"bass-less" music on CD for writing practice

[brock29609]

Is there any music out there that can be bought on CD for a bass player to practice writing bass lines? I'm looking for "bass-less" music to practice while I'm in-between bands.

 

[moley]

If you're interested in Jazz, you might like to look into Jamey Abersold's play along CDs. They have bass, piano and drums, but with the bass and piano in opposite channels, so you can easily tune one of them out.

Otherwise, you could look for some MIDI files of the songs you want to practice, and mute the bass track?

 

[tuBass]

Moley had some great ideas, but if you really want a challenge, pick up the SITSOM book, not the movie. It has a separate channel for the bass. THe chord changes in motown music fly by pretty fast, so hang on tight.

 

[BIg O]

Alain Caron has some bassless mixes designed to be played while practicing his scored lines here: Invalid Link Removed

I suppose this could give you some insight into scoring your own lines as well.

 

[moley]

Originally posted by tuBass
if you really want a challenge, pick up the SITSOM book, not the movie. It has a separate channel for the bass

Wow, I didn't realise that. I assume from what you said that the book comes with a CD?

So you can solo the bass tracks (or, conversely, listen to everything but the bass)?

 

[tuBass]

Originally posted by moley


Wow, I didn't realise that. I assume from what you said that the book comes with a CD?

So you can solo the bass tracks (or, conversely, listen to everything but the bass)?

It comes with 2 CD's, the left stereo channel is just bass, the right side is everything else, but there are no vocals on it. In the book, the bass lines are written out, (no tabs), and there are chord changes.

There are also audio interviews on the CD's, but what I have done is saved the CD to my computer by my practice area, edited out the talking, and saved each track under it's name of the song. So if I want to play "reach out", All I have to do is double click on the file, or drag it to winamp, which has the balance control right on the skin.

It's a great system that I use every day, especially concerning the new family situation we have in the house.

click here to find out more!

 

[wulf]

Depends on the style of music you want to play, but often you can get some mileage from singer / songwriter stuff that is arranged for, say, just guitar and voice. Plenty of room for some bass to fit alongside.

Wulf

 

[moley]

Originally posted by tuBass


It comes with 2 CD's, the left stereo channel is just bass, the right side is everything else, but there are no vocals on it. In the book, the bass lines are written out, (no tabs), and there are chord changes.

That's great.

I must get that book.

 

[brock29609]

GREAT info, guys. Thanks!

Other suggestions appreciated.

 

[Wrong Robot]

"kiss" by prince

 

[stephanie]

I like to improvise against Ambient/New Age music that doesn't contain bass, but has a variety of other instruments. I also like solo guitar music, like Alex DeGrassi, Will Ackerman, etc.

 

[pepito]

Originally posted by moley
If you're interested in Jazz, you might like to look into Jamey Abersold's play along CDs. They have bass, piano and drums, but with the bass and piano in opposite channels, so you can easily tune one of them out.

I've been drooling over that catalog for a while now, but there are so many books. Do you have any favorites?

 

[moley]

Originally posted by pepito


I've been drooling over that catalog for a while now, but there are so many books. Do you have any favorites?

No, I've only used one of them myself ("Blues in all keys" IIRC). Maybe someone else can advise you on which to look at.

 

[BIg O]

Originally posted by moley
If you're interested in Jazz, you might like to look into Jamey Abersold's play along CDs. They have bass, piano and drums, but with the bass and piano in opposite channels, so you can easily tune one of them out.
....

...I've only used one of them myself ("Blues in all keys" IIRC). Maybe someone else can advise you on which to look at.

Hey WHOLLY MOLEY: (sorry, I just miss ED!)

Do you know if the scores for these include bass clef for Bass? Or is it PVG with left hand piano bass in bass clef?

 

[moley]

Originally posted by BIg O



Hey WHOLLY MOLEY: (sorry, I justy miss ED!)



Do you know if the scores for these include bass clef for Bass? Or is it PVG with left hand piano bass in bass clef?

I'll have a look when I get home.

 

[ConU]

Originally posted by BIg O



Hey WHOLLY MOLEY: (sorry, I just miss ED!)

Do you know if the scores for these include bass clef for Bass

Yes they do...

 

[HeavyDuty]

Originally posted by brock29609
Is there any music out there that can be bought on CD for a bass player to practice writing bass lines? I'm looking for "bass-less" music to practice while I'm in-between bands.

I use "Band in the Pocket for Bass" from Five Feathers. It's pretty basic bluesy stuff, but can be dressed up/frilled as needed. I hope they come out with more in the series!

[This invalid link has been removed]

 

[Blueszilla]

Thanks HD, I just ordered it.

 

[Tim MacAlpine]

I have the Band in the Pocket Bass CD but I can't find the chord sheets that are supposed to go with it and the company website seems to be defunct. Does anyone have these that could post scans or pdfs?

 

[BassChuck]

You can create songs, in iReal Pro, or Band In A Box and turn off the bass track. Additionally you can set a tempo that is good for you. Good too for creating bass lines for original songs your band might be working on. Just set the style and chord progression and try out different ideas. Sure it's not the same as the live players, but you have your hand on the chords and style so you'll be ready with your ideas in rehearsal.