Best Begginging theory book

[beelzelboss]

So i've never learned the bass cleft, currently on the treble because of my guitar class, but I need to learn the bass cleft. and after hours of searching i need some personal opinions

What do you think is the best book to learn from SCRATCH theory for a bassists. i mean, if you set it in front of me, and by the end of the book and a good time practicing i could sufficiently know theory, and scales and arpeggios and all of that stuff.....


Thanks

Craig

Ps. just remembered, if it has a DVD with it to like show me, thats a plus!

[Dave Muscato]

Just curious, are you a native English speaker? (I'm not trying to be insulting, but as an honest question, are you looking for a theory book in English, or some other language? Your profile doesn't say where you're from.)

There are TONS of theory books out there. I think a good foundation in classical music theory is very important, so I'm likely to recommend something more like Stefan Kostka's "Tonal Harmony" before moving on to reading in any particular clef.

If you're looking for a book to focus on bass specifically, there are simply tons of those, too. I like Gary Willis's "Fingerboard Harmony for Bass" but it's not a total beginner's book. For sight-reading, Rich Appleman's Berklee books are fantastic, and so are Jim Stinnett's books.

What is your goal for learning theory, scales, and arpeggios? Are you looking to write & improvise basslines? Write & arrange music for a band? Are you looking at this in the context of any particular genre? The more info we have, the more helpful we can be.

[beelzelboss]

i do speak english, (sorry i am a terrible at typing) my goal is to leanr theory, sclaes, and arpeggios so when my band plays just like a chord i don't have to play the root note, i can play something in the scale so that is sounds good but is not so basic. I really want tolearn it just so i can know it for future refrence, i really don't have a specific genre.
the way i see i want a solid foundation so i could expand into any different genre.

[IanEllis]

I would personally recommend Elementary Rudiments of Music By Barbara Wharram. It will help you build a strong foundation to build on, imo of course.

[Dave Muscato]

Just noticed that you're 16. If you have the opportunity to take a music theory class, TAKE IT! Also, if you have the opportunity to learn string bass (aka double bass, upright bass) and play in a school orchestra, definitely take advantage of it. There are few better ways to learn theory than in a school setting, and the younger you start, the better.

[DocBop]

There is the same no matter what the clef, bass clef is just way simplify writing notes in a lower range. Save having to write a boatload of ledger lines.

If you have a bookstore or library that would be best place to start. I find a writer's writing style determines comprehension of the reader. So if you can check out a book and read a few paragraphs it helps you decide it that is a good book for you.

[John Wentzien]

Elementary Harmony-
by Robert W. Ottman.
This book is used in many 1st-year college theory courses.

[HaVIC5]

It depends on what you want out of "theory". If you want to be well edified in the mechanics of common practice (classical music) voice-leading, get Elementary Harmony or better yet Kostka and Payne's Tonal Harmony (it explains it better, IMO than the Ottman). However, if you want to approach it with a looser, contemporary understanding that has more practical application to your instrument, I would suggest getting the Hal Leonard Bass Method by Ed Friedland. It has a lot of technique stuff in it (which you may/may not want to work on), but it also has a LOT of stuff dealing with reading and theory, especially by volume three.

[beelzelboss]

well thanks so far guys, but let me tell you the situation I have in front of me(well not so much a situation as its not bad, but where i'm left standing as of now).

My friends and I want to start a band, but before i even get into that let me tell how they all know how to play guitar.
In my school we have a guitar class (that i'm in), its beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Now this isn't one of the joke, easy-A guitar class, its like legit. We play classical music by the end of this year, and yes its all theory. If you take the this class through intermediate, you will be able to a LOT of a guitar if you have the music in front of you.
The two guitarists are both in the Intermediate class, while i'm in the begginner, so while they play the classical music and warm up with scales, i am playing twinkle twinkle and warming up with 1-2-3-4. Great stuff*roll eyes*
Now won't be doing anything until summer when we have ample amounts of free time, but we already talked, and i doubt i will be able to keep up if i don't know scales and such. But for me to know scales well, i WANT/HAVE to know how to read.

