sight reading advice

[buldog5151bass]

Years ago, I was fairly proficient in sight-reading. But since I have not done much in years, I am rusty, especially with rhythms. Other than taking lessons (time and money, especially time, are a hinderance to that), does anyone have any suggestions as to books or other self-study guides for this. I am trying to get my chops up to where they used to be.

Thanks.

 

[MalcolmAmos]

Years ago, I was fairly proficient in sight-reading. But since I have not done much in years, I am rusty, especially with rhythms. Other than taking lessons (time and money, especially time, are a hinderance to that), does anyone have any suggestions as to books or other self-study guides for this. I am trying to get my chops up to where they used to be.

Thanks.

Scatter SN sheet music around and read some ever chance you get. IMO first thing is to recognize what the fly speck is. That should not take very long I'm sure that will come back quickly. Where it is on your instrument is next. I also think this will flow in short order. Rhythm and note duration; this may take awhile.

But, get some sheet music and start reading.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Thanks - the notes aren't the problem, except high up on the G. But complex rhythms... I'm playing with some really good jazz players, and when it is just chord reading, no problem, but when there is a complex written part, I start to sweat.

 

[peterpalmieri]

If rhythms are the issue I like the Rufus Reed book Evolving Bassist and always use a metronome

 

[Reindeer93]

Charlie Parker Omnibook is pretty good for sight reading and getting language in your playing.

 

[carl h.]

Hit IMSLP and spend time reading.

 

[Jeff Bonny]

If you're looking to sharpen your ability to sight read rhythmic figures Modern Reading Text: For All Instruments by Louis Bellson is the best $10 you'll ever spend.

 

[lyla1953]

Modern Reading Text in 4/4 by Louis Bellson - an old standard!

 

[marineman227]

Try sight reading songs that you're pretty familiar with. Then as you see the various notes and such you will already know the rhythm and start making the mental association

 

[Phil Smith]

If you were in fact a proficient sight reader in the past, I would think your problem now is mentally not thinking that you can play rhythms that you could play before. A couple of weeks of reading practice everyday should get you back on track.

 

[BassChuck]

ASAP get with any kind of group that will have a bass and read with other musicians. IF you really were OK with the skill in the past it will come back to you very quickly, and being with musicians in a 'real world' kind of setting will (IMHO) get you back as soon anything else.

I would say also to anyone reading this thread who wants to get better at sight reading..... One of the major stumbling blocks is not necessarily knowing how to read music or understand the notation. You have to know the neck really, really well. If you take little 'moments' to try to remember where the closest F# is or have to think about what string to use, you won't be able to keep up with the music. Also if your basic technique is faulty, knowing what note and where to go isn't going to make up for your hand not getting there in time. Imagine the worlds finest violinist being handed a bass for the first time and asked to play. Sure, they can read music no bass player will every have to deal with, but their bass technique and neck knowledge are near zero.... and they won't be able to play.