Hal Leonard Bass Method

[Gregorski]

Just bought the complete Hal Leonard's method and would like to get some input on how to use it. In other words: do you recommend playing through each exercise (not sure if I can do that) or skip around or focus on the exercises with tracks? Would appreciate any ideas on how to use the book. I'm relatively new to the instrument (3 months maybe), but have been playing music my whole adult life (ca. 25 years), including in bands (bluegrass, blues).
cheers,
Gregorski

 

[consectaneus]

I had pretty good success just starting from the beginning and working through it. It seems to be written so that each concept builds on the next one. It starts off really basic of course. To me personally, probably the greatest value was that it got me reading music. But you can just do the examples with the tracks that interest you in any order you want. I personally think the best way is to start at the beginning and go through it in order. There is also a big thread here about that book (books) where a bunch of us talk about it.

The Hal Leonard Bass Method thread

 

[fearceol]

I personally think the best way is to start at the beginning and go through it in order.

+1.

OP : Skipping around and playing things at random can be fun. However, a structured approach (i.e. starting from the beginning and working your way through the lessons in order) is more beneficial IMO. This way there will be no gaps in your progress, and you won't have to backtrack later to learn something you missed.

Perhaps a good idea would be that after your structured practice you could then "reward" yourself by having a blast on whatever takes your fancy. Then next time, resume your practice where you left off on the structured approach.

 

[lestratele]

Very topical for me. I ordered the 3 in 1 version few days ago and should have it in my hands by the end of today. I've been working on reading, but I'll (re)start on page 1 of this series if it looks like the way to go. The accompanying audio tracks should be really helpful.

OP, good luck and have fun.

 

[Malcolm35]

That is one great book. Ed Friedland wrote this book, and Ed has a knack for putting words and thoughts together so we understand what he is saying. Therefore I would start on page one and go through the book as fast as your skill level will allow you to proceed. Do not skip around. Ed has the book laid out in a way that builds on each page, skip pages and you leave gaps you will need later.

Not saying you can't speed read sections you already know about. But, do skim them you my pick up something...

Good luck and happy trails

 

[Gregorski]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I decided to start at the beginning and go through/learn to play all the exercises with tracks. Given the limited amount of time that we have on this planet, I decided not to invest any of it into learning how to sight read.

 

[lark_z]

I'm working through all of except I too am skipping the lines that don't have a backing track. It's really helped my reading - at least the note names. Now reading the rhythm - that's a whole different beast. I'm finding it to be a real blast. Lots of "I can never play this" negative self-talk when I hit a new page. But after a few (ha - who I am kidding - A LOT of repetition) I can get them. I wish they track vocal stated the track name at the start of the track. My bass clarinet book (Tradition of Excellence) did this, but now I'm getting picky.

 

[BassChuck]

We learn best by dealing with what interests us. Start at the beginning and work on the things that interest you. Skipping is fine. When you've finished the book (and therefore have a different ability level) go back and do it again. You'll find there are reasons for the stuff you skipped and this time, you'll be ready to learn it.
This is true for any information you are learning. Going back over old lessons will 99% of the time reveal something you missed the first (or 2nd) time through the material.
Learning is never finished.

 

[Helen Highwater]

I bought this book as well. Ever since I started playing bass people say, "All you need to know is roots and fifths". Well, no. I want to LEARN the bass. I'm finding that HL books are a big help. I can download the lesson tracks, plug my phone into the aux port on my amp, and play along. As others have stated, it's great how each lesson builds on the previous one. It's also a great refresher for someone who hasn't played an instrument in 30 years. Bass clef now vs treble clef then. Love it!

 

[Huw Phillips]

I have been using these books for a while over a year, my teacher guides me to what to play the one takeaway that I have is don’t move on till you have nailed the tracks 100% it’s very easy to go fast however I have found taking your time and really getting the exercises perfect pays dividends
Good luck