The BOOK every Bass player needs..Which one?

Already In Use · #1 01-11-2010, 04:43 PM

Brand new bass player here learning from the ground up. Taking lessons. Using 2 online sources..study bass and active musician. If there is one book a brand new bass study should have, what would it be? Thanks! This site has been a huge help so far.

MichaelScott · #2 01-11-2010, 05:10 PM

http://www.amazon.com/Leonard-Bass-M...5603798&sr=1-1

When you finish that add all the other books by Ed.

line6bassist · #3 01-11-2010, 05:12 PM

for me

Standing in the Shadows of Motown

ugly_bassplayer · #4 01-11-2010, 05:12 PM

Find a GOOD teacher.
IMO

Already In Use · #5 01-11-2010, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ugly_bassplayer

Find a GOOD teacher.
IMO

Priceless advice! I am giving the guy I'm working with a bit of time. How does a new player know if a teacher is good bad or ...well ugly? The guy I'm using seems OK to me.

I'd still like to be reading and learning in addition to what ever the teacher is giving me.

Already In Use · #6 01-11-2010, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelScott

http://www.amazon.com/Leonard-Bass-M...5603798&sr=1-1

When you finish that add all the other books by Ed.

Thanks. I was on Amazon and found one of those Bass for Dummies books. I had to laugh, but still tool a moment to think about it. I did learn to juggle with one of those "**** For Dummies" books!

WOW! Can U say library?

http://www.halleonard.com/search/sea...HD&subsiteid=7

ugly_bassplayer · #7 01-11-2010, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Already In Use

Priceless advice! I am giving the guy I'm working with a bit of time. How does a new player know if a teacher is good bad or ...well ugly? The guy I'm using seems OK to me.

I'd still like to be reading and learning in addition to what ever the teacher is giving me.

Go to music schools, I does not guarantee a good teacher but it does weed out some of the clowns posing as teachers.
Ask around music stores for advice on some teachers or ask some other bass players in your area.

As for books go I don't really like any of the beginner books.IMO
But I am sure a some people here can give there 2 cents on some.

Look this up : www.bassbooks.com

Ubersheist · #8 01-11-2010, 05:50 PM

"Desert Solitaire" by Edward Abbey - I think EVERYONE needs to read that book, not just bass players in particular...

There is no good single book for bassists. Get some general one with some decent charts with scales, notes, etc. Otherwise, a good teacher is WAY more valuable then a good book.

Your best teacher will probably be one that's not a guitarist who can also teach bass (there are some, but they're rare), one with solid music theory, one who ALWAYS has a direction and a lesson plan for you, and who you feel comfortable with.

Good luck!

JTE · #9 01-11-2010, 06:03 PM

http://www.edly.com/mtfpp.html

Learn real music theory. Then use whatever books or other resources will assist with that. "Standing In The Shadows of Motown" is very very good for most bassist playing anything resembling popular music (which I'd wager is about 95% of the folks on TB). Or perhaps "The Evolving Bassits" by Rufus Reid, or "The Ray Brown Bass Method" or some of Ed Freidland's stuff. But that's quite dependent on one's own needs, strengths, and limitations. So before I suggest a book beyond Edley's "Music Theory for Practical People", I second the idea of a GOOD teacher. Emphasis on TEACHER, not good bassists.

John

ugly_bassplayer · #10 01-11-2010, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTE

http://www.edly.com/mtfpp.html

Learn real music theory. Then use whatever books or other resources will assist with that. "Standing In The Shadows of Motown" is very very good for most bassist playing anything resembling popular music (which I'd wager is about 95% of the folks on TB). Or perhaps "The Evolving Bassits" by Rufus Reid, or "The Ray Brown Bass Method" or some of Ed Freidland's stuff. But that's quite dependent on one's own needs, strengths, and limitations. So before I suggest a book beyond Edley's "Music Theory for Practical People", I second the idea of a GOOD teacher. Emphasis on TEACHER, not good bassists.

John

The Ray Brown Book SUCKS big time IMO.

Already In Use · #11 01-11-2010, 06:50 PM

Thanks! I did order the H Leonard books. Looked good to me. I imagine I'll have quite a collection as time goes on. Is music theory just that plain and simple if one wants to take a college class or two? Or do I look a bit deeper for the "right" music theory course?

BTW...If anybody needs any off road motorcycle help...I can reciprocate!

Billnc · #12 01-11-2010, 08:54 PM

If it has tabs forget it period.
To learn to read I sort of like the Simandl, but some editions are very hard to read the music, they are not laid out well. I like International Music Company's edition.

FranR · #13 01-12-2010, 01:19 AM

The Jazz Theory Book, by Mark Levine. It's not just for those into jazz, it covers everything you ever need to know.

Stumbo · #14 01-12-2010, 01:41 AM

You might want to take a look at the links in my sig. below for some great TB info on bass books and other stuff that will come in handy in your bass learning journey.

Good luck.

bluesbasshound · #15 01-12-2010, 01:58 AM

Two great method book authors: Valda Hammick & Vincent Bredice... do a search

pdubya · #16 01-12-2010, 02:34 AM

Carol Kaye Bass DVD Course
Teacher of jaco,Sting and other little guys like that
The main thing is rhythm - either practice constantly with metronome/computer groove software or drummer
Then teach yourself to train your ear - just listen to tracks and play them
have fun!

sleepytime · #17 01-13-2010, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Already In Use

Priceless advice! I am giving the guy I'm working with a bit of time. How does a new player know if a teacher is good bad or ...well ugly? The guy I'm using seems OK to me.

I'd still like to be reading and learning in addition to what ever the teacher is giving me.

Try asking a potential teacher about his teaching philosophy or methodology. If you get dropped-jaw surprise, incoherent nonsense, pretentious bs, or especially, a mini-lecture about who they are or how great they can play, run. Good teachers usually know exactly what they want to accomplish and how they go about it, and can explain it clearly.

If you want to learn more than you are getting from your current teacher, how about telling him that you would like some secondary material to work on for variety? Teachers love dedicated students.

Mad Russian · #18 01-13-2010, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ugly_bassplayer

Find a GOOD teacher.
IMO

I love these type of responses. The OP was asking for a book not "should I get a teacher OR a book'.

Go with Bruce Gertz here: http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/...Book-1/4057398

He has a lot to offer for rhythm based studies.

Rama · #19 01-13-2010, 06:10 AM

I started playing upright bass and used my Simandl and I use most of the Simandl positioning also for electric bass. (like 85%)

fearceol · #20 01-13-2010, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdubya

Carol Kaye Bass DVD Course

I'm considering getting this myself. More detail/opinions on it (I assume you have it) from you or any one else, would be welcome.