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Must have lesson books for Bassists?

HeavyAxe

HeavyAxe

Jul 16, 2013
420
222
Alberta, Canada
#1
Hey there, folks. I'm just wondering if anyone has recommendations for lesson books. I live in a fairly 'out there' rural area and don't have access to any real bass teachers. I feel as if my skill level has been stagnant over the past few months and I find it really frustrating. I'll list the genre's I play which don't necessarily have to play into what books be recommended, but why not?
-Metal (Black, Death)
-Prog (Rock/Metal)
-Blues
-Little bit of jazz
-Classic rock

Yes, I know. Somewhat vague. My favourite bass player at the moment who I'd love to play like, Martin Mendez of Opeth, may not be well known here but I may as well mention him! Regardless, I'm eager to learn so get those recommendations coming! I suppose I'll mention I'm probably an upper level intermediate player, but have little knowledge of music theory etc. I've looked at the Jaco books a little, any thoughts?
Thanks
 
#2
I would say a great tool in book form is anything written by Ed Friedland. He has books that cover the basics - advanced players, and also specific genres. He's also a helpful TB member. I have 5 of his books (7 if you count the 3 in 1 Bass Method), and all come with CD's to play along to. I have a few others, but his are easily the most comprehensive of the lot. Here's a link to them > Amazon.com: Ed Friedland: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle
 
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#6
HeavyAxe said:
I live in a fairly 'out there' rural area and don't have access to any real bass teachers.
Click to expand...

You could consider a few lessons via Skype.

To answer your question. I'd recommend the "Bass Method" book (Complete Edition) mentioned in the link in post #2. IMO it would be hard to find any better.

You could also consider ; Free Online Bass Lessons - Talkingbass.net Lots of great free tutorials on there.
 
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#7
When I first started playing I bought an armful of books but over the years the one I still use and pick up the most is this one.

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:-)
 
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#9
fearceol said:
You could consider a few lessons via Skype.

To answer your question. I'd recommend the "Bass Method" book (Complete Edition) mentioned in the link in post #2. IMO it would be hard to find any better.

You could also consider ; Free Online Bass Lessons - Talkingbass.net Lots of great free tutorials on there.
Click to expand...
I hate to sound like I'm not committed, but I don't think online lessons would suit me. For one thing I'm not a huge fan of technology and I just don't think the connection would be there. Not to mention I have poor connectivity.
 
#11
I've been through Ed Friedlands Method books, Building Walking book and Blues book. All great. I've just started Jon Liebman's Bass Aerobics (on lesson 3) and really enjoying it. Of course the Shadows of Motown book is great as well.

Note that the Shadows and Walking books are only written in standard notation. Also I did the Method and Walking books with a live instructor.

Lastly, Skype lessons are a great (even for us technology challenged). VERY convenient, the talent of many instructors is more than likely WAY beyond what you find locally, (both musically AND academically (they can teach)) and are well worth every penny IMO IF you do the homework and put in the time to really know it.

Oh yea - look into Roy Vogt's TMBG (Teach Me Bass Guitar) - I think the current course is all on-line now (or about to be - I may be wrong) but the original version needs only a TV and DVD player. I used the original.
 
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#12
HeavyAxe said:
I hate to sound like I'm not committed, but I don't think online lessons would suit me. For one thing I'm not a huge fan of technology and I just don't think the connection would be there. Not to mention I have poor connectivity.
Click to expand...

I have no doubts about your commitment. The reason I suggested lessons via Skype is that generally having face to face lessons (preferably with the teacher in the room with you....Skype is next best thing..) is a great way to learn. A book obviously cant point out your weaknesses and correct accordingly.

However, books are good too, and you have got some great suggestions.

BTW, if you are not a huge fan of technology, what are you doing on the Internet... on a bass forum ????? ;) :p
 
#13
Ed Fuqua turned me on to Invalid Link Removed by Chuck Sher.
Granted it is focused A LOT on jazz music, but features much info and diagrams useful for players of ALL genres. I play mostly rock. Lots of diagrams for various neck positions - horizontal and vertical - for all types of chords and scales. All kinds of ideas and suggestions to try out really designed to ingrain the whole fretboard into your fingers > mind > ear.
Really a book to savor one's way through. A little pricey, but a diamond! If I only had one book (I have A LOT), this would be it! Thank you, Ed!
 
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