THEORY

This book is a collection of 9 classical pieces of middle to hard level, demonstrating a different approach to bass guitar than just playing accompanying lines. It contains a number of ideas how to treat a bass guitar like a “full-fledged” instrument, which is capable for a melody as well as for accompaniment at the same time. For beginners, there's a number of must-know titles and names of luminaries of classical music. For advanced players, some great ideas to spice up their playing or just finished solo-numbers to play. Written in standard notation and TAB. 33 Pages and 9 MIDI files.

A comprehensive study covering the 60 most important arpeggios encountered in modern music
Grab yourself a can opener and a supply of canned goods and bottled water - it's time to lock yourself in that proverbial woodshed and set yourself down to working through the most intensive study of arpeggios you'll ever encounter. Arpeggio Woodshedding takes you through arpeggio studies of the five most important seventh chords through all twelve keys, covering a good 90% of the seventh chords you'll ever encounter in a chord chart. Each of the sixty chords are presented in both sixteenth-note and eighth-note exercises, combining for 180 exercises, covering every inch of the fretboard.

Whether you're looking to master your jazz chord charts or bust out with some mind-blowing solos over heavy metal power chords, this new book by Mike Cornelison has everything the practicing bassist needs to develop a perfect balance of harmonic wisdom and fingerboard firepower. Written in standard notation and tab. 54 pages. MIDI versions of each example are included with this title.
This title is available in eBook (adobe pdf) format here.

A comprehensive study covering the 60 most important arpeggios encountered in modern music
Grab yourself a can opener and a supply of canned goods and bottled water - it's time to lock yourself in that proverbial woodshed and set yourself down to working through the most intensive study of arpeggios you'll ever encounter. Arpeggio Woodshedding takes you through arpeggio studies of the five most important seventh chords through all twelve keys, covering a good 90% of the seventh chords you'll ever encounter in a chord chart. Each of the sixty chords are presented in both sixteenth-note and eighth-note exercises, combining for 180 exercises, covering every inch of the fretboard.

Whether you're looking to master your jazz chord charts or bust out with some mind-blowing solos over heavy metal power chords, this new book by Mike Cornelison has everything the practicing bassist needs to develop a perfect balance of harmonic wisdom and fingerboard firepower. Written in standard notation and tab. 54 pages. MIDI versions of each example are included with this title.
This title is available in print format here.

The Bass EncycloMedia is based on the premise that music is a language and that if you knew the music alphabet of letters and tones on your guitar, you could spell and therefore play any chord, scale, arpeggio or song. Spiral bound. 318 pages.

All you need to know about the bass fretboard, including: scales, intervals, triads, modal patterns, and fundamentals; keys, fingerings, position playing; arpeggios, turnarounds, walking bass lines; horizontal and vertical playing; and more! For all styles of playing!

Make your band better, or prepare yourself to join one!
Play along with a Berklee faculty band on the accompanying CD, then play with your own band! Written in standard notation and TAB. Includes audio CD. 176 pages.

In Beyond Time and Changes, acclaimed jazz trombonist, pianist, composer, arranger, teacher and author Hal Crook offers a methodology to guide the advancing improviser through the un-chartered musical territory known as free jazz.

Beyond Time and Changes shows improvisers how to prepare for soloing and comping in free settings by exploring the issues of musical accuracy, musicality and continuity (motive development) on form, and then reveals how to create structure and order within free settings by using the known to navigate the unknown. With the aid of lucid explanations, concise musical examples, practical exercises, solo transcriptions and a compelling demonstration CD featuring 17 performances by the author and a stellar rhythm section, Beyond Time and Changes solves the mystery long associated with how to make free improvisation make sense—without losing your freedom in the process.

Explore New Modes, Scales & Chords & Expand Your Improv Palette. Created specifically for bass players, this book takes you inside Bunny Brunel's innovative system for solo improvisation. Includes audio CD. 80 pages.

Covering All Basses could be described as the Swiss Army Knife of method books. It contains something that will address just about any situation. Includes educational information and application for both the Electric and Upright bassist(s). The included audio CD has recorded examples of various bass lines from the book, and acts as a play-along for the recorded tracks.

