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Best Theroy book

#13
I got the Guitar Grimoire as a birthday pressie a few months ago and it's very much as you describe so I thought the bass version would be similar, but confirmation is good to have. Sounds interesting, might look into getting it after Christmas and NYE when I don't have cash tied up...
 
#14
I remain a fan of Elementary Harmony by Robert W. Ottman. It does help to be able to read notation at an elementary level to use the book; but, for those who don't, the book covers basic notation in the first chapter. For players who don't read music notation and want to learn theory, plan on learning some basic notation if you are going to use a book. I believe Ottman will still be valuable to you, but you will spend more time--though you will learn a lot--in the first chapter.

Like most long-standing books on music theory, Elementary Harmony is geared toward classical music; but it's done using the simplest possible examples, so the elements are understandable even if you don't plan to analyze many Bach chorales.

The real strength of this book, IMO, is it's completeness. It was a music theory textbook for me in both high school and college and now, decades later, it is my go-to reference work on music theory when I have a new question (heaven knows I've never forgotten anything over the years :rolleyes:).

I haven't used the newer editions which have accompanying workbooks and CDs available; but both those items should make the text significantly more accessible by itself (i.e., outside the classroom). New copies can be expensive, but if you search the 'net, there are discount outlets and high-quality used copies available at significant savings.

Bluesy Soul :cool:
 
#15
The theory book I devoured in college was a dowbnloadable text file I found in an FTP search...now posted in web freindly HTML:

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no notation or keyboard diagrams... just plain English explanations of Modes, scales, chord progressions, as well as Jazz specific stuff like history and suggested listening of various styles (swing/bop/cool/fusion etc)

between that and my Pops being Jazz Guitard, I never looked elsewhere for theory info.

I had the Bass grimoire at one point, it is not a useful theory reference.
 
#19
i have always though that maby geting just a musical theory book like perhaps the idiots guide to music theory pretty much takes u through every part of theory and compliment tht with a bass cords ,arpeggios and scales book that u can use as a refferance as u play in a band at rehearsals the book i use is mel bay,s deluxe bass chords, arpeggios and scales this helps me to come up with ideas as im no theory guiness:) but definatly try the first book i suggested to learn the langauge and the second to revise :) hope this helps
 

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