500 Hymns For Instruments: Book B, Trumpets, Bass Clarinet (Lillenas Publications) (Paperback) Review

I purchased this book about 15 years ago to use in a brass quartet.Our church eventually purchased several of them to use for instrumental used during the singing.

It was perfect for what we needed it for - nearly every hymn in the hymnal is broken down into parts.Being somewhat of a novice on the baritone, I was still able to play with those of much higher skill for professional sounding brass numbers.I can't picture any church musical group being disappointed after purchasing any of the books in this series.

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Product Description:
Comprehensive compilation of hymns and Gospel songs published for instruments.

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Art of Double Bass Playing (Paperback) Review

This book, while well written and very thorough, is a bit out dated.Many of the examples are very helpful, but much of Mr. Benfield's writing isn't very current with the bassists of today (I can't possibly believe that any orchestra would hire a bassist based "soley on his ability to playsolos" and I also can't imagine that there are that many bassists thatwould play the Eccles Sonata at a major audition).This is a nicereference guide, but by no means the "final word".

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Product Description:
The Art of Double Bass Playing is the result of a collaboration between Warren Benfield, an outstanding bassist/teacher and James Seay Dean, Jr., Associate Professor of English at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, a skilled writer/editor. Warren Benfield started his professional career in 1934 as the youngest member of the Minneapolis Symphony. Moving on to the St. Louis Symphony as principal bass and then to the Philadelphia Orchestra as co-principal bass, he joined the Chicago Symphony in 1949 where he remained until his retirement in 1987. Benfield has always been dedicated to teaching, and during his years with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, he was on the faculties of Northwestern University and DePaul University. He has also given many master classes and lectures, including two in China. Since retiring, he is continuing to teach a few students at the American Conservatory and at Chicago's Merit School for underprivileged children, which focuses on the arts. Benfield's particular aim is to teach the approach of the double bass from a musical, as well as a technical standpoint.

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The First Book of Baritone/Bass Solos - Part II: Book/CD package (2 CDs) (First Book of Solos Part II) (Paperback) Review

This is an outstanding collection of songs for the young baritone or bass singer.Joan Frey Boytim has excellently compiled many songs in many styles from many different historical eras, all of which make a great learning experience.
In response to the reviews above, it looks like someone does not know how to read music.The CD is meant to play simply the piano part so that you have something to practice your part with with.It is an excellent tool toward vocal independence.

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Product Description:
More great teaching material at the same level as the first volume. Over 30 songs in each volume with no song duplicated between voice types. A student could easily begin either in The First Book or The First Book Part II, or the books may be used concurrently.

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Bass Extremes/CD (Paperback) Review

I wrote my review (which you kindly posted) from memory but I mis-remembered how many tracks there are on the CD. There are actually 8 songs, an intro to the lessons, then 8 lessons:
1) A Chick From Corea
2) Bangkok Blues
3) Stan The Man
4) Victor's Jam
5) Thumb Start My Harley
6) Exerald Forest
7) Moonridge
8) Donna Lee
9) Introduction and tuning
10) Lesson 1: A Chick From Corea
11) Lesson 2: Bangkok Blues
12) Lesson 3: Stan The Man
13) Lesson 4: Victor's Jam
14) Lesson 5Thumb Start My Harley
15) Lesson 6Emerald Forest
16) Lesson 7Moonridge
17) Lesson 8Donna Lee
To VERY briefly summarize the material:
A Chick From Corea is about triplets and 'country and western' sound. Victor plays the melody, while Steve plays chords.
Bangkok Blues finds Steve playing etheral false-haromonics over Victor's anchoring funky blues,then Victor plays hammer-ons over Steve's fretless chording.
Stan The Man: Dedicated to Stanley Clarke. Victor plays a tenor bass- ADGC - against Steve's chords, both take solos at the same time. The chord progresson starts gently so you can hear it, then they crank it up.
Victor's Jam: A funk workout from Victor and drummer Greg Bissonette.A range of techniques is used to keep with the drummer
Thumb Start My Harley: With Steve's fretless played through wicked distortion (like Pink Floyd's "One Of These Days") over Victors pumping foundation, which turns into competing, over-the-top triplet solos. Jack Bissonette's emphatic drumming morphs into a VERY complex solo, in correct time. As Steve says in the lesson intro, "If you think you have good time, pat your foot all the way through that at the tempo of the song and you
should come out right. Until you do, keep trying!" Victor will later explain how he does the very funky "open-hammer-pluck".
Emereld Forest: Victor arpegiates chords through sweet reverb while Steve's fretless sings a sitar-ish melody.
Moonridge: Steve's solo, a study for the right hand (6 string fretless) keeping the D string going, with chords and harmonics. If you had thought there were any limitations to electric bass this should put those fears to rest.
Donna Lee: Victor plays the scales using thumb and index finger, using thumb-down, thumb-up, index finger triplets. The scales are sewn together in the familiar tune, while Steve pays the chords that Charlie Parker copped from "Indiana" to support it. DENSE, with some call and response at the end. (Another take on the same classic tune appears as "Madonna Lee"
on the "Cookbook" cd.

