Book: Playing The Changes

[SBassman]

Berkee Press has a Book/CD called:
Playing The Changes: Bass.

Anyone know if it's any good?

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"In Playing the Changes: Bass, Paul Del Nero presents a unique improvisation strategy based on ear training and a linear interpretation of note relationships.

In this technique, improvised lines are derived from the harmonic construction of chord progressions. Learn how to choose appropriate notes by listening for the tendencies of pitches within modes and tetrachords - groupings of four notes in a scale. In Playing the Changes: Bass, you'll explore the possibilities of focused and linear improvisation, and develop your ability to create musically effective melodies with greater freedom and depth of expression."

 

[iplaybassguitar]

it sounds good just by the title...and considering its by berklee press, i wouldnt even be worried about the quality, their stuff is good.

 

[mstott25]

I was interested in this book as well. I'm trying to develop my ear more to recognize changes rather than charts and somebody in the db forum had suggested this book.

I put it as one of many other things my wife could pick up for me on Christmas, so I'll have to wait until then to see if it's coming sooner or later!

 

[SBassman]

I was interested in this book as well. I'm trying to develop my ear more to recognize changes rather than charts and somebody in the db forum had suggested this book.

I put it as one of many other things my wife could pick up for me on Christmas, so I'll have to wait until then to see if it's coming sooner or later!

I have it on order. I'll post some comments when I take a look.

 

[ErikP.Bass]

Any of the people who purchased the book have any thoughts/opinions?

 

[Andrew Jones]

Paul Delnero teaches a great class at Berklee called performance ear training. This book is about the main focus of the class. It's a great class.


It a great book but I might not be a good judge because I took the class, the consepts have been explained to me.I didn't have to "get" them from reading.



Aj

 

[ErikP.Bass]

Thanks for the response Andrew, can you elaborate on some of the concepts presented in the book that you found helpful. It seems that the book deals with Pitch Axis, Tetrachords and Modes.

Any particular difficulties you experienced (or people in the class) when learning to apply these topics when soloing?

 

[DocBop]

Paul Delnero teaches a great class at Berklee called performance ear training. This book is about the main focus of the class. It's a great class.

It a great book but I might not be a good judge because I took the class, the consepts have been explained to me.I didn't have to "get" them from reading.
Aj

Have you taken any of the chromatic improv classes at Berklee? I'm interested in how they approach it. Is there a book that cover their chromatic improv method?

 

[ErikP.Bass]

Bump. Anyone?

 

[Andrew Jones]

Have you taken any of the chromatic improv classes at Berklee? I'm interested in how they approach it. Is there a book that cover their chromatic improv method?

No,I never took the upper level Improv classes.

Andrew

 

[Cairobill]

Just chiming in to say that I picked this book up recently and it is (in my experience) an excellent practical guide to soloing over complex jazz changes.

In essence it teaches you to analyse a series of changes ni a tnue and look for a common note (the pitch axis) that you can hang different modes off as the changes cycle through.

I've been studying theory for years but this is enabling me to sing through changes on the bass with far more fluidity and creativity.

A recommended read (in conjunction with other standard texts like Levine etc etc of course).

Cairo

 

[ErikP.Bass]

Bumping this back up. Anyone work through this book? If so, please share your experiences.

 

[Groove Master]

I have the book. Never really worked in it because I bought it for some of the tracks for my classes mainly.

By looking at it this morning I think it will be useful for someone looking at connecting the dots in a chord progression which is the purpose of the book. I like the Tetrachord approach which is essential imo.

May be with guidance for someone who is not too familiar with theory.

 

[GastonD]

I liked the book and its method, too, when I bought it a few years back. The tetrachord approach was really neat, and it dovetailed with Joel DiBartolo's approach to scales in his "Serious Electric Bass" (which is excellent, btw). However, some time ago, I got first two chapters of Dick Grove's "See It, Hear It/Hear It, Play It" course and all the pieces of the puzzle finally fell into place. Now, if only it were less expensive...as it is, I'll be stuck at chapter 2 for a while. Still, worth the money invested.

 

[Groove Master]

I liked the book and its method, too, when I bought it a few years back. The tetrachord approach was really neat, and it dovetailed with Joel DiBartolo's approach to scales in his "Serious Electric Bass" (which is excellent, btw). However, some time ago, I got first two chapters of Dick Grove's "See It, Hear It/Hear It, Play It" course and all the pieces of the puzzle finally fell into place. Now, if only it were less expensive...as it is, I'll be stuck at chapter 2 for a while. Still, worth the money invested.

I've studied with Dick Grove in 1984-85. A truly genius about harmony. I learnt everything there....

 

[ErikP.Bass]

Thanks for the feedback! I’d never heard of Dick Grove but you both seem to speak of him / his materials with high regard.

 

[GastonD]

Not exactly about the originally referenced book, but this guy gives a fairly good insight into the functional ear training method that was used by both the late Charlie Banacos and Dick Grove, as well as others...
Link Removed

 

[ErikP.Bass]

Thanks @GastonD This is a great app and resource for ear training as well. My interest is totally peaked on Dick Grove now.

Welcome to Functional Ear Trainer - Miles.be

 

[GastonD]

Yeah, I have been using that app for a couple of years now.

 

[IamGroot]

I own it. Never used it.