• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Double Bass Bass tecnique and sight reading books

C

CountyryJazzer

Sep 23, 2008
29
0
Chicago
#1
I just got a DB to start the move from electric and I was wondering what books are recommended to get me started? I am going to be playing primarily country, bluegrass,and a bit of blues. I am also wanting to learn how to sight read with learning the new style, might as well if I am learning all over again, heh.

Thanx!
 
#3
For learning to sight read I found Chuck Rainey's 'The Complete Electric Bass Player - Book 1' an amazing resource. You'll equally be able to apply everything in it to the upright.

For getting started on the upright I'd recommend two things - Ray Brown's method - and go through every exercise in every key to get maximum benefit. The other is Essential Elements Bass Book/DVD/CD Set. It's designed for classroom use for many orchestral instruments, and it can sound cheesey but it's great for beginners to get you playing in tune with other instruments. Ignore the quality of the music and concentrate on playing in tune.

Reason I suggest these two over something like the Simandl, which is great and I use it a lot, is that for a beginner the hardest thing is playing in tune and I found that just playing the exercises from Simandl wasn't beneficial to learning the instrument at first. I believe you really have to play alongside other music, or even just a repeated single note, to really hear if your fingers are hitting the right mark.

Both these books are available from Bob Gollihur:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Once you get your reading together here's something else that I've found great:

http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Art-Country-Bass-Book/dp/0793569923

Even without reading the notation in the book, you can play along with the tunes (with no vocals) and get your intonation together that way.

Enjoy - and go easy. The golden rule is: If it hurts - STOP. You may be doing something wrong, or it may just be your muscles adapting to new demands.
 
As an Amazon Associate, TalkBass may receive commissions from qualifying purchases made via links on this site.
#4
+1 on the Ray Brown book. My only criticism is his minimal fingering suggestions. For this reason, Simandl is hard to beat, although I think the early exercises are a bit weird.

Simple suggestions:
-Use a proper fingering hand technique. Basically thumb on the back of the neck and 'claw' fingers. This is similar to the way most people hold a soda can.
-Forget your third finger. Think 1,2 and 4.
-Practice SLOWLY and concentrate on playing in tune and developing good tone. I recommend starting on the E string, Playing (1,2,4/F, F#,G) This would be Simandl half position. Move your 1st finger to the F# and go F#, G, G#. Then G,G#,A and check yourself against the open A. Do this on all strings up to the octave, checking open strings as you go. Normally, you will switch to the third finger to finger the octave note.

I find that practicing this slowly, saying the notes as they are played is a great way to learning to play in tune.

This book is the best one I've seen for sight reading:

Invalid Link Removed

I do hope you will try to find a good teacher, even if you only take a few lessons. The DB is very different from electric bass in the physical approach, despite what many beginners think. If you develop good habits at the beginning, you will find the going much easier.

Welcome to the dark side. Enjoy the lifelong journey and don't hurt yourself. ;)
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back