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Product Description:
Eight complete album tracks featuring Steve, Victor and Greg Bissonette, followed by eight instructional tracks, paired with a book of complete transcriptions in standard notation and tablature. In styles ranging from bebop to new age to heavy metal, each piece highlights different aspects of their amazing techniques.

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Bass Book, The (Hardcover) (Paperback) Review

This book follows the format of Mr. Bacon's other books (including The Fender Book and The Gibson Les Paul Book), and like his other books, it is a treat for the eyes.The photography is absolutely fantastic, withamazing detail.What is especially impressive is his inclusion ofinstruments owned by the stars who made them famous.It's not just apicture of a Hofner "Beatle Bass", it's one of Paul McCartney'sBeatle Basses; it's not just a picture of an Alembic bass, it's JohnEntwistle's famous Alembic "Spider" bass from his days with TheWho (and the list goes on and on...).Like Mr. Bacon's other guitar books,there's a pretty good identification guide in the back.Is this bookREALLY a complete story of the electric bass with minute detail about everyinstrument of note (how's THAT for a pun)?Nah.If that's what you want,then consider this a "3 star" book at best (although you WILLlearn something if you read it).On the other hand, is it a nice additionto one's own music library or a great gift book?Absolutely!(By the way- the ONLY reason I didn't rate it five stars is that the author tries, inmy opinion, to cover too broad a subject matter in too short a space.) This is one of those books that's a lot of fun, even if it's just to"look at the pictures".

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Product Description:
by Tony Bacon & _Barry Moorhouse Miller FreemanBooks The fourth in a series (The Fender Book, The Gibson Les Paul Book, The Rickenbacker Book), The Bass Book offers a complete illustrated history of bass guitars from FenderÃ-s first in the 1950s through the models of the next 40 years that formed the foundation for modern music. The bass guitar is undoubtedly one of the most significant instruments of this century, yet this book is the first to study its history. Features original interviews with bass makers past and present, dozens of unusual, specially commissioned color photos, and a reference section that provides a wealth of information on every major manufacturer.

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Bass Drum Control (Book) (Paperback) Review

Think of this book as "Stick Control" for the feet.It's more than just speed and endurance exercises for the bass drum, although that is part of it.There are also many exercises that alternate between the hands and feet.These help develop hand/foot separation and coordination, and they have inspired me to incorporate the kick drum into fills more often.There is also a neat section that incorporates the bass drum into the rudiments.I am a single pedal player, but the exercises can be easily adapted for double bass.Just alternate the kick beats wherever you wish.I've been practicing the exercises for just about a week, and already I've seen improvement.I wish I had gotten this book years ago.Highly recommended.

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Product Description:
This perennial favorite among drummers helps players develop their bass drum technique and increase their flexibility through the mastery of exercises. Also available by Bailey: Bass Drum Control Solos (06620068) and Drum Solos: The Art of Phrasing (06620021).

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Hal Leonard Bass Method Book 3 - 2nd Edition (Hal Leonard Electric Bass Method) [Paperback] Review

This book is an excellent choice for the beginning bass student
or anyone who wants to brush up on their playing.The book has
excellent tracks in many different popular styles of music.They
are entertaining,very fun to play along with,and there are many playing tips to help you along.All in all,this book is
well written,organized,& logical in progression.You could teach
yourself with this method! Don't confuse this book with the 1st
Edition Bass Method reviews currently listed.The 2nd Editon was
released earlier this year 2004. You won't have to worry about
instructions that are under-explained or confusing.There's a DVD
soon to be released that will make the learning experience more
more exciting! Get your copy today!



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Product Description:
The Hal Leonard Bass Method is designed for anyone just learning to play electric bass. It is based on years of teaching bass students of all ages and it also reflects some of the best bass teaching ideas from around the world. Book 3 teaches: more great songs, riffs, and examples; sixteenth notes; playing off chord symbols; slap and pop; hammer ons and pull offs; playing different styles and grooves; and more.

