Comprehensive textboook for theory?

[CrispyDelicious]

Hello guys,

I'm looking to improve my theory, but I need something pretty specific. Is there a book (or series of books) that treats theory (or better, theory and bass technique) as university-style textbook? What I mean is, rather than a book which focuses on just scales or technique or pure theory, (you know, just one aspect of playing), it is a comprehensive education in theory and technique that progresses in such a way that each chapter builds upon and encompasses the previous chapters. I'm know I'm not articulating it very well, but hopefully you get where I'm going with this. I need it to be structured into pregressive sections - I know I can find stuff online and buy books that cover say, just scales, but I always lose interest unless its laid out in such a way that there is a logical progression from A to B, not just "learn these scales".

I know they exist for piano, but is there one specific to bass?

[GigJones]

Find a good teacher. A good teacher will ask you for your goals and then create a progressive path for you to follow.

[DevilThorn]

I have this great book that my instructor recommended to me. It is very simple to understand and organized well and progressive. It helped me a ton. It basically gives a sentence or two about a specific topic then you do exercises.
It deals with both clefs so it is not bass specific.
Check it out, its called: Harmony and Theory: A Comprehensive Source for All Musicians

[Skunk11]

There are lots of books like that. I can't remember the name of the books that I used in my college theory classes but I've seen several books like that around.

Try looking up books on music theory on Amazon or some other book store.

[Bruce Lindfield]

Originally Posted by CrispyDelicious

Hello guys,

I'm looking to improve my theory, but I need something pretty specific. Is there a book (or series of books) that treats theory (or better, theory and bass technique) as university-style textbook? What I mean is, rather than a book which focuses on just scales or technique or pure theory, (you know, just one aspect of playing), it is a comprehensive education in theory and technique that progresses in such a way that each chapter builds upon and encompasses the previous chapters. I'm know I'm not articulating it very well, but hopefully you get where I'm going with this. I need it to be structured into pregressive sections - I know I can find stuff online and buy books that cover say, just scales, but I always lose interest unless its laid out in such a way that there is a logical progression from A to B, not just "learn these scales".

I know they exist for piano, but is there one specific to bass?

I don't know why you need a specific bass one - the book that I found most helpful and is like you describe is :

The Jazz Theory Book by Marc Levine ...

[CrispyDelicious]

Originally Posted by GigJones

Find a good teacher. A good teacher will ask you for your goals and then create a progressive path for you to follow.

I would if I could, but I work full time (possibly going from 5 to 7 days a week) and go to school full time evenings/nights. I need to be able to do this at random hours (like 1am). Plus the $100 or so dollars a month isn't something I can comfortably add to my budget right now.

Originally Posted by DevilThorn

I have this great book that my instructor recommended to me. It is very simple to understand and organized well and progressive. It helped me a ton. It basically gives a sentence or two about a specific topic then you do exercises.
It deals with both clefs so it is not bass specific.
Check it out, its called: Harmony and Theory: A Comprehensive Source for All Musicians

Thanks, I'll look into it.

Originally Posted by Bruce Lindfield

I don't know why you need a specific bass one - the book that I found most helpful and is like you describe is :

The Jazz Theory Book by Marc Levine ...

I've heard of this. I'll check it out as well. And my old man would jump for joy at the prospect of me learning jazz theory (he's a piano man himself).

Much appreciated guys.

[ryco]

Along with Mark Levine's "Jazz Theory" book you may want to check out Walter Piston's "Harmony" for a classical background.
I recommend look around for a used copy. Kinda pricey new ( but still worth it!).

[Bruce Lindfield]

Originally Posted by CrispyDelicious

I've heard of this. I'll check it out as well. And my old man would jump for joy at the prospect of me learning jazz theory (he's a piano man himself).

Well ..one the most helpful things when studying harmony/theory is to have access to a keyboard and play examples so you can hear what they sound like!

[EADG mx]

Originally Posted by CrispyDelicious

Hello guys,

I'm looking to improve my theory, but I need something pretty specific. Is there a book (or series of books) that treats theory (or better, theory and bass technique) as university-style textbook? What I mean is, rather than a book which focuses on just scales or technique or pure theory, (you know, just one aspect of playing), it is a comprehensive education in theory and technique that progresses in such a way that each chapter builds upon and encompasses the previous chapters. I'm know I'm not articulating it very well, but hopefully you get where I'm going with this. I need it to be structured into pregressive sections - I know I can find stuff online and buy books that cover say, just scales, but I always lose interest unless its laid out in such a way that there is a logical progression from A to B, not just "learn these scales".

I know they exist for piano, but is there one specific to bass?

Not that I know of, because in my experience good theory books are not instrument specific.

[CrispyDelicious]

I incorrectly assumed a more narrow focus would be more efficient, but I see the flipside: that theory without reference to a specific instrument will obviously be appliable to all musical contexts.

D'oh.

[polsab78]

try Jazz Theory Resources Vol. 1 & 2 by Bert Ligon

[ayryq]

If there's a college near you, drop in their bookstore and see what's for sale for music theory classes. After you see the price, you'll want to go check out the book online. Most schools will probably sell a book to anyone, not just their students.

You might get lucky and find a used one.

My theory classes used Robert Gauldin's Harmonic Practice in Tonal Music, which cost $51 ten years ago.

[mambo4]

Marc Sabatella's Jazz Improvisation Primer

taught me most of what i know of theory, with a Jazz bent. Instrument neutral, notation free, practical explanati0ons. the online version is free to surf, the printed version is more handy.

[clefface]

my college made us buy this for our grade 5 theory exam and it worked great
but i also had theory lessons so am not sure if that had anything to do with it

http://www.amazon.co.uk/AB-Guide-Mus.../dp/1854724460

[bassybill]

Originally Posted by mambo4

Marc Sabatella's Jazz Improvisation Primer

taught me most of what i know of theory, with a Jazz bent. Instrument neutral, notation free, practical explanati0ons. the online version is free to surf, the printed version is more handy.

That's an interesting site, thanks for the link. "Notation free" might not be such a positive thing, though. Sure, it helps non-readers get into it, but I'd also encourage non-readers to get stuck into some reading. It's not hard; I still don't get why some people are so reluctant to learn to read or intimidated by the prospect. For me, the benefits of reading so much outweigh the effort required, deciding to try it is a total no-brainer.

[lancimouspitt]

Originally Posted by mambo4

Marc Sabatella's Jazz Improvisation Primer

taught me most of what i know of theory, with a Jazz bent. Instrument neutral, notation free, practical explanati0ons. the online version is free to surf, the printed version is more handy.

Great site.
I've been looking to further my theory as well and this seems to be the best place to do it without paying anything. I also plan on purchasing one of the books mentioned above.