Been reading a few of the other threads on people seeking recommendations, and they don't fit what I am looking for.

I am a guitarist that has switched over to bass. Even as a guitarist, I was self-taught. The only theory I know are basic scales. I know what major/minors are, sixths, and all that good stuff.

I've been playing bass for a couple of years now, nothing special, but good enough to play in a rock band. Now I want to bring my playing to a higher level. I want to get away from playing root/fifth lines, or simple triads. What I am looking for is how to create grooves.

The perfect book, which might not exist, would have simple riffs and explain them in detail why they work (the Jamerson book fails on this last point). Don't want a book with nothing but scales. I went to GC yesterday, and almost every book I saw had exercises in straight whole/half/eight notes. I want to see grooves. I don't mind a book that's starts off with scales if it ramps up pretty quickly. I guess what I need is a improvisational book, but those tend to be more jazz oriented.

I can't read music, so tabs are almost necessary. I don't have time to learn to read, I barely have time to play. I don't want to get lectured about reading music: I play original rock music where I write all my own bass lines. The chances of someone handing me music to read are 0.01%. Yes, I would like to learn, and I will, but for now I want to focus on playing. Some basslines are simple enough to transcribe, like James Brown, so I wouldn't mind a book with simple lines. Cannot be complicated. And of course, a CD is an absolute requirement.

I play rock music, but I wouldn't mind learning pop/soul as well. I like early blues, but I strongly dislike rock blues ala Blues Hammer (if you are not familiar with the movie Ghost World see the link below). Don't care for beebop era jazz either.

Bands with bass players I admire: early Pretenders, early Elvis Costello, Clash, Dictators, Stax, Motown (Dunn and Jamerson), Beatles, Talking Heads. Music that I like to play (not that they have great bassists though) are the Replacements, Superchunk, Archers of Loaf, Hot Snakes.

Anyways, nothing at Guitar Center seemed good (too many to browse efficiently), but maybe a book would be better. Will browse B&N later today.

Many thanks in advance!

Blues Hammer!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfu8Dx0N6uY

Well I don't know of any book that's really going to encompass all of this. I think to really learn grooves you need to do it your self via transription.. however the Jamerson book is a great tool... you can pick it apart and analyze it yourself then you'll learn a lot more. Try and think about what you may be concentrating on while listening to the CD;s that come with it as well as any other recordings you like. Is it the Rhythm? the pitches? ghost notes? etc, etc...

Also try checking out basslines that are simple but are the complete hook in pop music.. the first one that comes to my mind is Billy Jean... The whole song is a freaking hook

You can check out Complete Funk Bass (http://www.melbay.com/product.asp?ProductID=94882BCD) Book by Mike Hiland from Mel Bay.
It has tabs as well as standard notation. Written in a relaxed, easy style. But even he says "as for finding the pocket and the groove, the best advice anyone can give to you is to buy recordings and and copy what the bass player is doing". Will teach you note selection, and teach about syncopation and rhythm patterns.

The "Bass Book for Dummies" has a LOT of good basic info, incl light theory. Haven't studied out of it, but did skim through it. Seemed very well put together; again written in a casual, interesting style.

Thanks Dogbertday and ryco.

I have been transcribing a few songs (see another recent thread by me). I try to learn them by ear then I find the tabs on the net. Been doing ok, but I think a book would do me some good as well.

After doing some research, I found some interesting books:

Bass Grooves: Develop Your Groove and Play Like the Pros in Any Style by Ed Friedland
This book has gotten some praise on TB. Skimmed thru it at B&N, and it looked good. Appears to be exactly what I was looking for, and I will eventually buy it after reading..

All About Bass: A Fun and Simple Guide to Playing Bass
This book starts off with the basics, and then explains some famous riffs from different styles. This book is the one I got.

Another very interesting book is

The Funkmasters-the Great James Brown Rhythm Sections
A breakdown for guitar/bass/drums of 23 James Brown songs. I will probably buy this one and the Jamerson book once I get a bit better.

Still looking for suggestions (and opinions on the above books) :bassist:

BTW, the B&N didn't have Bass For Dummies book. They had the Idiots guide, but the books I mentioned above looked better.