Learning To Read

[Gully Foyle]

So, i've been playing on and off for 35 years or so, and i'm ok - decent ear, can create new lines, and new tunes, can learn covers etc.

But, my level of reading is write the letter under the dots and then work on it. And rhythmically, reading is kind of worse - i need to hear it, or be making it up myself. I don't just 'see' the rhythm in those lines, dots, and such.

Lots of areas for improvement, obviously.

My question is, is there a software platform out there that teaches one to read, preferably with the ability to plug a bass (or guitar) in and have it tell you where you are right or wrong? Very interested in anything like that that might be out there.

 

[Bevan777]

Hey, I’ve been hyper focused on learning to sight read lately and have experimented with a few apps. These are the ones I got most mileage out of.

Notes Teacher (iOS App Store)
This is dead simple but it can use the microphone on your phone to tell you if you are playing the right note or not. I used this a lot for a while just to get the pitches right.

Sight reading factory (web and app)
I use this on my laptop and phone to generate an endless supply of random bass clef music, and you can press play to hear what it should sound like. It also highly configurable so you can progressively add more complex elements as you get the hang of it.

 

[Bevan777]

I also used an iOS app called Notes Trainer when I didn’t have my bass with me, you can just read each note and press a key. Half of the challenge is just the note recognition so you don’t always have to do it with a bass.

 

[SteveCS]

I'm a bit old-school when it comes to this type of thing, and I much prefer printed paper and books to apps. I would recommend something like the Hal Leonard Bass Method, Book 1 (or the 'Complete' edition including books 1, 2, & 3); for rhythm reading practice try the Bellson books (bass clef editions) then look for graded/progressive sightreading exercises and etudes for bass clef instruments such as trombone, bassoon, etc.

Just keep them on a music stand and remember: books have no boot time, do not 'hang' or crash, don't bombard you with flashing lights, intrusive ads or messages demanding that you "Upgrade Now!", they can be read in bright sunlight and the batteries never die!

Edit - just to add well done on deciding to take the plunge

 

[mambo4]

And rhythmically, reading is kind of worse

Rhythm is where to start IMHO
Notes are easy compared to that
try this pdf of rhythm only exercises
It was a game changer for me

 

[Gully Foyle]

Rhythm is where to start IMHO
Notes are easy compared to that
try this pdf of rhythm only exercises
It was a game changer for me

Thanks!

 

[Badbasics]

I have been struggling with reading for a long time. For me, it seems I get into it for awhile then life hits me up side the head with a big ol' two by four and I'm playing catch up.

 

[mambo4]

life hits me up side the head with a big ol' two by four and I'm playing catch up.

I feel that
But I keep the attitude that the process of learning is itself rewarding
And the benefits just accumulate
So a few steps backwards doesn't bother me

 

[Badbasics]

There's a movie about a composer/ musician that keep getting sidetracked but ultimately gets his rocks off later in life .. I believe the actor was Richard Drefus??

 

[Richard Lindsey]

This isn't helpful, but ... kudos for the Alfred Bester reference! I don't think many people remember him.

As for the actual topic, I think mambo4 is right that rhythm is going to be trickier than notes, so give that special attention. But don't get discouraged. As I've told many students, if you can read and write intelligible English (or French, Mandarin, Yoruba, whatever), you've already learned something much harder than reading music has ever been.

Also, remember that reading isn't the same thing as sight-reading. The latter is a specialized subset of the former. Not all readers are one-take at-first-sight whiz-bang sight-readers (most aren't, in fact), nor do they have to be to consider themselves readers. Any more than book readers have to be able to speed-read a novel in an hour to consider themselves literate.

 

[mambo4]

rhythm is going to be trickier than notes

The best part about separating Rhythm form pitch is that Rhythm practice is instrument independent. You just need some sheet music and a steady pulse. You can clap, tap, vocalize or whatever. Or my favorite: plop the sheets down on a gym treadmill and use your steps as a metronome. Makes 20 minute workout fly by

 

[MrLenny1]

I learned how to read with a teacher and the Nanny Classical Method book.
Best thing I did to advance my playing.
Every note in the etudes had a assigned finger to use.
That helped my sloppy playing back then.

 

[Mark White]

There's a movie about a composer/ musician that keep getting sidetracked but ultimately gets his rocks off later in life .. I believe the actor was Richard Drefus??

Possibly:

Mr. Holland's Opus (1995) 7.3 | Drama, Music

 

[joeLowB]

I'm a bit old-school when it comes to this type of thing, and I much prefer printed paper and books to apps. I would recommend something like the Hal Leonard Bass Method, Book 1 (or the 'Complete' edition including books 1, 2, & 3); for rhythm reading practice try the Bellson books (bass clef editions) then look for graded/progressive sightreading exercises and etudes for bass clef instruments such as trombone, bassoon, etc.
View attachment 5392988
View attachment 5392989
Just keep them on a music stand and remember: books have no boot time, do not 'hang' or crash, don't bombard you with flashing lights, intrusive ads or messages demanding that you "Upgrade Now!", they can be read in bright sunlight and the batteries never die!

Edit - just to add well done on deciding to take the plunge

Mega ditto on this Hal Leonard book. My teacher put me on that when I was a raw new bass learner and it taught me both the bass clef and rhythm.

 

[Gramski]

Another vote for Hal Leonard. You can even get an online version if you prefer. Your ear should tell you where you've gone wrong (or perhaps improvised is the better word) in terms of pitch and picking up the rhythm will be straight forward.

 

[Bass]

Another vote for Hal Leonard!

A year ago, my level of reading was the same as the OP, work out each note individually. I started the Hal Leonard bass method about this time last year, and am now finishing up Book 2. At this time, I think it's fair to say that I can now read music.

Additionally, I learned a ton along the way. I've been playing bass for over 25 years, so it's a little humbling to start at the beginning of a beginner's method. But there was alot of material that was new to me. And the simple exercises are an opportunity to focus on things like fingering, string noise, or tone.

 

[Derek Kay]

Singing or humming the phrases helped me.
I was free to focuss on the dots, without having to play it as well.

Helps to prepare yourself before a rehearsal or performance.
Often did it on public transport.

Eventually difficult phrases become recognisable.

Try the following