Mel Bays Electric bass method book

Redneck5 · #1 07-14-2012, 08:57 PM

I just got this ^^ on orders from my bass mentor and i have been playing through it. It's been tough, but it helps out technique a LOT and learning how to read music is always good(now i can read both clefs) Any thoughts on it or has anyone used the book and want to chime in??

Redneck5 · #2 07-15-2012, 09:22 PM

94 hits and no one has an opinion?

MalcolmAmos · #3 07-17-2012, 10:04 AM

Looks like no one has used the book. That should tell you something. Now Mel Bay published good stuff. So IMO Mel Bay will not publish anything that would be harmful.

Finish the book you'll get something useful. I have many books, some I get a lot from others I only get one or two things, I have yet to buy a book that did not teach me something.

I do re-visit some of my books and in doing so I pick up new things. I was not ready for what it was talking about way back then, now I understand how that can/could be used.....

Is this the book you are talking about: http://www.amazon.com/Mel-Bays-Elect...mm_pap_title_0 If so I had it and gave it to a friend. I would not have given it to a friend if it was not good. As I no longer have it I can not go into detail with you.

Keep plugging.

Redneck5 · #4 07-18-2012, 12:51 PM

Yeah, it's the same one. It's a very beginner book that teaches the bass clef and where the notes are located on the bass, plus some root, 3rd, 5th patterns for different chords. I think it's a great resource for new bass players, or ones that haven't learned correct notation

Pacer1991 · #5 08-14-2012, 09:43 PM

This was also recommended to me. Although my teacher was the one who suggested it, I'm using it to teach myself how to read music and whatnot.

**AndrewFord** · #6 08-15-2012, 10:15 PM

Yes, one of many good books to begin with, I taught myself using this book and subsequently went on to many other books and became a proficient sight reader

gigslut · #7 08-15-2012, 10:37 PM

Years ago, I taught bass from that series. I wasn't a great reader when I took the job so I had to do the lessons myself to stay a step ahead of my students. It's a great foundation for anyone who wants to be a well rounded player. Some of my students just wanted to play by ear and jam to CD's, and the book was a turn off for them. Too much work, not enough rock and roll.
The kid who was the worst when I started turned out to be my star pupil. He could already read better than the rest, but his technique was terrible. He used only one finger (index) of his fretting hand. I was puzzled that my predecessor had not addressed this issue. Seems he didn't press the book or technique and catered to the "jammers".
I asked the kid if he played another instrument at school, on account of his ability to read so well. He said "yeah" and I asked him what he played, half expecting his response, "I play trombone".