Hello all,
This semester, I have a lot more free time on my hands (which means that I can play more bass.. around 14 hrs per week 
). I'm dorming, and bass guitar will be one of my main hobbies (along with sketching, maybe learning Illustrator). I've been playing bass since I was 16 (on and off.....). If I were to evaluate myself, I'd say that I'm still a beginner (for example, I've never changed my strings until I was 20 because I never thought it was necessary...). I can cover songs well with the correct notes. I can also tab songs very accurately. However, I've recently started to get more and more into music theory. I've never been in a band before (unless you'd like to count my Junior High School band where I played the trumpet.) I first learned how to play bass with 2 fingers. Recently though, I've been using a pick, as well as minimal slapping/popping. So far, I can't alternate pick well. I used to know how to read sheet music but sort of forgot. However, the BGFD book that I have has helped me brush up on that.
Anyhow, I'm looking for more bass guitar books to purchase (and maybe dvds). These will be my main source for knowledge since it's not convenient for me to take lessons. Right now, I just have
Bass Guitar for Dummies as well as some videos... Any BG Book recommendations? I'd like to learn more about theory (or anything that helps me make better solos and grooves), more about slapping, popping, and using a pick... (maybealso the 2 finger technique where you pluck a string and mute the lower string with the same finger.. I'm not sure what that's called).
My goal by the end of the semester is to have written some music/solos, and maybe be able to cover a few Pastorius songs (I have his self-titled CD). So far I've started to write a solo, which is just me messing with scales in eighth notes. I'm also into software. I've been recommended Guitar Pro.. I'm not to good with it though.. Can I make drum tracks in Guitar Pro? The drums would be good to make basslines to. I think I'l redownload it. I also plan on somehow getting my hands on FL Studio. I have cheap recording software in order to listen to and evaluate my recorded work.
I'll continue to browse talkbass to pick up tips along the way.
- Wolf
