i just learning how to read sheet music and i have a question...you know the notation for the open "E" string...the stem below the line with the dash thru the stem note.....what note is it when the notation looks like the open "E" symbol but has 2 dashes going thru the stem ?

Do you mean 2 ledger lines below the bass clef staff? That's low C.

Chris A. http://www.talkbass.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif

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"I have all my own teeth!"--Jenn Scott Poulin

An excellent book that is bound to help you learning to read the bass clef is "Note Reading Studies for Bass" by Arnold Evans. It is a Mel Bay book and costs only about ten bucks, money well spent. It even includes special drills for 5- and 6-string basses. Jason Oldsted

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Maybe a low C, what do you mean two dashes?

Maybe it's the music shorthand. Like two dashes on the stem of a whole note means two half notes.

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"When you die if you're given a choice between pie heaven and regular heaven, I think you should choose pie heaven. It may be a trick, but if it's not, then mmmmmmm boy." -Jack Handy

Another good book is SIMPLIFIED SIGHT-READING FOR BASS by Josquin des Pres.
It starts from the basics and pretty well covers everything!