Buying a Real Book, Need Help

Beginner Bass · #1 06-07-2010, 01:53 PM

I'm looking at buying a real book, specifically the Hal-Leonard one. I found the "C" edition and the bass clef edition. However, my treble reading is very rusty, and I have been wanting to try to rehash it, but I'm not sure if this isn't too large a challenge to start. So should I buy the bass version, or stick with the treble?

**bassman_al** · #2 06-07-2010, 01:56 PM

you might try Amazon. Also, you can get the older versions in PDF form on E-bay for cheap. Definitely get the bass clef version. You will feel more like a bass player. I know I did. I was a trumpet player in school, learned bass and bass clef as an adult.

odin70 · #3 06-07-2010, 01:58 PM

You should have the treble clef version. Then you can use it with other musicians.

http://www.realbook.us/

dalkowski · #4 06-07-2010, 02:02 PM

I use the treble sixth edition with my teacher and my band. It includes some "signature" bass riffs ("So What," "Red Clay," "Footprints") in bass clef, but it's mostly heads and chord notations. As I understand it, the bass clef version ($20 at amazon) is just the treble charts transposed to bass with no additional bass lines.

Go for the treble and look at it as an opportunity to brush up your EGBDF and FACE.

Just my opinion.

Beginner Bass · #5 06-07-2010, 02:02 PM

Could you please place your vote? It is a poll.

a_magg · #6 06-07-2010, 02:10 PM

I voted bass because its what I got.

The songs that are bass-riff heavy are in the treble, but it's also nice to practice reading on any and all of the heads.

So the question is: do you want to use this with other people? Is this a practice tool? Both?

Captain_Arrrg · #7 06-07-2010, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by odin70

You should have the treble clef version. Then you can use it with other musicians.

http://www.realbook.us/

Because you know how those trumpets and trombones love treble clef.

...And you might as well get a Bb one in case a tenor sax shows up and and Eb for the possibility of an alto. Or you could just hope that everyone is professional enough to bring the book that is pertinent to their instrument.

Beginner Bass · #8 06-07-2010, 02:45 PM

Trombone is in the bass clef.

Beginner Bass · #9 06-07-2010, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a_magg

I voted bass because its what I got.

The songs that are bass-riff heavy are in the treble, but it's also nice to practice reading on any and all of the heads.

So the question is: do you want to use this with other people? Is this a practice tool? Both?

Both.

odin70 · #10 06-07-2010, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain_Arrrg

Because you know how those trumpets and trombones love treble clef.

...And you might as well get a Bb one in case a tenor sax shows up and and Eb for the possibility of an alto. Or you could just hope that everyone is professional enough to bring the book that is pertinent to their instrument.

Treble clef is the standard. Bass players should be able to read the heads in treble clef notation. I have never been to a gig/jam where someone gave me a tune written in bass clef (just for me)
Have you ????

odin70 · #11 06-07-2010, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beginner Bass

Trombone is in the bass clef.

I know, but they do read standards in treble clef. The whole world does. The bass clef version sure is ok in your bedroom, but it will have no value at all on the bandstand. Thats my opinion

Beginner Bass · #12 06-07-2010, 02:58 PM

Good point.

SteveC · #13 06-07-2010, 02:58 PM

I have some of each. Messes me up. Hard core guys will say read treble and deal.

Jim Campbell · #14 06-07-2010, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beginner Bass

I'm looking at buying a real book, specifically the Hal-Leonard one. I found the "C" edition and the bass clef edition. However, my treble reading is very rusty, and I have been wanting to try to rehash it, but I'm not sure if this isn't too large a challenge to start. So should I buy the bass version, or stick with the treble?

i'd go with Bb as it's horn,sax,clarinet friendly.....there are likely not going to be any bass lines,the guitar guys never read,and as the bass player you are not going to be playing the heads as written anyway.....

fdeck · #15 06-07-2010, 08:08 PM

Treble. After a while, the other guys in the band will need it more than you do.

I played through a fake book to work on my treble clef reading chops.

MKoby · #16 06-07-2010, 08:20 PM

I have both, but I've used treble clef much more.

JimmyM · #17 06-07-2010, 09:03 PM

treble. since it's mostly chord changes unless there's a specific bass line written out, no reason to get a bass clef version, and it can only help you as a bassist to brush up on treble clef. can't tell you how many times i get lead sheets where specific lines i have to play are written in treble clef so everyone can use them. a treble clef real book will at least give you a leg up in those situations.

Arnold · #18 06-07-2010, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Campbell

i'd go with Bb as it's horn,sax,clarinet friendly.....there are likely not going to be any bass lines,the guitar guys never read,and as the bass player you are not going to be playing the heads as written anyway.....

The Bb version will not be in the correct key for the bassist.
Treble clef is my recommendation, bass clef is okay too.

bassbrad · #19 06-07-2010, 11:13 PM

Bass clef, lots of great sight reading material with all those melodies.

esoomssab · #20 06-07-2010, 11:21 PM

Treble clef definitely - and for people talking about getting Bb and Eb books too...those guys should be reading C parts. Just like bass players should read those melodies in treble clef. So it's a moot point, really.

Treble clef C parts is the standard. If you just want material to help you read music, there are better books than Real Book Vol. 1.