Where to next?

[LotusCarsLtd52]

Here's the rundown:

1) Have been doing bass for a year and have gotten scales down pretty well along with a large number of basslines (both for songs my band and I developed, ones I developed, or ones from songs). I'm starting to play around with very basic chords.

2) I still need to learn how to read sheet music (despite what some people might say, especially those that think tabs are enough). I've done over four years of choir but I still haven't effectively learned the art of reading sheet music and I feel it would be a good and necessary "next step" in my development

What is the next logical step for me? I think my technique is good, just need to improve accuracy. But then again I have no clue.

Thanks!

[dtiii]

While it is not necessary for every situation, reading music is indeed an invaluable skill. Benefits include:

• a deepened understanding of how music works in relation to keys
• increase in fingerboard knowledge/ awareness
• works time
• works rhythm
• exposes you to music that you might not be exposed to otherwise

It’s also kind of cool to be able to listen to music and follow along with a score.

There are so many reading books out there. Here are a few choices that I have found helpful for my students:

• Mel Bay’s Electric Bass Method… This is a standard. It’s been in print since 1963 and not much has changed since then. The material keeps you in first position for the entire Book 1, while Book 2 begins to explore more positions. There is also a third book titled Bass Position Studies that picks up where Book 2 leaves off. The focus in this series is pitch. Rhythms stay pretty basic. There is no hearty theory discussion and very little in the way of technique.
• Mel Bay’s Mastering the Bass (Bruce Gertz)… This is a total beginner method in two books that also discusses technique and theory. The reading sections place the initial emphasis on rhythm instead of pitch. The first forty or so pages that focus on reading use only the open strings. The rhythms get more complex as they progress, and are stylistic. Eventually, the fingered pitches are added.

Getting a teacher to help you through the material is always a good idea. Also, having someone to ‘report to’ weekly tends to keep you honest in your practice routines. Lastly, reading is recognition and execution, which means it requires consistent practice, ideally daily practice. I don’t think that one needs to invest ‘hours’ a day reading, but I will say that the more you do it the better you will get at it.

Good luck
d

[LotusCarsLtd52]

Random thought: using a guitar tab program what if I were to tab some basslines and then look at the resulting sheet music?

I use TuxGuitar which is great for creating dual tab/staff music.

[MalcolmAmos]

Reading will always help, but, give this some thought. I play Country and finding bass clef for Country is hard. Lead sheet with treble clef and chord names sure or fake chord but bass clef.......

So the type of music you play will enter into how much use you will get from developing your reading skills.

[LotusCarsLtd52]

Originally Posted by MalcolmAmos

Reading will always help, but, give this some thought. I play Country and finding bass clef for Country is hard. Lead sheet with treble clef and chord names sure or fake chord but bass clef.......

So the type of music you play will enter into how much use you will get from developing your reading skills.

I'll likely play alternative/post punk/noise rock/garage rock, so I do realize it's probably useless here. Although I do dream of doing jazz

But nonetheless I still like the ability to write my own music for all to use.