two fingers. It then moves on to basic musical notation.

Although the book has both Tab and standard notation, I've been using only the standard notation. The first few lessons start in the first position and teach you where the whole notes are on each individual string--starting with the G string. You learn open G then second fret A. You then move onto the D string and learn open D, second fret E, thirs fret F--folloed by open A, second fret B, third fret C. Then onto the Open E, first fret F, third fret G. As the lessons progress they incorporate the previous learned notes in the sample songs. Once you learn the whole notes the lessons take you to the sharps/flats.

As the lessons progress, more notation is introduced. Things like ties, repeat symbols, dotted notes, and different time structures. It really helps build the musical knowledge of the student.

The second book looks like it continues to build upon the first book by taking you to the fifth position. And although the song book is very simple--it helps a begginer student like me have fun with music.

Sorry about the long post, but I really am enjoying this lesson book and wanted to share. You can find the book at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/FastTrack-Bass-Method-Book-1/dp/0793574080/sr=8-1/qid=1166986047/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-0319680-1171246?ie=UTF8&s=books

ding_man
12-24-2006, 04:46 PM
Yeah fast track for any instrument is great. It's a great series.

Arizona Jones
12-24-2006, 04:52 PM
I was working through the first FastTrack book in an effort to learn how to read music.

I got to the half way point, where they start in with the eighth notes and I had to set it aside, because my counting skills were so weak.

For the last week I've just been tapping the foot and counting quarter and eighth notes - 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &.

It has really helped a lot and I think I'm ready to pick the book back up.

JimmyM
12-24-2006, 09:50 PM
Way to go, dude! You realize the importance of internalizing the information you're getting. Gotta pound it into your brain with a hammer sometimes.

lola99
12-25-2006, 12:43 AM
I used that one, it was fun! Have you tried Hal Leonard's Bass Method (Ed Friedland)? I actually like it more. The exercises are longer, it doesn't have tab, and I like the scales.

Sumosized
12-27-2006, 09:40 AM
I used that one, it was fun! Have you tried Hal Leonard's Bass Method (Ed Friedland)? I actually like it more. The exercises are longer, it doesn't have tab, and I like the scales.

That will be next! I like the idea that there is no tab.

DnLdUdE12
12-28-2006, 09:29 PM
I used that one, it was fun! Have you tried Hal Leonard's Bass Method (Ed Friedland)? I actually like it more. The exercises are longer, it doesn't have tab, and I like the scales.

Im using that book its really nice. im learning alot.