Getting Serious

[robrho1]

Hello,
My name is Al and I am a self taught Bass Player and have been playing at home for a few years. I am taking a more serious and theoretical approach to my Bass playing. I am studying music keys one by one. I am currently studying the key of B. What are some good beginner / intermediate level Jazz, R&B, and Gospel songs I can use as study material? Thanks.

 

[Michael Manring]

Hi Al,

I'm glad to hear you're getting serious about your study of music. I think you'll find there are lots of rewards to in-depth study.

As far as jazz repertoire goes, The Real Book collection of tunes is the de facto standard. It does omit a few tunes many folks feel are essential and contains plenty that aren't really in the "must know" category, but that makes it kind of fun. Overall, it's a great study resource and I still refer to mine (which I bought 30 years ago!) constantly.

For R&B and Gospel I think I should defer to a more knowledgeable source.