basic theory

funkalicious101 · #1 04-29-2007, 10:34 PM

i have been playing bass for almost 4 years now and it is embarassing how little theory i know.

for the next little while i will be on the lookout for books and any practice techniques that can help fix my problem.

can anyone recommend something i should look into?

Snarf · #2 04-29-2007, 11:05 PM

Hmm, get a book specifically for jazz harmony, and if you want, another book specifically for traditional harmony. I don't put too much faith in the bass-centric books.

SundanceChile · #3 04-29-2007, 11:13 PM

http://www.amazon.com/Music-Theory-P...238673-9075049
Your basic theory bible.

http://www.amazon.com/Mel-Bay-Master...7909963&sr=8-1
A bit more specific as to your want/need.

funkalicious101 · #4 04-29-2007, 11:27 PM

thank guys, ill check those out and look around some more.

mlowe · #5 04-30-2007, 02:51 AM

I've been getting lessons from a pro bass player here over a few years now and he's great. There is what looks dodgy but is in fact a really good, well structure theory for bass course online

www.bassguitarsecrets.com

I've read through most of it and it's very much structured the same as the lessons I get so I now use it all the time to reference. I call it my bass bible. It covers everything you may never even think of.

I'd buy it again so it may work for you?

fearceol · #6 04-30-2007, 04:19 AM

Cant really help with books, but I found www.studybass.com a very good site for explaining theory.

liltommyg · #7 04-30-2007, 05:43 AM

Try and get Chuck Shers "improvisers bass method" -very very good

BillMason · #8 05-01-2007, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fearceol

Cant really help with books, but I found www.studybass.com a very good site for explaining theory.

Yes, this site is great for beginners in theory, and also useful for those who think they know what they're doing. Starts at what should be the beginning for every bass player. If I ever teach again, I will plagiarize this site generously. Or direct students to it for practice tips, homework, etc.

fcleff · #9 05-01-2007, 08:03 AM

I would recommend getting a good teacher or enrolling in some classes at the college level. When you tackle this stuff alone it can be a little overwhelming and discouraging. It really does help to have a teacher that can give you some of the basic (and pedantic) exercises that are meant to simply show you how this stuff works.

ryco · #10 05-02-2007, 09:13 AM

http://www.jazzbooks.com/jazzhandbook/Default.htm

stedtale · #11 05-02-2007, 09:16 AM

Get a good teacher, I find theory easier to use when you are using it. Get it into your head by using it as well as studying it.

DocBop · #12 05-02-2007, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryco

http://www.jazzbooks.com/jazzhandbook/Default.htm

The Abersold Jazz Handbook has a lot of great info, but assumes a knowledge of basic theory. The OP may need a basic theory book to go along with the Abersold.

Anyone who hasn't downloaded the Jazz Handbook should. It's free and has a wealth of info that can keep u busy for a long time. Abersold has been publishing and doing clinics on Jazz education for decades and has a lot of great tips on what to learn and ways to practice.

Planet Boulder · #13 05-02-2007, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stedtale

Get a good teacher, I find theory easier to use when you are using it. Get it into your head by using it as well as studying it.

Indeed. Make it a point to use it EVERY time you practice. For example, work on a different mode each time you practice so that, if someone suggests and then immediately launches into a phrygian jam in A, you'll be able to hit the ground running.

I constantly work on modes during practice. I'm always listening to stuff that i practice along with to try and identify the modes and i work on different things every time I practice, even if I'm practicing the same mode.

**WillPlay4Food** · #14 05-02-2007, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Planet Boulder

Indeed. Make it a point to use it EVERY time you practice. For example, work on a different mode each time you practice so that, if someone suggests and then immediately launches into a phrygian jam in A, you'll be able to hit the ground running.

I constantly work on modes during practice. I'm always listening to stuff that i practice along with to try and identify the modes and i work on different things every time I practice, even if I'm practicing the same mode.

I think if I suggested a Phrygian jam in A at band practice, someone would probably go grab beers for everyone.

stedtale · #15 05-02-2007, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillPlay4Food

I think if I suggested a Phrygian jam in A at band practice, someone would probably go grab beers for everyone.

or make a sandwich

Planet Boulder · #16 05-02-2007, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillPlay4Food

I think if I suggested a Phrygian jam in A at band practice, someone would probably go grab beers for everyone.

Okay, bad example.

**WillPlay4Food** · #17 05-03-2007, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stedtale

or make a sandwich

I've only got strawberry, is that OK? Oh wait, I have some grape that isn't too far past the expiration date.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Planet Boulder

Okay, bad example.

Actually I thought it was a good example. I'm lucky if I get any note guidance from the guitarists at all! Usually I have to follow their fingers and apply some theory once we've gone around the progression a couple times.