Presented in a standard music theory format, all music examples are written in standard notation only (no TAB). One of the neat, unique features of this title is that the photos are in color - not something you see everyday. 150 pages.

CREATING BASSLINES VOLUME 1 is the first book by New Zealand musician Phil Boniface. This independent publication is a unique, contemporary, easy to understand guide to playing bass guitar. Written in standard notation, and TAB - also includes several photos. Includes audio CD. 72 pages.

EADG 4 was written with the intention of teaching the bass guitarist what music theory is and how it works on the fretboard of the bass guitar. The approach in writing this book is unique in the fact that it does not include any musical notation, tablature, or diagrams. It uses finger patterns, charts, and definitions on how to play the bass. EADG 4 contains studies of the major scales, the natural, harmonic, and melodic minor scales, chord arpeggios, the modal system, harmonics, double stops, chordal studies, the standard 12 bar blues form, and much, much more. It is written with every type of bassist in mind-from the beginner to the advanced pro, from the "street" player to the "school" player. This book works for everyone. EADG 4 is spiral bound and 200 pages.

After decades of dedicated music study... 17 years of teaching music... over a dozen best selling music books and DVDs, expert musician and educator Mark John Sternal has created a bass guitar theory method that simplifies the foundations and structure for playing and writing bass guitar music. Easy Bass Guitar Theory DVD contains all you need to know about music theory on the bass. It is presented in a progressive, easy to follow format that will be cherished by complete beginners to dedicated professionals.

Unique, conversational and sometimes humorous, this is a theory book people will actually want to read! Presented in a full-color format with illustrations, charts, diagrams and workbook exercises, Edly's Music Theory for Practical People applies to all instrumentalists and singers, from teens to adults. Topics include: notation, natural & chromatic alphabets, scales, keys & key signatures, intervals, chords, ear-training, and much more. This third edition also features new advanced topics, such as: voicings, chord extensions & alterations, voice leading, reharmonization, melodic harmonization, and harmonic analysis. This book transforms the topic that music students love to hate into something they can't help but enjoy! 196 pages. Written in standard notation and TAB.

This book is designed to help guide a beginning music theory dialogue between instructor and student in private one-on-one lessons. Six areas of beginning music theory are covered. The major scale, the natural minor scale, intervals, triads, seventh chords and harmonized major and minor scales. Fingerings, intervallic structures and note names are also diagrammed in each chapter.
It is highly recommended that this book is used in the course of study with a professional bass instructor, though many players have found the book to be useful in self-study. A good bass teacher will help explain and demonstrate theory concepts in a live setting and also shed additional light in terms of alternate fingerings, ear training and gaining full technical mastery of theory concepts across the entire fingerboard

An instant classic, this book provides you with a complete overview of all the elements of music you will need to know to successfully play bass with others - regardless of the style of music you are interested in, or your current level of playing. Applies to acoustic or electric bass equally well. While doing that, it will help you really enjoy the process of learning and practicing. How? By getting you to play things that sound like music to you, right from the beginning! 87 pages. Written in Standard Notation only (NO TAB).

Fretboard Alchemy For 4, 5, And 6-String Bass is a no nonsense comprehensive study of scales, modes, chords, arpeggios, extended fingerings, diagonal fingerings, functional harmony, theory and more. Ever wonder how to play a Phrygian Dominant? It's there on page 26. How about the 4th mode of the Melodic Minor? Page 17 in all of its glory. I have stripped away all the fluff associated with scale theory and brought it into the new century with style. All examples are presented in both standard notation and fretboard diagrams.
This title is available in eBook (adobe pdf) format here.

One of our perennial best-sellers over the past few years, Fretboard Alchemy For 4, 5, And 6-String Bass is now available as an eBook! A no nonsense comprehensive study of scales, modes, chords, arpeggios, extended fingerings, diagonal fingerings, functional harmony, theory and more. Ever wonder how to play a Phrygian Dominant? It's there on page 26. How about the 4th mode of the Melodic Minor? Page 17 in all of its glory. I have stripped away all the fluff associated with scale theory and brought it into the new century with style. All examples are presented in both standard notation and fretboard diagrams.
This title is available in print format here.