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Höfner Violin Beatle Bass 2nd Edition (Hardcover) (Book) (Hardcover) Review

I was very disappointed in this book. After waiting 26 years for more info on Paul's bass, this edition is pretty thin. The author has many good pictures of vintage instruments, but he could have included so much more. There is no info on current players, construction details, care and maintenance, or tips and techniques. The author is obviously a Paul fan, which is ok, but their are other dimensions to this story. If you are looking for a "owner's manual" for your Hofner, this isn't it. If you want pictures of your bass, you will be happy. Go on and buy it!

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Product Description:
Made famous by Sir Paul McCartney, the 500/1 Hofner Violin Bass is celebrating its 50th anniversary. This is the only book dedicated to this historic guitar. New edition features hardcover format, all color and updated with new McCartney photos and letter from the founder.

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FastTrack Bass Songbook 1 - Level 2 (Fast Track Music Instruction) (Paperback) Review

This is, I feel, good for a beginner to expand his or her playing. Recommend getting the entire set of songbooks (Both Level 1 & 2)

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Product Description:
8 songs, including: Back in the U.S.S.R. * Born to Be Wild * I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man * Imagine * Layla * Maggie May * No Particular Place to Go * Takin' Care of Business.

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Singer's Musical Theatre Anthology - Volume 5: Baritone/Bass Book/2 CDs Pack (Singer's Musical Theatre Anthology (Songbooks)) [Paperback] Review

I had searched for quite a while to find an anthology on newer musical theatre rep.
When I found this on Amazon, I was excited because it not only has newer songs, but also the CDs are a great way of learning and practicing. I can use it, my students can use it. It is brilliant.

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Product Description:
The world's most trusted source for authentic editions of theatre music for singers has expanded with yet another volume. Many of the songs are found in no other collections. The 40 songs in each volume are in the original keys, excerpted from vocal scores and piano/conductor rehearsal scores. Includes both recent shows and a deeper look into classic musicals. Includes: ALL AMERICAN: Once Upon a Time * ANNIE: Something Was Missing * ANYONE CAN WHISTLE: With So Little to Be Sure Of * AVENUE Q: Purpose * I Wish I Could Go Back to College * BARNUM: There's a Sucker Born Ev'ry Minute * The Colors of My Life * CHICAGO: Razzle Dazzle * CITY OF ANGELS: Funny * CURTAINS: Coffee Shop Nights * I Miss the Music * DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS: Love Sneaks In * DREAMGIRLS: When I First Saw You * FIDDLER ON THE ROOF: If I Were a Rich Man * 42ND STREET: Lullaby of Broadway * A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM: Your Eyes Are Blue * GREY GARDENS: Marry Well * HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING: A Secretary Is Not a Toy * LITTLE ME: Real Live Girl * LES MISERABLES: Drink with Me (To Days Gone By) * Javert's Suicide * ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY: I Rise Again * 110 IN THE SHADE: Gonna Be Another Hot Day * THE PRODUCERS: The King of Broadway * I Wanna Be a Producer * RENT: Santa Fe * THE ROAR OF THE GREASEPAINT - THE SMELL OF THE CROWD: Look at That Face * SEESAW: It's Not Where You Start * SHE LOVES ME: Try Me * Grand Knowing You * MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT: Robin's Song * You Won't Succeed on Broadway * SPRING AWAKENING: All That's Known * TARZAN: No Other Way * TICK, TICK ... BOOM!: Real Life * THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN: Colorado, My Home * WEST SIDE STORY: Jet Song * Cool.

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Simplified Sight-Reading for Bass (Bass Instruction) [Paperback] Review

Reading rhythms is the most important thing in sightreading. If you screw up a rhythm you stand out like a sore thumb, mess up a pitch you probably just add to the harmony so learn to nail the rhythms.Learning to sightread music all about training your eyes how to look at written music.You need to learn to see notes in common rhythmic words, like reading words in a book.This book is great to work on seeing rhythms and internalizing their sound.The CD that comes with the book is a play along for the first example of every page.You work with it to get the new patterns down then work on rest of page.If you still have trouble then just go back and work with the CD. I used this book with many students and really got them off to a solid start.Highly recommended.

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Product Description:
This book/CD pack helps bass players expand their reading skills. Beneficial for beginners through advanced players, this pack covers rhythms, notes, intervals, accidentals, and key signatures, as well as common bass patterns in blues, RandB, funk, rock, and more. The CD includes 97 demo tracks!

