Bass Book Recommendations For Someone With A Strong Musical Background

DavePlaysBass · #1 06-23-2008, 11:21 AM

I am trying to teach my 13 year old daughter who has piano, clarinet, and singing background. She has a much better ear at 13 than I did and she can read. But she has no basic technique on bass. She also is a book smart kid. Any recommendations on a beginner book that is not completely boring and builds into something interesting. I also would like one based on notation rather than tab.

Anyone try to teach a person with nails that are sorta long. They are not obnoxiously long but they go past the finger. I think they have to go?

Thanks,

Dave

Deacon_Blues · #2 06-23-2008, 12:16 PM

A good teacher is better than any book. One that can teach her technique, the function of the bass in music, and just be a source of inspiration. But if she is taking various lessons already then it might be too much for her and a book could be good... Other people might be able to suggest books, I never bought one....

DocBop · #3 06-23-2008, 12:45 PM

What is interesting to one may not be interesting to another. I would say go to music store with her and scan some books. Maybe one with bass fundamentals and another of some group or style she likes. As she practices her fundamentals then reward with material from the other book.

As for fingernails I've seen women bass players go both directions cutting them and leaving a fashionable bit. Go on to YouTube and look for video by Lydia on Bass. She is a fantastic bass player and I believe her nails are on short side, but not cut like guys do. Also good chance your daughter seeing and hearing Lydia play and sing will be a inspiration. If you daughter likes Latin Jazz find some Esperanza Spalding videos on YouTube another amazing woman bass player. Of course can't forget Tal Wilkenfeld? who is young and plays with Jeff Beck lately.

Jim Campbell · #4 06-23-2008, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavePlaysBass

I am trying to teach my 13 year old daughter who has piano, clarinet, and singing background. She has a much better ear at 13 than I did and she can read. But she has no basic technique on bass. She also is a book smart kid. Any recommendations on a beginner book that is not completely boring and builds into something interesting. I also would like one based on notation rather than tab.

Anyone try to teach a person with nails that are sorta long. They are not obnoxiously long but they go past the finger. I think they have to go?

Thanks,

Dave

check out the used book dives for back issues of guitar world type mags.....find issues with songs she wants to learn that have transcribed bass parts and bobs yer uncle....round here they sell for about 2 bux and they are great sight practice

Hellbastard · #5 06-23-2008, 08:31 PM

Ed Friedland's books have always seem to me to be a good source for the begginer and intermediate bassist.

DavePlaysBass · #6 06-26-2008, 08:37 AM

Thanks for the info. I think I will take her to the two stores here in town and see what excites her.

onlyclave · #7 06-26-2008, 09:36 AM

I agree with Hellbastard. Ed Friedland writes his books clearly and without pretense so that you don't feel talked-down to or bowled over by "Xtreme Bass Secrets!"

I personally like the stuff from Berklee Press but you have to be pretty good at information synthesis to actually get something out of them. "Chord Studies for Electric Bass" is one of my favorites but if you just play the exercises without any guidance or thinking about a specific goal you've really accomplished nothing.