Book list for GI Theory Links

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Hello everyone,

Fellow TBer YOSHI PM'd me a while back asking if I could add some music book recommendations to the "Theory Links" thread. I said I'd be happy to, but it might be nice to get some more opinions on what books are recommended on which subjects. Here's the majority of the PM he sent me...feel free to add to the list, and after a while we'll get this material added to the "Links" thread:

"Note: list mostly compiled from experience so add further suggestions please.
Note2: 'ISBN' refers to the UNIQUE 'number code' of the book, use this to order it from your local bookshop or music shop (along with title, author publisher too!).

--Beginner books--
* Bass for beginners by Glenn Letsch - Hal Leonard - ISBN: 0-7935-6649-5


--Ear Training--
* Ultimate ear training by Gary Willis - Hal Leonard - ISBN: 0-7935-8156-7


--Techniques--
Slap:
* Progressive slap technique by Stephen Richter - Hal Leonard www.learntoplaymusic.com - ISBN: 0-947183-16-7
* Slap it by Tony Oppenheim www.slapit.com - ISBN: unknown


Tapping:
* Progressive tapping method by Stephen Richter - Hal Leonard www.learntoplaymusic.com - ISBN: 0-947-183-16-7


--Theory--
Sclaes:
* Bass guitar scale manual edited by Harvey Vinson - Amsco publications - ISBN US: 0-8256-4064-4 ISBN UK: 0-7119-0587-8


--Music styles--
A collection of styles:
* A dictionary of bass grooves by Sean Malone - Hal Leonard - ISBN: 0-7935-8964-9

Funk:
* 70's Funk and disco bass by Josquin des Pres - Hal Leonard - ISBN: 0-634-02856-1

Blues:
* Blues bass licks by Stephan Richter - Hal Leonard - ISBN: 1-875726-44-6

Jazz:
* Improvising Jazz Bass by Richard Laird - volume 91/music for millions series (this books from 1980 so may be hard to get hold of). ISBN: 0-8256-4091-1
* The complete electric bassplayer by Chuck Rainy (bks 1-3) Amsco Publications - ISBN (bk2): 0-8256-2426-6 ISBN(bk3): 0-8256-2427-4


Metal:
* Heavy metal bass guitar method by Stephan Richter - Hal Leonard - ISBN: unknown
* Heavy metal bass guitar licks bk1 by Stephan Richter - Hal Leonard - ISBN: unknown
* Heavy metal bass guitar licks bk2 by Stephan Richter - Hal Leonard - ISBN: 0-947183-62-0 "

[stephanie]

-- Sight-Reading --
* "Note Reading Studies For Bass" by Arnold Evans - Mel Bay - ISBN: 0-7866-0247-3

-- Jazz --
* "Ray Brown's Bass Method" by Ray Brown - Hal Leonard - ISBN: 0-7935-9456-1

[20db pad]

I'll come back with the legit info and ISBN numbers later:

I'd guess these would be in the Jazz category:

"The Improvisor's Bass Method" - Chuck Sher

"The Jazz Theory Book" - Mark Levine

"Concepts for Bass Soloing" - Chuck Sher, Mark Johnson

www.shermusic.com

[chardin]

I really like Ed Friedland's teaching materials. He packs in a lot of information but doesn't overwhelm.

Beginning Jazz -- Building Walking Bass Lines by Ed Friedland ISBN: 0793542049

Slap -- Slap Bass The Ultimate Guide (DVD) by Ed Friedland ISBN: 0634048694

[Boplicity]

The single best book on blues bass that I have come across and one I have recommended here countless times is:

Mel Bay's Complete Blues Bass Book by Mike Hiland. ISBN 0-7866-0326-7 $15.00, CD extra.

A second very worthy blues bass book, but less complete than Hiland's is:

Blues Bass Basics by Roscoe Beck (who is presently touring with the Dixie Chicks.) ISBN 1-57623-436-3 $12.95

[thrash_jazz]

Books on the mental aspect of playing music:

Zen Guitar by Philip Toshio Sudo

Unintentional Music by Lane Arye

The Art of Practicing by Madeline Bruser

I'll edit this list later and add further information on these titles.

