Berklee Music Theory Book 1?

[MicG]

Hey guys,

I've been away from "reading" notation for about six years now with my last experience being in a formal High School concert band setting (Trombone). Unfortunately I never applied this knowledge to bass and have relied on tabs and ear training more than I care to admit. Knowing that I have SOME experience in theory already, I saw the book after which this thread is named at Borders today and almost bought it (Amazon.com was much cheaper). Is there a more comprehensive and friendly theory book out there or would this suffice?

My goals here are:
1. Finally memorize the fretboard
2. review/learn mechanics behind scales, keys, time signatures, etc.
3. Sight read some music again!
4. Make all this as painless as possible to do!

How about some recommendations! Thanks

[MalcolmAmos]

All kind of free theory books. Your library will have stacks of piano theory books. Theory is theory - we then take that theory to our instrument so don't let a book that uses the piano keyboard as an example throw you off. IMO I do not consider reading standard notation as being a part of the study of music theory. A skill that needs to be learned, but, study theory and reading separately. Devote a specific amount of time for each.

Here is something on theory - it's dirt simple and starts with the major scale and ends with how to compose melody. Help yourself. Speed read till you need to slow down. http://www.ibreathemusic.com/forums/...ad.php?t=11975

Berklee books are excellent and will force you to learn standard notation as that is all they use.

Which ever way you go, good luck.