Theory Book for bass

I think it is good to have multiple points of view and multiple references. Don't be afraid to buy more than one book.

But if I had to choose only one reference to keep it would be Mel Bay's Complete Book of Bass Essentials by Bunny Brunel. The book meets all of your requirements. 250 pages. Large type, easy to read. Modes are mapped on fret board diagrams. The exercises are written in standard notation. There is no tab, so you gotta be able to read standard notation to use the book effectively.

The book is technical, but an excellent reference. I bought my well worn copy 30 years ago for $20.

 

Serious Electric Bass - Joel Di Bartolo.

Later on have a go at the Jazz Theory Book - Mark Levine

 

Ari Cap's book from 2015 is a rare music theory for bassists book. It is a great place to start.

 

+1 on Ari's book.

 

Fret Farm is a great, comprehensive layout of the bass fretboard. I'm constantly going back to look up chords. Modes, scales, chords, all in one document and easy to read.

I'm not paid by Fret Fram, lol. I'm just a happy customer.

 

yes to both of these. The DiBartolo book first, so you can learn the whole fingerboard of the bass. Te Levine book second, so you can get a broader context of the theory material presented by DiBartolo

 

For theory, I found this one to work for me:
Jazz Theory-A Survival Guide-by Rick Stitzel
Welcome to Rick Stitzel Music

These two books are great for practicing various styles. Both have play along CDs with drums and bass on separate channels so you can fade the bass out and play along.
Essential Styles for the Drummer and Bassist, Book 1
Essential Styles for the Drummer and Bassist, Book 2

 

Theory is theory no bass theory or trumpet theory they are just theory books. So any book on theory will get you started. Also best way to learn theory get yourself a keyboard theory is very visual on a keyboard. Get a small MIDI controller you can plug into your computer like around 48 keys. You don't have to take piano lessons just to use a piano to learn theory. Plus seeing music from a different instruments point of view is very enlightening. Last theory IS NOT a set of rules, it labels for sounds. All music is sound so work on your ear training while your at it and guess what the keyboard is a good instrument for working on ear training.

 

This is good for ear training such as recognizing intervals, chord structure, and progressions. It worked well for me.

jazzbooks.com: Product Details

 

Jimmy Haslip’s Melodic Bass Library.

 

Question was about bass specifically, but for *music theory*, not specific to bass, here is my 2¢ in support of @DocBop: a keyboard is a good place to be. For composition too, later.

Thanks everyone for the bass book suggestions.