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Play Bass Today! - Level 2: A Complete Guide to the Basics (Play Today Level 2) [Paperback] Review

After a 17 year layoff from playing Bass, I was invited to join the church worship team. I bought a Bass and the level 1 book. That book was excellent. Level 2 builds on level 1 exponentially.
The Cd is helpful as a guide of how each lesson should sound.
This book teaches technique and theory.
This book will get you where you want to go with your music.
I recomend this book to everyone interested in bass.

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Product Description:
With its handy "teacher on CD" and 99 demo tracks, this book/CD pack is the ultimate self-teaching method! Picking up where Level 1 leaves off, it covers: more songs, riffs and scales; chords and arpeggios; playing tips and techniques; all musical styles; and standard notation and tab.

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First Book of Broadway Solos: Baritone/Bass Edition (Vocal Collection) [Paperback] Review

This is a great starter book for Baritone/Bass. Yeah I know the younger kids are going to want songs from newer shows like Avenue Q or Hairspray but you won't find any of those shows here. What you will find is a good collection of standard theater songs. The best part about it is the CD. Now the CD is not a Demo performance or anything so you won't hear anyone singing the song at all. It is just the piano playing the arrangement as written in the book. Some of the tempo's may be just a bit off, but if you either don't play well or don't have a piano at home you can play the CD and sing along with the accompanyment. Here is a list of the songs included

Contents: Comedy Tonight, Edelweiss, Get Me To The Church On Time, The Girl That I Marry, Gonna Be Another Hot Day, How To Handle A Woman, I Talk To The Trees, I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face, If Ever I Would Leave You, The Impossible Dream (The Quest), Just In Time, Leaning On A Lamp Post, My Cup Runneth Over, My Defenses Are Down, Oklahoma, Some Enchanted Evening, Soon It's Gonna Rain, The Surrey With The Fringe, There Is Nothin' Like A Dame, They Call The Wind Maria, This Nearly Was Mine, Try To Remember, Wunderbar

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Product Description:
This is the perfect first collection for many voice students, whether they are teens or college singers or adults. Joan Boytim has selected songs appropriate for each voice type, and has chosen keys that suit the vocal needs of novice singers studying in traditional, generally classical lyric singing. The editions of the songs in these collections are short and straight-forward. Teachers have found these books invaluable. To make the collections even more useful, each volume is offered in a book/companion CD edition with piano accompaniments recorded by pianist Laura Ward.

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500 Hymns For Instruments: Book D, Trombones, String Bass (Lillenas Publications) (Paperback) Review

We have a small mixed ensemble at our church and this series works well for us.

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Product Description:
Comprehensive compilation of hymns and Gospel songs published for instruments.

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Stu Hamm: Bass Basics Review

In the days of our grand parents, the books used to teach reading were called "primers."Hamm has produced an excellent primer for the study of bass guitar.It is a product of [...] and maintains the same high standard of instructional clarity as do their other products.The downloadable pdf files used with the DVD formated video, combine to help to make this product a very solid resource for the beginning bass player.The course starts by describing the parts of a bass and includes all the particulars of nomenclature, amp choices, changing strings, and other rudimentary elements.It progresses through the study of octaves, the major scale, the minor scale, the mixolydian scale, and arpeggios. The course gives a beginner plenty of tools to develope solid skills. Definitely a "must have" for the beginning bassist.

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Product Description:
Designed to motivate and inspire students, Guitar Sherpa's innovative learning systems employ a hands-on, contextual format. Students "play" their way through Guitar Sherpa curriculum rather than working through tedious examples and exercises.Stu Hamm, bass player extraordinaire, has been the bassist of choice for dozens of virtuoso Guitarists while he continually hones his jaw-dropping chops on countless sessions and solo albums.Bass Basics lays the foundation for freshman bassists through a step-by-step approach to every aspect of the instrument, from tuning up for the first time to nailing your first audition. Stu demonstrates helpful left and right hand techniques to build strength and endurance. He shares with you the language of music that will make quick work of communicating your ideas with other musicians. He also teaches you the "language of music" to help make quick work of communicating ideas at jams and auditions.Bass Basics equips you with a solid foundation of techniques, theory, rhythm patterns and bass lines, all of which can applied in any style of music. Stu shows you how to read tab and follow a chart, and teaches you the essential theory required to take your playing in any direction you choose. Bass Basics presents valuable insight into a multitude of styles, covering everything from country to classical. Stu also shares tips on tone settings for both the bass and amplifier and how to use them to get the sound you want.Never before has a bassist of this caliber shared such a wealth of knowledge to give aspiring bassists the benefit of years of pro experience. If you're serious about your journey to learn and play bass, Bass Basics is the ultimate guide. Hands-On Learning Tools included with Bass Basics: Text Lesson Guide, Standard Notation, Guitar Tab, Power Tab Files, Power Tab Software, Bonus Material. Secure PIN enclosed in DVD package for quick and secure download of learning tools.

