Intermediate Bass Pieces?

Ozzey · #1 03-14-2009, 01:16 PM

Hey, I was just wondering if any one of you would be able to suggest a good intermediate bass piece to learn. I'm currently in a Grade 12 Music class, wanting to improve my bass skills, but I don't have much material reference, other than what I already know. I'd need to know where to get sheet music for it as well. Thanks in advance.

Joe Lindley · #2 03-14-2009, 07:54 PM

Ozzey-
You might get some replies if you gave some more info. I guess you mean Grade 12, maybe in a high school jazz band? Are you interested in jazz or rock or ??? And different people have different definitions for intermediate. Some might say this is intermediate, I Wish by Stevie Wonder: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZ8kuftHxb8 Is that what you mean? IMO, that guy is really good.

He makes it look easy.

Joe

Jim Carr · #3 03-15-2009, 08:43 AM

Are you looking for solo literature, for bass unaccompanied? Do you have a teacher and can you read music well?

rarisgod · #4 03-15-2009, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Carr

Are you looking for solo literature, for bass unaccompanied? Do you have a teacher and can you read music well?

That's what I'm looking for, might you have anything? Not to hijack the thread or anything..

Jim Carr · #5 03-15-2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rarisgod

That's what I'm looking for, might you have anything? Not to hijack the thread or anything..

I think any intermediate solo baroque music would work. Some of this kind of music has basso continuo accompaniment, so you may want to consider finding versions with a piano accomp. Go to a good music library at a College or Conservatory.

Besides the obvious Bach cello suites (which are probably more classified as advanced), Handel oboe sonatas, Telemann flute music, and solo Bach flute music come to mind. There is a very large solo woodwind literature which can be easily adapted to electric bass.

I would also propose others. Why not some solo Chant literature? I also love simply grabbing a good head from the Real Book. How about the Theme from Black Orpheus? Moonbeams and Polka-dots? i.e., anything. Play the head twice (maybe in two registers) and then gently wail on it, come back, do a coda. The End.

Final suggestion: if you can find a piano/kb accompanist, try vocal literature of any kind. Schubert songs, opera arias, Joni Mitchell, Barry White, Randy Newman, Alban Berg, Paganini guitar/violin duets--you decide. If you can deal with an accompaniment and can really read, the world is open to you--start looking.

Jim Carr · #6 03-15-2009, 11:48 AM

I forgot to add that this question ought to be posed over on the DB forum, too, as folks there will know of classic and new editions of transcriptions for bass, and even new/old music specifically for solo bass (unaccompanied).

Yes, you can play DB music on electric.

Ozzey · #7 03-15-2009, 08:48 PM

ok, thanks for the input. Yeah, that's the sort of bass piece I'd be looking for, doable, but something that would make me work and stretch my limits. That's a really awesome song too! Will have to check it out someday!

No, I do not have a teacher :S, I am self taught, but I read music pretty well, if I'm being honest. I have played piano for several years, and this has helped me quite a bit. I'm into quite a bit, anything from jazz to rock really, and I play for various church groups/ensembles, and guest playing with the senior band at my school in a few weeks.

WyrdoBass · #8 03-15-2009, 08:57 PM

For rock you could look into some RHCP. Might be on the easier side of intermediate, but Torture Me is a pretty cool line.