The Literate Bassist

[RCMJ Bass]

One of the first books I worked through was Fred Paterno's "The Literate Bassist" and I've been inspired to revisit it. I was surprised to see it's been reissued by Hal Leonard, it seems very much "of it's time" although it's certainly got some great content, and it really helped me get around the neck of the bass.
I've been recording my one versions of some the pieces (the book was made before it was usual to have CD's or tapes bundled in) and this minor blues is pretty cool:

 

[dreamadream99]

Not familiar with the work, but I started in the 70’s with the Carol Kaye series, and noticed the same thing. It seems very dated now, being centric on 70’s rock and disco lines.

 

[RCMJ Bass]

The Literate Bassist really helped me understand fingerboard patterns, and the fingering relation to basic triads, arpeggios and scales, I am glad I got that together rather than a more modern TAB based approach, which seems like trying to learn a language phonetically without understanding grammar...!
So yeah for me it was this book and then the Carol Kaye ones. I've been revisiting them too, especially Electric Basslines 2", I've been recording my own versions of some the bass duets, lots of fun, please enjoy!



Anyway, although dated, I reckon these books great for reading practice, with all those syncopated rhythmic figures. Top stuff!

 

[Alexis Duntov]

One of the first books I worked through was Fred Paterno's "The Literate Bassist" and I've been inspired to revisit it. I was surprised to see it's been reissued by Hal Leonard, it seems very much "of it's time" although it's certainly got some great content, and it really helped me get around the neck of the bass.
I've been recording my one versions of some the pieces (the book was made before it was usual to have CD's or tapes bundled in) and this minor blues is pretty cool:

AKA Jerry Jemott’s line on “The Thrill Is Gone”. I need a new book to use for bass guitar.