Fretboard Arcanum, by Scott Hubbell, is a comprehensive method written to help bassists with their 'vertical' soloing skills. The purpose of this book is to familiarize the bassist with chord structures and to enhance his ability to solo intelligently and effectively. While many of these concepts can be applied to bass lines and fills, these exercises will focus more on soloing. Includes hundreds of exercises, written in both standard notation and tablature will help the player with ear-training, chord studies, fretboard knowledge and over-all chops fitness. 94 pages. MIDI versions of each example (105 in total) are included with this title.
This title is available in eBook (adobe pdf) format here.

Now available in eBook format, Fretboard Arcanum, by Scott Hubbell, is a comprehensive method written to help bassists with their 'vertical' soloing skills. The purpose of this book is to familiarize the bassist with chord structures and to enhance his ability to solo intelligently and effectively. While many of these concepts can be applied to bass lines and fills, these exercises will focus more on soloing. Includes hundreds of exercises, written in both standard notation and tablature will help the player with ear-training, chord studies, fretboard knowledge and over-all chops fitness. 94 pages. MIDI versions of each example (105 in total) are included with this title.
This title is available in print format here.

Fretboard Mastery: 4 String Arpeggios uses a 4 string Bass to illustrate the chord and scale construction of different triads and seventh chords. All examples are in the key of A and 15 triads/seventh chords are covered. Additional chord structure examples are included for the different triads and chords. Written in standard notation and TAB. 46 pages.

Fretboard Mastery: 5 String Arpeggios uses a 5 string Bass to illustrate the chord and scale construction of different triads and seventh chords. All examples are in the key of E and 15 triads/seventh chords are covered. Additional chord structure examples are included for the different triads and chords. Written in standard notation and TAB. 47 pages.

Fretboard Mastery: 6 String Arpeggios uses a 6 string Bass to illustrate the chord and scale construction of different triads and seventh chords. All examples are in the key of E and 15 triads/seventh chords are covered. Additional chord structure examples are included for the different triads and chords. Written in standard notation and TAB. 50 pages.

This book is a step-by-step guide to MI's well-known Harmony and Theory class. It includes complete lessons and analysis of: intervals, rhythms, scales, chords, key signatures; transposition, chord inversions, key centers; harmonizing the major and minor scales; and more! Written in standard notation only (no TAB). 160 pages.

Indian Bass is a study of the Melakarta Ragas (equivalent to the scales and modes of traditional Western Harmony). Altogether there are 72 Ragas. Examples are in the key of C, allowing you to additionally study them in other keys. In the exercises section, all examples are played on the raga No. 15 (Mayamalavagaula) on a cycle of 8 beats (two measures of 4 beats) called Adi Talam. Written in standard notation and TAB. 47 pages.

The Konnokol is a new way for learning rhythm, using syllables combined with regular clap hands (almost metronome like). It's for all instruments, generates a better understanding of rhythm, and provides an easy and amazing process to easily compose any kind of complex rhythm. Altogether, it includes 61 exercises, across 6 lessons. Each example includes the written break down of the rhythm, along with a supporting MP3, to hear the rhythm in practice. Includes 23 pages and 61 MP3 files.

Comprehensive study on the artistry of being a bassist.
To become a master requires a total devotion to learning that craft. A master is someone who has strong, consistent skills and executes them perfectly with only the effort required to do so. This mastery requires experience and practice. When the question is asked, 'how much should I practice?' the correct answer is, 'until you have mastered what you're working on.' This book is designed to give the student a thorough, gradual study of obtainable musical goals including a strong rhythmic foundation upon which bass playing must be built. That is the reason for the great number of short repeated grooves and vamps as well as a myriad of open string and first position studies. The intention is not to limit the player to the low positions but to insure the mastery of the bass register as well as all other registers of the instrument and introduce a wide range of musical examples. Some music requires an entire lifetime of practice. Being a Master does not mean that the Master need not practice anymore. One should always try to improve and learn new music. This is the example true Masters set for others to follow. When a musical example, (simple or difficult), is mastered by a student, there is a tremendous sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. With each mastered piece comes more fulfillment. Good luck, work hard and have fun mastering the bass !

