Looking for a good theory book

[Krowser]

Hi there!

I'm in a metalcore band, we play music from bands like August burns red, Protest the hero, Unearth, The Human Abstract, etc..

Recently we all started hitting the books and learning a lot of musical theory. Covering bands is great, but eventually you want to compose your own stuff. One of the guitarist got the book series by Troy Stetina, which is basicly on how to play heavy metal guitar. Very useful stuff.

I was wondering if there is some sort of equivalent for the Bass, or if someone knows where I could look because my local music store only had books for rock, blues and jazz.

Thanks

The bass is the guitar for big boys

You want music theory but for heavy metal bass?

I'm stumped.. Can't think of anything. Heavy metal is a bit like classical music right? With some blues scales?

I think music theory is pretty universal it's just how you apply it. The jazz stuff would be useful for learning modes etc.. Maybe blues scale stuff too. And then Classical music theory for chord progressions etc.. I think you might have to mix and match..

I use this book called 20th Century Harmony by vincent persicetti I think you could use that in almost any context. Jazzology is the best jazz theory book I've found. It's very clear.

[Krowser]

Metal usualy uses minor scales, since it shouldnt sound like "Welcome to happy land!!!". Unless you happen to play in Dragonforce or stratovarius.

I've started getting into scales and chord progression, now I just need a good book about it. Wikipedia is useful but unorganised.

[John Wentzien]

Elementary Harmony...by Robert W. Ottman is a good all around theory book.

[Scot]

Music theory is music theory. It's the same 12 notes in any (western-based) style. When I went to BIT there were many different types of players and paths you could take stylistically but everyone had the same core music theory classes.

The key is to study theory (e.g. from Mark Levine's book), transcribe and analyze the music you're playing or want to play and make the connections as to what's going on theoretically-speaking. As you make those connections in your mind your ear will eventually start making the connections as well. You'll be able to listen to a song you've never heard on the radio driving in your car and hear what's going on without an instrument for reference.

Of course, there are playing technique aspects that are stylistically specific but you're asking about music theory as it applies to the style you're interested in playing.

[unclekebm]

check this out...

http://books.google.com/books?id=4Ed...result#PPP1,M1

[Krowser]

Woah, thats looks like a pretty good one!

That's a good book.

Lot's of the stuff in there is the way I've been learning but I made up as I went. I might get that.

[Stumbo]

Here's a few links, some of which you may find helpful on your quest for knowledge:

Practicing
Practice Practice Practice How to practice bass
Pacman's sure-fire scale practice method How to practice bass

Online lessons
A LOT of Free Lessons, how to's and other stuff from me! TB member Dmanlamius has free video lessons
Who do you think has the best lessons on youtube? Who's the best youtube bass teacher?
http://www.studybass.com/ Bass studies,online metronome, fretboard printer, bass clef tutor,more.
http://www.activebass.com/ Tab based lessons by members for members covering all types of bass instruction.
http://www.playbassnow.com with MarlowDK including videos.
http://www.thelibster.com/bass/ beginners' guide/lessons, tech advice,drills, bass sound files,tips,Q&A, links/more .
http://www.cyberfretbass.com/index.php For all bassists
http://www.musicdojo.com/index.asp Online bass course (5 day free trial)
http://www.cliffengel.com/ Free and paid lessons from Cliff Engel
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...92#post6857992 Cliff Engel customer reviews


Books and instructional materials
http://www.bassbooks.com/shopping/default.asp Books, DVDs, all styles and methods
looking for "the bass guitar bible!" Looking for the Bass "Bible"
http://playbassnow.com/recommended-learning-materials/ MarlowDK's recommended books
Best Theroy book "Best" theory/harmony book
Book list for GI Theory Links TB Book Links - all styles,levels and techniques

Theory
Need help reading bass clef Read bass clef
I need to learn how to read music for bass, how do i do it? Learn to read music
Reading Music Learn to read music
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f22/sight-reading-486398-post6521582/ Improve site reading
Introduction to Scale and Chord Theory Intro to scale and chord theory
I need basic music theory help... Learning Theory
Circle of Fifths Question Key signatures/Circle of 5ths/Cycle of 4ths
Circle of Fifths Question Circle of 5ths (spreadsheet format)

The reason for Modes Reason for modes
Modes...How to use them practically in music. Using modes

Music Theory/General Instruction Links TB Gen.Instruction Theory links list
Theory Forum FAQ and Links Theory (from the DB side of TB)
http://www.teoria.com/ Online study of music theory. Check out the tutorials, exercises and reference dictionary

Getting creative
Where does creativity come from? Where does creativity come from?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f30/creating-bass-lines-8154/#post80043 Creating bass lines
Bass Line Construction: Target Approach Creating bass lines - Target Approach
Scales and improvisation Playing scales
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f22/what-good-ways-approach-playing-over-chords-503344/#post6770334 Creating bass lines for a jam
what is in front of/behind the beat? Playing behind/ahead of the beat
The 'feel' "Feel"

[jonster]

Thanks (again) for the plug, Stumbo!

Jon Liebman
www.JonLiebman.com

[Rock-Bassman]

Well it's for the double bass but it's helped me alot,
the F. Simandl New Method For The Double Bass, by Carl Fisher (or who knows, just search the name up in google) It's like red-with a lite tint of orange... great theory book.