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Ultimate Play-Along for Bass, Vol 1: Level 1 (Book & CD) (Ultimate Play-Along Series) (Sheet music) Review

This is something great!I want to have this book!The book is realy special...thanx

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Product Description:
This exceptional package allows the beginner to intermediate bassist to practice with a pre-recorded band. The seven tracks cover a wide range of styles such as straight eighths, sixteenth feel, rock shuffle, rock ballad, Latin, straight-ahead jazz, and rock & roll. Includes a ""roadmap"" chart for each tune.

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Buddy Holly* (Bass) (Bass Recorded Versions) [Paperback] Review

I reviewed another Buddy Holly songbook some time ago and I was very critical because the tablature was absolutely weird, with keys transposed etc. This book is the real deal. The tablature is the way Buddy played it. In fact, I saw a stage show, the Buddy Holly Story, and the actor playing Buddy used a capo in "That'll Be the Day," and according to the tablature, this was accurate, that is indeed how Buddy played it. Personally, I play the song in the same key but with different chord positions without a capo.
Buddy Holly songs are simple and even though this is an accurate tablature, even a fairly novice guitarist can benefit from this book. In other words, this book is great for the guitarist who wants to accurately play the recorded version as well as the guitarist who needs easy transcriptions. In addition to the chords, tablature and lyrics, this book includes interesting notes that gives insight into the artist and his music. If you revere buddy Holly as much as I do, I highly recommend this book.

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Product Description:
15 songs from this legendary artist.Includes:It's So Easy * Maybe Baby * Peggy Sue * That'll Be The Day * and more.

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Building Bass Drum Technique: Strength, Speed, Endurance and Control for Single Bass Drum Players (Percussion) (Plastic Comb) Review

This book is really helping me with my speed and control and in turn giving me a better overall sound on the bass.The ideas in this book progresses in a very structured order.This book is good for beginners as well as for advanced players.The only draw back is that it doesn`t come with a CD.You will probably need a teacher to guide you if you are a beginner.If you want to really improve your single bass foot drumming this book is surely a great asset..

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Product Description:
This book from Modern Drummer publisher Ron Spagnardi will help drummers using a traditional single bass set-up attain the most effective and efficient results from their playing. In a simple and methodical manner, it presents bass drum development exercises using 8th notes, triplets, two common 16th-note figures, straight 16th notes, 16th-note triplets, and 32nd notes. The last section of the book presents five challenging solos using combinations of the previously studied material.

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371 Harmonized Chorales and 69 Chorale Melodies with Figured Bass: Piano Solo (Piano Method) (Paperback) Review

This is a nice edition to have. Playing two Bach chorales every morning is kind of like doing some jumping jacks and eating a spoonful of codliver oil...which is to say, good for you. After playing the first 120 you can expect some chorale fatigue to set in, but all the while you'll be absorbing good voice-leading and voice-doubling technique as though by osmosis. What's more, Bach will still surprise you- there are chords so jarring and dissonant that their sudden, logical resolution is like watching a rabbit being pulled out of a hat.
On the downside, the notes are small (this edition really packs 'em in) and it can be easy to get lost on the page. No texts are provided, either, aside from the opening words, so you have to accept on faith that some of the more contorted harmonizations are justified by the text. It's still nice to have, though, and looks nice and musicological sitting on the piano.

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Product Description:
The great Baroque master composer Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) wrote music for every combination of instruments and voices. His simplest and purest work are four-part chorale compositions and settings, so perfectly constructed that they evoke meditative spirituality. "Figured bass" was a Baroque system of notating harmony. In addition 371 chorales, this collection includes 69 melodies with figured bass. This classic Schirmer edition, edited by Albert Riemenschneider, has sold over 1,000,000 copies since its release in the early 20th century. Primarily for keyboard, the chorales can also be played by other instruments.