So what i'm saying is, in short, I will know how to read the treble cleft, and do timing and all of that. What i don't know is scales and such.
Now i guess my questions are, are scales any different on a bass than they are on a guitar, and is the bass cleft any different the treble cleft??

I realize this is a lot, and I eternally love everyone who helps me

Thanks!

~Craig

[Stumbo]

Scales are the same, just lower pitched (bass)

You might find some help here in learning the bass clef:

Read through this
Need help reading bass clef

then download this:
http://www.download.com/NoteCard/300...html?tag=lst-5

Btw, what type of music will you guys be playing in your band?
Are you going to be site reading charts?

Many a band has been started on less.

Do you have a bass yet? What's your rig?

[Stumbo]

I've post this for a bunch of newbies. Maybe you'll find what you need here.

Must reads:
If only I knew then what I know now... If I only knew then
Best musical advice you ever got Best musical advice
Things every bassist should know? Things every bassist should know
Most common mistakes? Beginners common mistakes/where to start
http://www.google.com/custom?num=100...w.talkbass.com First bass advice
http://www.thelibster.com/bass/ Introductory Bass Lesson (click on Beginners)

Learning stuff
Practice Practice Practice How to practice bass
Pacman's sure-fire scale practice method How to practice bass

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f30/creating-bass-lines-8154/#post80043 Creating bass lines
Bass Line Construction: Target Approach Creating bass lines - Target Approach
what is in front of/behind the beat? Playing behind/ahead of the beat

Circle of Fifths Question Key signatures/Circle of 5ths/Cycle of 4ths
Reading Music Learn to read music
I need to learn how to read music for bass, how do i do it? Learn to read music
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f22/sight-reading-486398-post6521582/ Improve site reading
Need help reading bass clef Read bass clef
Modes...How to use them practically in music. Using modes
Newbie learning modes! Learning modes

Introduction to Scale and Chord Theory Intro to scale and chord theory
I need basic music theory help... Learning Theory
Book list for GI Theory Links Theory Book Links
Music Theory/General Instruction Links TB Gen. Instruction Theory links list

Knuckleheaded question of the day Learning to play jazz
jazz scales? not played bass in over a year Jazz Scales
Theory Forum FAQ and Links Theory (from the DB side of TB)

Blues Turnarounds Blues Turn arounds
http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdiction...ogression.html Blues Progressions explained with samples

Free online lessons
A LOT of Free Lessons, how to's and other stuff from me! Dman has videos
Who do you think has the best lessons on youtube? Who's the best youtube bass teacher?
http://www.studybass.com/ Complete bass studies including online metronome, fretboard printer, bass clef tutor and more.
http://www.activebass.com/ Tab based lessons by members for members covering all types of bass instruction.
http://www.playbassnow.com with MarlowDK including videos.
http://www.thelibster.com/bass/ bass guitar site includes lessons, arrangements, transcriptions, a beginners' guide, technical advice, solo pieces, fingerboard familiarity drills, bass oriented sound files, playing tips, a Q&A section, links and much more.
http://www.musicdojo.com/index.asp Online bass course (5 day free trial)
http://www.cliffengel.com/ Free and paid lessons

Books and instructional materials
http://www.bassbooks.com/shopping/default.asp Books, DVDs, all styles and methods
looking for "the bass guitar bible!" Looking for the Bass "Bible"
http://playbassnow.com/recommended-learning-materials/ MarlowDK's recommended books
Best Theroy book "Best" theory/harmony book

Online study of music theory/ear training.
http://www.teoria.com/ Check out the tutorials, exercises and reference dictionary
http://www.good-ear.com/ Ear training
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...lineScreen.swf Test your ear
http://www.musictheory.net/index.html Excellent visual Beginning Music Theory (Power Point type lessons), ear trainer, chord calculator, more

College music
Colleges? So you want to be a music major in college
Solfege - What's the Point? Solfege
http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary/ Virginia Tech Multimedia Music Dictionary

Learning the bass clef
http://www.download.com/NoteCard/300...-10004005.html Downloadable program for learning the bass clef. (as recommended by AlphaMale)
http://www.playthebass.com print flashcards for learning bass clef, print staff paper