Mastering the Bass Book 2 continues to build strong technique, ear skills, and musicality with obtainable goals relative to those accomplished in Book 1.

Written in the tradition of Mel Bay’s original Modern Guitar Method, Grade 1. Combines ease of learning with outstanding music selections. Provides music theory essential to understanding the book’s performance demands. 72 pages.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask
Bass players of all levels will find a wealth of practical music knowledge in this special book and CD package. Acclaimed bassist and music theory professor Sean Malone will take you on a journey through the fascinating realm of the written language of music, using easy-to-understand terms and concepts, music examples, diagrams, and much more. The accompanying audio CD provides 96 tracks of examples, demonstrations, and play-alongs. Standard notation and tab. 64 pages.

As stated by Anthony Vitti on his newest title:
The concept for this book was very easy to come up with. The fact is that there just is not a lot of material out there for bass players to read in odd meters. A problem I think most players face, is the fact that you don't see certain meters very often. But, then you find yourself playing a show or recording a song and you are expected to be comfortable reading and playing in 7/8, 9/8, 5/4 or any number of odd meters. We spend most of our time playing in 4/4. Meters like 3/4, 6/8 & 12/8 are fairly common, but you still may not find yourself as comfortable feeling these times as you do 4/4.

The point of this book is to get you comfortable reading and feeling a variety of different time signatures. I have written the bass lines so that they are consistent, but have enough variation to keep you from memorizing lines. There are a variety of tempos and feels. You will see how I develop each line throughout an example. I will increase the rhythmic depth and many times, the technical difficulty in playing the line. If you read through these examples many times, I think you will start to feel a lot more comfortable about playing in odd meters. I am also providing drum grooves at two tempos that you can download. This way you will hear the feel I had in mind when writing the bass lines. 45 pages. Written in standard notation only (no TAB).

Byron Santo’s “Pentatonic Note Sequence Grimoirium” is the most comprehensive collection of Pentatonic Note Sequences ever assembled for the modern bassist! The Grimoirium contains over 700 pentatonic note sequences based off of the major pentatonic scale and its four associated modes. The purpose of this book is to expose the modern bassist to a comprehensive, organized collection of pentatonic note sequences that can be used as an inspirational source for new licks, solos and compositions. Bassist of any skill level may benefit from Grimoirium, though knowledge of theory will provide the most from its usage. Contains 230 pages.

Recently updated, now featuring a forward by Herbie Flowers and a new bonus chapter, Secrets of a Professional Bass Player is all you need to begin playing bass like a pro. Topics include: Improvising, reading music, technique and different playing styles such as pop rock, funk, Latin, soul and jazz. The accompanying CD contains played examples from the book, so you can follow along and hear exactly how each example should sound. CD also features top session drummer Paul Burgess of 10cc, Camel and Jethro Tull fame and all the drum transcriptions are within the book. Examples are written in standard notation only (no TAB). 63 pages.

Sonic Resource Guide is a reference book for the application of set theory principles to jazz improvisation. It is meant for the musician who wants to explore new sounds for improvisation or composition. The aim is to bridge the gap between highly mathematical pitch class theory books and the often limited scope of jazz improvisation methods by demonstrating various musical relationships that an improviser can use to create fresh sounding musical content. The book reduces note relationships down to two hundred and twenty prime forms. Endless combinations of notes can be derived from these prime forms which are commonly referred to as pitch class sets. The various melodic and harmonic relationships of these pitch class sets are listed to help a musician locate and utilize these relationships within their own playing. Along with each pitch class set is a listing of possible related jazz chords. Where appropriate, a listing of all three and four note chords can be found to aid in creating varied and unique harmonic pallettes, as well as three, four, six and eight note subset relationships to help in exploring subset based musical ideas.

Jazz musicians will find this book user friendly because all relationships are listed as both pitch names and scale degrees. Set theory students will find each pitch class set is also expressed in its prime form. An index containing a simplified set list is also included to help in locating a prime form's scales from any note combination. There is also a brief theory section exploring some of the uses of the information presented. Further books will explore these theoretical relationships in depth. 702 pages.