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Rockin' Bass Drum (Paperback) Review

When it is time to learn to work that bass drum off the beat, then it is time to get this book!

Lombardo gives a number of two-bar patterns (many of which could easliy be called funk beats) involving bass, snare, hi-hat (on the 2 & 4) and ride.Below each pattern, he gives you the same two bars with just the ride and the bass, allowing you to focus on playing the bass off the eigth-note ride.the patterns become progressively harder, and your right foot become progressively better (and faster).

This was the 2nd "full kit" book I worked out of, and it did me wonders.If you are a beginner, it will do wonders for you as well!

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Product Description:
Written in two volumes, these books include 2- and 4-bar rock and jazz-rock beats designed for the modern drummer. Both books are designed to develop the drummer's skill in coordinating their hands and feet. The books also offer the drummer a repertoire of exciting rhythmic patterns.

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The Second Book of Baritone/Bass Solos (Vocal Collection) [Paperback] Review

As a senior vocal performance major, I can personally vouch for the quality of this book.This anthology offers the more experienced voice student a wide variety of repertoire to work with.I only wish Amazon offered this book packaged with the accompaniment CD, for rehearsal purposes.Regardless, I would recommend this book to anyone serious about expanding their vocal repertoire.

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Product Description:
Step up to the next level with more student repertoire, continuing from The First Book of Solos and The First Book of Solos - Part II. The more than 30 songs in each book require a little more vocal range and musical sophistication, but are still decidedly student material.

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Bass Player Presents the Fretless Bass [Paperback] Review

While I may be a bit biased towards the fretless bass - this book is certainly very well done.Chris Jisi, from Bass Player, has assembled some of the most influential fretless players on the planet, to talk about technique, music, style, and technical aspects of fretless bass.The book is well organized, with some great information about music available, as well as who's playing what.

The book is rounded out by some great luthiers and builders discussing care & feeding of a proper fretless.

I also love the center section with some full page, and full color, Bass Player Magazine covers of great fretless players that have graced their pages.That's a very nice bonus.

If you are at all interested in fretless bass - this book is a keeper!

Wes Watson
FretlessBassist.com


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Product Description:
Who would have thought the electric bass guitar with its frets removed would transcend the rhythm section to become one of the most instantly recognizable sounds in all of music? From the jazz genius of Jaco Pastorius and the funk/punk abandon of Les Claypool, to the landmark rock of Jack Bruce and Sting, the instrument has a lyrical legacy all its own. This book collects the very best interviews, lessons, and gear and maintenance guides into one smooth-reading compilation. With insight from over 25 masters, including Tony Levin, Marcus Miller, Gary Willis, Jimmy Haslip, and Percy Jones, The Fretless Bass will give you a keen appreciation for the important innovators, as well as plenty of tools to find your own voice on the instrument.

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Essential Bass Technique: The Definitive Technique Manual for Bass Guitar (Bass Instruction) [Paperback] Review

This book teaches the bassist the "proper" techniques for playing bass efficiently (and safely). The author not only explains left and right hand techniques, but additionally goes into detailing the reasoning behind the techniques. The beginner who applies the mechanics explained in the book will have a very solid foundation for playing bass, and more advanced players are likely to modify their techniques and/or integrate new concepts and techniques into their own playing.
As I learned each technique I immediately applied it until it felt "natural" and my playing has greatly benefited from this book.
As the previous reviewer mentioned, there are not that many exercises in the book.
I would give it 41/2 stars.
Regarding the comments by "a reader" about the book barely scratching the surface, I actually believe it is very thorough when it comes to right/left hand techniques. As the title says, it deals with essential techniques. Readers wanting to learn about slap and pop techniques, for example, should look elsewhere. Also, this book is focused on the mechanics involved in playing bass, but it is not a bass method. Beginning bassists will want to use this book in conjunction with other books.

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Product Description:
Peter Murray's new book, which scored an "A+" rating from Bass Player magazine, provides bassists with everything they need to know to play effectively, helping them master the basics, and then explore what's beyond. Essential to any bass player!"Once in a while, a book comes along that stands head and shoulders above the endless rows of 'method books' that fill the racks in music stores. This is one of those exceptional books. If you're a beginner, study of Murray's method could save you from countless hours of frustration (and possibly injury) by showing you the correct way to use you hands right from the start; if you're a more advanced player, it should help you to refine your ability and overcome the technical barriers that can block further development. Bravo!" - Jim Roberts, Bass Player magazine

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Bass Extremes - Cookbook Review