[Aaron]

Some great books on rhythm -
Melodic Rhythms for Guitar - William Leavitt
Funkifying the Clave - Lincoln Goines/Robbie Ameen
A Rhythmic Vocabulary - Dancing Hands Music

[rob_d]

I've never owned a better bass book than "The Latin Bass Book" by Oscar Stagnaro. Yes, it's a very specific subject, but I've yet to find a book as thorough as it is on any subject. The book is huge and chock full of content. The CDs(3 of them), are fantastic. 90% of what's in the book is on the CDs, and not little 30 second clips either...all of them are around 3 minutes so you can really get into the groove. They're also recorded with real musicians, and damn good ones at that....none of this horrible MIDI stuff. I can listen to these CDs on their own, that's how much the group is grooving. He also includes Carribean styles and a Brazilian section that is big enough to warrant it's own book. Don't be put off by the 35 bucks they charge for this book, it's more than worth it. One note of warning...there's no tab here, which makes room for more music! So you've gotta be able to read.

Also, either of the finger funk workbooks by Anthony Vitti. Same deal, tons of content, and no fluff.

[sandman_96]

My teacher asked me to look for a book called Left Hand Gymnastics for Bass. I'm not sure if thats the exact title, but its close. I've searched around a little and haven't found anything. Anyone heard of it and know where I could get it?

[Tony Canevaro]

I have started with "Bass Guitar for Dummies".

What are the thoughts of the collected wisdom on this work? It surely seems to make sense when it comes to theory (no small feat for me...most music theory makes my head spin....I will learn as much as I can though).

[JMX]

Originally posted by sandman_96
My teacher asked me to look for a book called Left Hand Gymnastics for Bass. I'm not sure if thats the exact title, but its close. I've searched around a little and haven't found anything. Anyone heard of it and know where I could get it?

Joshquin Des Pres - Bass Fitness

[RicPlaya]

The gig bag book for bass, and the Gig bag book for guitar. Really spells things out for a beginner and shows several techniques scales, appregios, modes, etc. and it teaches in each key and has great charts to really link tab and site reading it contains both.

[Warlock]

Originally Posted by sandman_96

My teacher asked me to look for a book called Left Hand Gymnastics for Bass. I'm not sure if thats the exact title, but its close. I've searched around a little and haven't found anything. Anyone heard of it and know where I could get it?

Mchael Manring produced a video (sorry not a book) that is the best £10 I've spent. It has plenty of warm-ups and a routine that has my hand aching.

[maxy]

i have a book of slap bass by stepah richter. I dont think its that good coz i didnt get anywhere by his instructions or maybe its just me.

The thing is when i slap and pop, the last note before the pop gets muted due to side of my hand. Help. Me or the book?

[Aaron Saunders]

Originally Posted by maxy

i have a book of slap bass by stepah richter. I dont think its that good coz i didnt get anywhere by his instructions or maybe its just me.

The thing is when i slap and pop, the last note before the pop gets muted due to side of my hand. Help. Me or the book?

That'd be your technique, maxy.


I picked up "The Jazz Theory Book" by Mark Levine today...FANTASTIC! So massive, covers a lot of material. It's so good that I don't even care the shop marked it up another $10!

[LARUMBLE]

I ALSO RECOMMEND BUNNY BURNELLS BOOKS BY HAL LEANARD!!! REALLY GOOD BOOKS.HELP ME CHANGE FROM GUITAR TO BASS

[Sean S]

--Scales/Theory
The Bass Grimoire - Adam Kadmon

[BassAde]

Have a look at the "Bass Bible" by Paul Westwood - ISBN 3-927190-67-5

It covers everything from techniques & styles to theory & grooves. There's over 1000 riffs & exercises with 2 CDs to accompany them.

[CQBASS]

I don't think anyone mentioned "The evolving Bassist" - Rufus Reid
It's a great book.

[master-bit]

Originally Posted by chardin

I really like Ed Friedland's teaching materials. He packs in a lot of information but doesn't overwhelm.

Beginning Jazz -- Building Walking Bass Lines by Ed Friedland ISBN: 0793542049

Slap -- Slap Bass The Ultimate Guide (DVD) by Ed Friedland ISBN: 0634048694

do you really suggest getting the slap bass the ultimate guide?!

I wanted to buy slap it, but I don´t get it here in germany (don´t want to order from oversea) and the ultimate guide costs 22euros, so I wanted to know if it´s worth the money!!!