Free Jam tracks
http://www.freejamtracks.com/index.html

Teaching bass
Lesson Plan for Bass Teachers
To teach or not to teach

Finding a bass instructor
For bass teachers, and students seeking them

Software for transcribing/slowing down songs/Looping software/metronome,etc.
Software for Transcribing? Transcribing software
A way to slow down MP3s without altering the pitch? Slow down software
I need software to slow down a song so its easier to learn Slow down software
The Big Free Music Related Software Thread Free music software thread


Funk it up
Old School funk song suggestions... Funk, groove and R&B bass players
Funk 101 Funk 101

Band stuff:
Aspiring band newbie seeks craigslist ad advice Advertising yourself.
Need help in the world of cover bands! Covers vs. Originals
Power Trio Playing in a 3 piece
How good do you have to be to be in a band How "good" do you have to be to play in a band?

Starting/managing a band
Starting a "Top 40" type band. some questions Starting a cover band
Starting a cover/tribute band from scratch Starting a new band- how to audition
How to run Guitarist Auditions? Auditioning a new member for your band
Getting Suckered Auditioning: red flag stories
Is your band a democracy? or the opposite? Running a band: democracy or dictatorship?
How to fire someone from a band How to fire a band member

Band Reheasal/Gigs
Band Practice Tips? Rehearsal tips
Band practice efficiency Rehearsal efficiency
How often does your band rehearse? How often to rehearse?
Noodling/Showing-off between songs To noodle or not to noodle?
Bar Manager Refused to Pay Us! Now what? Being asked to turn down the volume
First gig ever tonight First gig

Band names
Coolest and Dumbest band names you've played under... Best/worst real band names
The Infamous Band Name Thread Infamous band name thread
http://www.bandnamemaker.com/
http://www.1728.com/bandname.htm

Guitards '-)
Guitar players as bass players...... Guitar players switching to bass

Other bass forums
http://forums.musicplayer.com/ubbthr...w_Down_Lowdown
http://basschat.co.uk
http://www.thestringnetwork.com/
http://www.bassgear.com

Cool rigs, equipment and info
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f203/i-have-counquered-500628/#post6729196 Isolating Amp/Cabs from stage/each other
Portable amps, cabs and combos Light weight cabs,amps, combos
The "I love my rig" Club Happy with my rig.
happy with my rig Happy with my rig
Your Ultimate Rig (with sort of a twist) Ulitmate fantasy rig
Mini Rigs of Doom-Let's see 'em!l Mini rigs of doom
RIGS OF DOOM - Ch. 3 Rigs of doom

Building Stuff
bass cabinet plans? cabs
DIY Lightweight Composite Cab Build light weight cab

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...76#post5176976 cab dolly
Great gig dolly cab dolly
how do you move gear with a bad back? cab dolly

Accessories
Light for fretboard Lights for your fretboard.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/can-anyone-recommend-good-headphone-amp-494539-post6634274/ Headphone amps/mixers/trainers
Need advice on best headphones Recommendations for good headphones

Upgrading
Which would you upgrade first? An amp or a bass? Upgrade bass or amp first?

Aging guitars/basses
http://www.grguitars.com/pick%20guards.html
http://www.grguitars.com/parts_5bass.htm
http://rchildsrelics.com How to make a bass look old and well used?

For fun
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...=480666&page=1 Gadgets and Gizmos
Tips/tricks for living, what are some you've found over the years? Tips for living
Ways to save money that you know. Ways to save money

Learning Live Sound mixing
Anyone know of beginners books for live sound?

[Fnord Explorer]

The Hal Leonard Pocket Music Theory Book

Take it with you everywhere; read it during bathroom breaks, while you're in a waiting room, stuck in traffic, or anywhere you have a little extra time. It's cheap, it's well-written, and it's portable. It's a good little primer on music theory.

[bottomzone]

Bass Guitar for Dummies is an exellent book/CD. DON'T LET THE TITLE FOOL YOU!!!



A Groove is a Terrible Thing to Waste!