Whether you're a beginner or have been playing for years, if you're serious about learning bass guitar or sharpening your skills, Teach Me Bass Guitar (TMBG) will teach you - no matter what your learning style. We promise!

TMBG's 10 DVD set is the most comprehensive, effective, and entertaining self-paced bass instruction ever created. This one-of-a-kind master class in bass guitar - taught by Roy Vogt, head of the Bass Department at Nashville's prestigious Belmont University for 30 years - contains over 16 hours of video instruction, more than 100 video play-along tracks with professional studio musicians, a 162-page 4-color fully illustrated book in .pdf and optional print formats, all original music, an impressive loop library, an animated fretboard naming and showing the location of every note Roy is playing - and many other features designed to help you learn.

This title comes with a 90-Day Money Back Guarantee – No Hassle Return Policy (click here for details)!

PLEASE NOTE: We do not carry this title in stock - it is shipped directly from the publisher.
For additional details and ordering information, please click here.

Teach Yourself Bass Guitar by Bob Hartz was written to enable an inspired individual to learn to play this “nucleus” of every ensemble. With disciplined daily practice, you will quickly grasp the use of standard and tablature notation as well as the notes in first position. Once the importance of “time” is understood, scales are introduced in assorted keys to develop right hand finger style technique.

Teach Yourself Bass Guitar includes an extremely helpful instructional CD which provides good basic exposure to the bass guitar. This Teach Yourself title is a logical step by step approach to learning and teaching yourself at your own pace. Be sure to follow this guide in sequence since later information builds upon and utilizes facts presented earlier. Learning the bass has never been easier, so take your time, have some fun and you’ll be 'gigging' before you know it! Written in standard notation and TAB. Includes audio CD. 77 pages.

A Complete and Innovative Method for 4,5 and 6 String Electric Bass.

This method, written by Michael Dimin, assumes that you've played bass for, at least, a few months and that you have a basic understanding of the major scale and can fairly easy figure out the location of any single note on the fretboard. Although there is a great deal to be learned from this book on its own, it is recommended to work through the book with a good teacher. Be advised that many bass instructors are not familiar with this method. I know, however, that if they take the time to go through this book that your lessons will be much more rewarding and your teacher will become a much better teacher.

Over 500 pages of text and over 750 musical examples. Written in the language of the working jazz musician, this book is easy to read and user-friendly. At the same time, it is the most comprehensive study of jazz harmony and theory ever published.

This fascinating jazz instruction book for all instrumentalists offers an innovative, scholarly approach to the art of improvisation.

There are only 12 notes in the musical alphabet, when you have mastered them you have mastered music. Take an in depth look at each individual note and learn how it associates with other notes, giving you a full understanding of the tonal structure of melodies, harmonies, and chords. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced musician you will gain a world of insight by learning our twelve musical tones! 18 pages

As an electric, acoustic bassist and composer, I believe technique is the channel for us to express feelings and musical ideas on the bass. I've came across many artistic bass players who compose amazing music, but their limited techniques inhibit them from creating the precise sounds they envisioned on their instrument, which prevents them from taking their music to the fullest potential. On the journey to improve my technique on bass, I noticed that accomplished bassists such as Jaco Pastorius and John Patitucci had been known to practice with Bach pieces. I started experimenting with Bach's styles, especially his cello suites, and I immediately saw that combinations derived from his melodic lines provide wider, deeper opportunities for improvements than pure mechanical exercises. They also enabled me to realize a more melodic approach toward music. Throughout my career I've been exposed to a variety of styles, ranging from Classical, Jazz, R&B, and Middle Eastern, and Bach's cello suites have always the foundation of my technique and musicality. They are the inspiration for me to compose etudes for fellow electric and acoustic bassists, for me to share Baroque's magic. In this book, all the etudes are written to maximize electric and acoustic bassist ability specifically. I hope that as you practice with the etudes you will not only build on technique but also gain a stronger sense of musicality. In this book, I present you the way to become a bass virtuoso. Written in standard notation (no TAB). 30 Pages and 14 MP3 files.
This title is available in print format here.