Long time bassist - lessons to improve

[Justshootit]

Hi All,

I have been playing for a lot of years, but have done pretty much all Rock-n-Roll and I feel like I'm stuck in that "minor pentatonic" rut and I want to diversify and become a lot more proficient at more styles - Jazz, etc., even classical (love Andres Segovia). I know almost nothing about theory and almost all my learning has been picking up off records. I wanted to work with a guy in Vegas that does lessons but he's not taking on any new students.

So what online resources would you recommend for doing said improvement?? SBL, BazzBuzz

Thanks in advance...

 

[soap]

Im learning a lot of advanced ideas from Frank Sikora Jazz Harmony. But sometimes it gets too much complex explaining the ideas. I usually have to select what it's useful to me and what not. If you can manage that, or add some other book that goes more straightforward, it's a fabulous resource. Besides, im studying it on piano. I guess it's also useful for bass, but i have not tried.

 

[GastonD]

This could be your salvation!
Based in Bass: Todd Johnson - one stop shop!

 

[mambo4]

The minimum theory every bassists should know is : how to play chord changes, and understanding "roman numeral"/ "Nashville number" chord progressions.

I think time spent focused on learning to improvise a walking jazz line
Over the 12 Bar Blues and Rhythm Changes in several keys Is a very practical way to learn your theory. Those two song patterns contain the harmonic DNA of most of the music of the 20th century.

The theory necessary for this skill is well explained in the PDF in my signature

 

[Les Fret]

None. Just get a good teacher. That is more helpful than online sources. Isn’t there another teacher than the Vegas guy in your area?

 

[Justshootit]

Maybe but I live in a pretty rural area and I really want to learn jazz and maybe even orchestral stuff. I'll check the locals put but there's only like 3 music stores on this mountain and at least one of them offers no lessons.

 

[sean_on_bass]

Choose one style and delve into it. Jazz is great for learning more harmonic concepts and how to navigate more complex material. Spend alot of time listening to the style, and simply start with a single tune to learn in that style like Autumn Leaves. Learn the chords of the song and all the notes in them. Learn how the chords of the song interact with the key of the song. Figure out what notes you can play over those chord changes based on what sounds good. Listen to other people playing the tune to get ideas to figure out. Just take it one small bite at a time.

Go ahead and look up "autumn leaves bass lesson" on youtube and watch multiple to hear many approaches to playing it.

 

[mambo4]

Choose one style and delve into it.

Yes , a deep dive into a well defined* style has great benefits.
I certainly benefitted from 5 years deep diving into Cuban music.
It was my catalyst for learning to read rhythm better.
Previously I had been in a "slacker cheesy swing" band,
A catalyst to learn to negotiate a Jazz chart better.

If you're interested in learning practical, applied music theory,
Jazz and walking lines is probably the best exercise.
The theory needed to walk changes can apply to all music.

* I would not consider "rock" or "pop" to be 'well defined', stylistically. Too broad.

 

[FearNoEvil65]

Every Jazz player and Classical player I know can read music fluently and knows a lot about theory. Learning to read music alone teaches a lot, it's amazing how few bass players can or want to read. Good luck !!