Theory

[russjm]

Hi Adam,

I was lucky enough to sit in with a Masterclass you did at Bassday in Manchester UK in November last year. I had a ticket for Marcus Miller on his Tutu tour in London the same night, but couldn't pass up the chance to experience a master class with my favourite bass player, Mr Nitti.

I sat at the front with a borrowed white Spector, and was thoroughly engrosed in the session which seemed to go so quickly. However, I'm self taught, and even though I've been playing many years, I've never bothered to learn any theory, I learn everything by ear. So if my band are learning a new song, I can work it out quickly purely by listening to the track on an ipod, it's the way I've always done it.

When you were talking theory using the whiteboard at the front of the class, I was lost. Scales and modes just don't click with me at all. Is there any recommended book or DVD or something that could help me grasp some of the stuff you were talking about? I'd really like to get an idea of some of this stuff, I think it would improve my playing a lot.

Thanks a lot,

Russ.

[adamnitti]

hi russ!

thanks so much. i'm thrilled that you enjoyed the masterclass. i had a great time doing it!

i have a couple of instructional videos coming out soon that will cover in more detail the topics i was addressing in the masterclass. but in the meantime, you can also get most of that info from my 'jazz improvisation' courses on musicdojo. (www.musicdojo.com) the courses that would apply would be:

jazz improvisation 1
jazz improvisation 2

those 2 courses cover a lot of information and exercises and are a pretty good value. of course, if you prefer i could also demonstrate the concepts over a handful of webcam bass lessons, as well. hopefully one of these solutions will help you out!

all the best,

adam

[baileyboy]

As with anything, lessons from a pro will make you better.

[russjm]

Thanks a lot for that, I'll check out Music Dojo, and look forward to seeing those DVDs too.

Russ.