This cd is very enjoyable, Victor Wooten and Steve Bailey show thier talent with original music played with leading bass and create a very original kind of music that can liked among jazz listeners. While VicWooten is probably one of the best bass players of today, mostly because ofhis technique, this is not a Wooten showcase of his wonderful playingabilits, in this cd Vic plays slow melodies or low grooves unlike his solocds where his shows off his technique. This cd is very enjoyable speciallyfor bass players or those who wants to experience bass guitar as a leadinginstrument in jazz fusion music.
-Cirus

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Product Description:
Victor Wooten and Steve Bailey spearhead a veritable bass invitational with special guests Oteil Burbridge, Will Lee, Gregg Bissonette, Kenny Aranoff, and more.

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Fretless Bass (Book & DVD (Hard Case)) [Color, DVD] [Paperback] Review

this is the one of three books that i've buyed to Amazon. The book is good and the DVD included make more comprensive, the text and the scores indise. Good suggestions for start-up, but Steve Bailey is one of the best fretless bass player and then, globally for starting up maybe one another book is more friendly.

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Product Description:
Consummate musician and bassist Steve Bailey presents one of the most comprehensive fretless bass technique methods available. Having performed and recorded with everyone from Dizzy Gillespie to Kitaro, Victor Wooten and Metallica, Steve is a true master of the fretless bass. This book will help you successfully make the transition from fretted to fretless bass. The exercises within have both studio and live-playing applications and cover such topics as intonation, sliding, string blending, and fretless effects. Develop your ear and left-hand technique using the methodically written examples, which cover intervals as well as triads; then put it all to use in the songs and etudes provided. This book will help any bassist develop the necessary technique to master this difficult but beautifully melodic instrument.

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Instant Bass: Play Right Now! (Berklee Methods) [Paperback] Review

First, my background:I am a performer (bass trombone and electric bass) and an instructor.I am also a composer and arranger.My undergraduate degree is in Music Education (Masters in Music Composition); and the majority of my Air Force career was spent in the field of Education and Training.

I "collect" bass guitar method books, always searching for that "perfect" book for the beginning, intermediate, or advanced bassist.My approach to teaching bass to beginners is (1) for the student to play (and create) "real" bass lines as soon as possible, and (2) achieve a balance in emphasis on playing by ear and reading music.

"Instant Bass: Play Right Now!" satisfies both these requirements and is my method book of choice for beginners.The book has a very short preface regarding the usual "basics" (equipment, names of the strings, hand position, etc.), but quickly has the student playing along with the band on the accompanying CD and -- more importantly -- making up his/her own bass lines.In my personal experience using this book, I have never had a case where, by the end of the first lesson, the student was unable to achieve that goal (along with bass and hand position, and finger coordination exercises).

The book is well-organized and very user-friendly.It leads the student progressively through a variety of musical styles, from rock and pop, to folk, country, blues (sort of), Caribbean, funk and hip-hop.The bass examples provided on the CD start with the easiest of bass lines (the whole note) and become progressively more challenging (but never daunting!).Because the provided examples can be deceptively easy, many beginners will want to rush through them.However, the real value of the book is in providing the student the opportunity to create his/her own bass lines.In that respect, it is wise to use this book in conjunction with an experienced instructor who can suggest and demonstrate to the student how the provided examples can be altered (or entirely abandoned!) to create more interesting bass lines.

The book is relatively short (33 pages, 10 lessons), and should take the average student 2-3 months to complete (assuming he/she takes a lesson per week under the guidance of an instructor.Once the student has completed the book, they are ready for a superb intermediate method book: "Get Your Band Together: Bass" -- also from Berklee Press.

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Product Description:
Learn to play the bass instantly with this revolutionary method! Author Danny Morris has included a wealth of solid bass lines, tips on playing and locking in with a drummer, and strategies to help you understand the bass and develop your own bass lines. The accompanying CD lets you jam with a band in a variety of musical styles.

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Bass Playing Techniques: The Complete Guide (John Williams Signature Editions) (Paperback) Review

But, really - it was recommended to me by a bass guitar instructor when I told him my right hand technique stunk.I am an absolute beginner and now, after just a few weeks of working on the exercises in Chapter 1, my right hand technique is vastly improved.I did completely misunderstand one of the exercises in Chapter 2.It could have been better explained.But, I can hardly wait to get started.

