Just got Bass Grooves.

loops84 · #1 05-31-2008, 12:18 AM

I just bass grooves by ed friedland and was wondering if anyone else has used his book? Is this a waste of time or will I learn how to groove like a pro after spending some time with this?

LowBSix · #2 05-31-2008, 12:23 AM

I've not seen the book, but study, learning to ready and ALWAYS practice with a metrognome or click of some type is essential!!!

varunkapahi · #3 05-31-2008, 01:29 AM

its a superb book. read it through and through. read the groove metaphysics chapter first to get inspired

JimmyM · #4 05-31-2008, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loops84

I just bass grooves by ed friedland and was wondering if anyone else has used his book? Is this a waste of time or will I learn how to groove like a pro after spending some time with this?

That's all up to you and your level of commitment, but Ed writes high quality books.

varunkapahi · #5 05-31-2008, 06:19 AM

very high quality books!

Indiana Mike · #6 05-31-2008, 06:47 AM

I bought it for fun last winter .

I had no intention of using it as education rather just a cool book to have fun with .

That's not to say you won't learn from it. It covers a vast array of genres . You will take something from this book , even if it's only mechanics.

I highly recommend.

steve66 · #7 05-31-2008, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loops84

I just bass grooves by ed friedland and was wondering if anyone else has used his book? Is this a waste of time or will I learn how to groove like a pro after spending some time with this?

IMO, you cannot learn to groove by any book. There are so many different things needed to make up the groove. Most importantly you need to feel the groove. Its about becoming one with the music your feeling.

edfriedland · #8 05-31-2008, 09:09 AM

Thanks for all the great comments about Bass Grooves! I agree with all of them, even Steve66 that says you can't learn how to groove from a book. The book, won't teach you how to groove, YOU teach yourself. But if you actually practice the material, the book can help.

The first section in fact sets out to train you to do what Steve66 says - feel the groove, become one with the music. Singing different rhythmic material is the most effective way I've found to internalize rhythms. And of course... the various metronome exercises are designed to help you develop your rhythmic strength, and NOT become a crutch. The drum machine stuff is important because IMO, if a bass player understands all the smallest details about a drum part, they will play the bass part even better. Programming a drum machine is the next best thing to actually learning how to play drums.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the book, and thanks for all the kind words.

Stumbo · #9 05-31-2008, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edfriedland

The drum machine stuff is important because IMO, if a bass player understands all the smallest details about a drum part, they will play the bass part even better.

I also learned quite a bit of guitar/piano chording to help me understand where the bass fits in.

edfriedland · #10 05-31-2008, 11:03 AM

Absolutely. To be the best bass player you can be, you have to know what everyone else is doing.

loops84 · #11 05-31-2008, 11:14 AM

I did some piano studying as well, just to see how the bass fits. I usually try to make my own music with drum tracks, guitar, or keyboard of some sort to play along with when the band is too busy to practice. Well thanks for the replies, I really appreciate the input.