Double Bass Sight reading help

[mcfrankson]

So, can anyone recommend a book to help with my sight reading? I mean, mine's pretty good but I'd like to perfect it, so I don't need anything particularly basic. Things like odd meter reading and more advanced stuff would be really helpful. Any and all suggestions help! I get stuck reading chord charts so often that when I'm presented with something particularly challenging I look like a basstard, and that is surely no fun.

 

[SebastianR2113]

I had the same problem my first year in Jazz band. I had never read music before so playing chord changes was the best I could do. My reading was so bad I would have my teacher write the chord changes above written lines. I got better by playing this little game constantly trying to beat my average time.

http://www.studybass.com/tools/bass-clef-notes/

I hope this helps you out.

 

[anonymous122511]

Have you checked out what your local public library has for not only bass but cello and trombone music?

 

[iiipopes]

For straight note reading and learning to anticipate harmonic changes, a good traditional hymnal works well, because you can set your metronome pace as you need, and there will be almost all keys and types of classical harmonic progressions included.

As far as the rhythm and off-meter readings, check out the library as above, a music store that has a specialized string section, or even call a local college or university and ask the double bass professor what is recommended.

 

[BassNoob1]

If you want to practice improvising bass lines over changes, buy a Real Book and sight read random charts out of that.

 

[SVT4001]

For more reading practice in addition to the advise of Trombone, Cello and Bass music-also look for Bassoon, Euphonium and Baritone Horn parts. They all read bass clef.

Reading chord charts is a very different skill to sight reading notation imho. I agree with BassNoob1, get a Real Book and get to work! Record what you improvise too...it will help you identify problems. If you find you are having trouble developing lines, check out "Walking Bassics" by Ed Fuqua.

Also, there are Bass parts books from some of the Aebersold records...uh, excuse me...CD's. Rufus Reid and Ron Carter's parts transcribed as played. Learn from two true MASTERS!

Please take this advise that was given to me long ago: "If you read it more than once, you are PRACTICING it." You are trying to develop the ability to read at FIRST SIGHT...so treat your music as one would toilet paper....use and "discard"...and read A LOT!

I hope some of this helps you, and I wish you luck in your endeavors!

Joe

 

[iiipopes]

Yes, euph parts would work well for sightreading exercises. I had not thought of that, but the traditional range of a bass clef 3-valve euph (like the baritone horns in school concert bands) is E below the staff (fingered 1+2+3) to somewhat above the staff. Of course, most accomplished euph players generally use a 4-valve compensating euph that can go lower, but this is the meat-and-potatoes of euph playing.

 

[Vic Koler]

Dance Band Reading and Interpretation
Bass Clef Instruments
by Alan Raph
Sam Fox Publishing

Contemporary Jazz/Rock Rhythms
For all Bass Clef Instruments
by David Chesky
Charles Colin (publisher)

Advanced Jazz/Rock Rhythms
For all Bass Clef Instruments
by David Chesky
Charles Colin (publisher)

Contemporary Duets
For all Bass Clef Instruments
by David Chesky
Charles Colin (publisher)

Encyclopedia of Jazz Duets
For all Bass Clef Instruments
Charles Colin (publisher)

For any clef:
Music Speed Reading
by David R. Hickman
Trigram Music, Inc.

For rhythm only:
Modern Reading Text in 4/4
Louis Belson & Gil Breines
Henry Adler Publication

That ought'a keep you occupied.

 

[SunneyBoy]

I find my problem with sight reading(in a jazz context ) is that I am very rarely asked to read lines etc. so psychologically I don't place importance on reading.

here's what I did I bought a realbook with bass clef melodies. at the odd gig I ask the boys in the band if they would mind me playing the melody or i incorporate the melodies into my solo. this gives me a little more reason to spend time checking reading out at home.

 

[Chris K]

So, can anyone recommend a book to help with my sight reading? I mean, mine's pretty good but I'd like to perfect it, so I don't need anything particularly basic. Things like odd meter reading and more advanced stuff would be really helpful. Any and all suggestions help! I get stuck reading chord charts so often that when I'm presented with something particularly challenging I look like a basstard, and that is surely no fun.

I assume you do not mean reading as such, but reading/playing at first sight.
If you buy stuff like the Funk Bass Bible or the R&B Bass Bible, you may combine sightreading with playing along (with YouTube versions of the songs).

This because without a band to play along with, you will not easily learn at first sight reading/playing.

No need to mention that you will broaden your knowledge of the standard repertory on the fly.

 

[JMcCarthy]

Just do a whole bunch of transposing, learn a few Coltrane solos and some classical stuff, things from treble clef, ya know. Helps so much

 

[macdeezy]

read any piece of music you can, bass or treble clef. sight singing with solfege. read every day and you will get better.