I was actually taking one hour lessons every week till I realized this book (bought it the same time I started taking lessons) had so much valuable instruction/lessons that I decided to drop it to thirty minutes. I'm mainly taking lessons for music theory and with this book I felt like I'm getting a solid foundation + accompanying direction from my bass instructor.
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The Hal Leonard Bass Method thread
- Thread starter HelpImaRock
- Start date
I bought my bass about a month ago, together with a copy of this book. I've been going through them and then deviate a little with the knowledge I gain from the book. Eventually I go back to the book and start all over again. I'm loving it as a source of guidance to where I should go. I've read through all the comments in the thread and have gained enough information to answer my questions so far.
I have decided to use 124 left hand position for Frets 1-3, then from 3 onward I use finger per fret.
I'll keep an eye on this thread and will be active
I have decided to use 124 left hand position for Frets 1-3, then from 3 onward I use finger per fret.
I'll keep an eye on this thread and will be active
Here's my favorite part- it's spiral bound and lays flat. You can't put a price tag on that. Seriously. I've been a musician for 30+ years and can't figure out why anyone would publish an instruction book that won't stay open without destroying the binding or keeping it open with various heavy objects. Love the instruction as well.......
Yes, I totally agree! I'm sorry I waited so long to start using this book. I am currently on exercise #53 in the first book. #'s 34 & 51 tripped me up for a while.
My method is I learn in small chunks & spiral back each practice session to review previously learned material. But I'll stay on an exercise until I feel I've learned it. That's how I was taught when I played horn in grammar school.
Once I got used to the 124 thing, I have to say I loved it. It felt smoother and stronger, and forced me to get more fluid in shifting between positions. It also feels more relaxed, which matters to me as I have dealt with repetitive motion injury playing guitar and would prefer not to go through it again.
The ring finger does get use on higher frets or when I need an extra finger on the lower frets, and often when I'm sliding up or down to a note. But I don't use it nearly as much as on a guitar.
My suggestion would be keep an open mind and give Ed's method a try; he knows what he's talking about. Those position shifting pointers in the early part of the book will put you on the right path.
Hello everyone
My first post...
Just wanted to say that I received the book today
I'm a total noob but I do love the instrument and can't wait to start learning.
Merry Christmas everyone
Welcome!!! Good luck on your musical journey. I also highly recommend Roy Vogt's Teach Me Bass Guitar DVD set: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Together, it's top quality instruction. Keep us posted on your progress.
Just completing the last song in book 3. Book 3 is unique as you'll start to take those first steps with creating your own bass lines.
For those yet to start or in progress - My only advice is to keep at it and follow the system. For me the method is perfect as the curriculum used with an instructor. I can also now read bass notation at an intermediate level.
It took me about 6/7 months to get through all 3 books with daily practice.
Have fun!
For those yet to start or in progress - My only advice is to keep at it and follow the system. For me the method is perfect as the curriculum used with an instructor. I can also now read bass notation at an intermediate level.
It took me about 6/7 months to get through all 3 books with daily practice.
Have fun!
Glad this thread is on here. I played mid 80s to early 90s and had to let all my gear go. My only formal music training was classical violin. Too me bass was know what key your in and whether it is a full or half step between keys. That an basic key position on the fretboard. Everything else was patterns, runs, and some other fill ins picked up along the way. I just got a bass after 10 yrs and decided I might as well change the way I remember doing things, and start doing some of this the right way. So I got the 3 book cd version and am going to take it from there.
I use this book, lessons and a few of my own methods to learning and I am really happy with my progress. I firmly believe this book series has helped with advancing faster than any other method of learning short of jamming thanks Ed!
Ok, you've all convinced me to buy this. I've been playing for 20 years but still feel like I could know more. Thanks for all the input, TBers!
I bought the CD/3 book combo based on all the positive feedback in this thread. I taught myself how to play about 10 years ago and my goal is to improve my technique and reading skills. I am into Book 2 and I am extremely happy with the results so far.
This thread convinced me. I can read piano music, but don't yet know where those notes land on the bass. I think this is what I've been looking for. Now I'm bummed I have to wait until Tuesday...
BTW, anyone try the kindle version? I like my dead trees too much to try it, but would have liked to have a copy on the ipad too.
BTW, anyone try the kindle version? I like my dead trees too much to try it, but would have liked to have a copy on the ipad too.
I do love my Kindle, but I bought the spiral binding version of this book & I'm glad I did. I have a lot of notes penciled in, & flipping back & forth during practice is hassle free. Just my 2 cents.
Would the Kindle version have audio? One of the best things about the book is the accompanying CDs. I suppose mp3s would be just as useful.
Ed's Blues Bass book/CD is saving my bacon. I just got recruited to a blues band! It's helping me play catch-up in a hurry.
Despite what Jeff Berlin thinks, I think the HL book edited by Ed is a fantastic beginning bass book. When I taught I used it with all my students from 16 - 60. I haven't seen the electronic version yet, but if it has all the stuff the print version does, it would be well worth it.
I just started using the Kindle version on my iPad and it does include all the audio. The best part is that the tracks are embedded into the books. You can play them from within the Kindle app. It's really nice.
I'm enjoying the books so far.
I'm enjoying the books so far.