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Product Description:
This book, designed from MI core curriculum programs, is a comprehensive source for playing bass in a variety of musical styles. Explains: hammer-ons, pull-offs, bends, muting, vibrato, slap bass grooves, essential bass lines and basic theory; and more. Includes 365 music examples, exercises, picking suggestions, and sample songs. In standard notation and tab.

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Complete Electric Bass Method: Beginning Electric Bass [Paperback] Review

Am I glad I got this book!I found this book to be one of the more,if not the most informative beginning electric bass book I have everseen.Though it is probably designed for the bassist whom canalready play a few notes, the book opens many doors for any beginnerbassist.The major tetrachords chapter shows how to play a one- octave major scale in as many as 9 ways.The book teaches musicalconcepts and how they apply to the bass.In a well-written formatthis book doesn't just show you a scale or chord and move on, butrather it not only presents material, but also explains anddemonstrates how it is used to create bass lines in a real world bassplaying situation.If you want to be a creative bassist andeventually be able to create your own bass lines, this beginning bookis where to start. Not only do you learn some great bass lines, butalso you begin to understand how to create your own by learning aboutrhythm, triads, 7th chords, diatonic harmony, blues, funk, rock,common chord progressions and much more.I can't wait to get theIntermediate book of this series.5 stars all the way!

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Product Description:
Perfect for the bassist who has started studying and is ready to learn more. Basics of music theory, major scales, triads and 7th chords and more are covered. Learn to create cool-sounding bass lines for the most important chord progressions.--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Chord Studies for Electric Bass: Guitar Technique (Workshop (Berklee Press)) (Paperback) Review

I believe the previous poster may have gone a little off beam.

The book comprises exercises based around the chord tones of each of the chord types listed (major, minor, dominant seventh, minor 7, m7b5, diminished) with APPROACH notes. Yes, these approach notes are scale tones, but the emphasis of the Chord Studies book is on studying chord tones/qualities for each of the chord types in the book.

Each section (C major, C minor, C7, etc, F major, F minor, F7 etc etc) has 3 relatively simple 'approach note' exercises, followed by 2 much more awkward exercises with approach notes and chord tensions.

The book presents these exercises in all 15 keys (the 12 common keys and the 3 enharmonic equivalents). This is so that, if studied closely, you may have experience in reading all key signatures.

This work is based upon the now out-of-print Chord Studies for Trombone, written by Joseph Viola and Phil Wilson. As this trombone work was written in bass clef, I imagine it was pretty easy to apply to bass.

My current teacher, Jeff Berlin, sets me exercises from the original trombone book, and assures me that this book is the same in content as his original trombone-related book.

As to 'how to use' this book - well - it's relatively straightforward, but time consuming. Currently, I take each exercise and play it in all 12 keys. Yes, including the two 16th-note exercises at the end of each chord section. The exercises alter both as the book goes through each chord quality (maj, min, etc) and also as the key signature changes, so what you get is an absolutely thorough workout of the common chord types in all key signatures, with differing levels of ornamentation with approach notes and chord tensions.

Please note - the only exercises that I have not done in all 12 keys are the two 16th note etudes at the end of the dominant 7 chord section - the approach notes and use of chord tensions makes the tonality a little hinky, and Jeff has said to me he doesn't feel it's necessary to do the dominant structures in all 12 keys, although the other chord qualities should be done in all 12 keys.

In the recent time since I started using this material, I have noted a significant improvement in my soloing and my ability to memorise/play phrases in all 12 keys. I seem to have picked up a few of these things as little 'licks' too.

There is easily a year's worth of work here, and likely more. Although I do note I am getting faster as I continue through.

There is no CD - but it really isn't the point. The point is to improve your reading and improve your 'hearing' of the different chord types, as well as incorporating some of these things into your playing.

The only thing I find a nuisance is all of the annotations below the exercises which are meant to tell you which strings to play them on. Fortunately, these are only found in the key of C major - all the other keys are clear of them. Visually, quite annoying, and most people will work out their own fingerings, which I would have thought was also part of the point of this.

Overall, though, this book is absolutely solid musical information, and is not, I think, intended as a reference work, but a book for extended and intense study. For the money, it's cheap. But you will pay in terms of spending many hours on your instrument.

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Product Description:
This Berklee Workshop is for bassists beyond beginning methods who now seek comprehensive knowledge of all basic and extended chords. Features exercises for developing technique and melodic sense in and out of the upper register, to help bassists play faster, higher and more melodically in styles from country to rock and rhythm to lead.

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Dave Larue: Essential Bass Concepts (1991) Review

Awesome. Very useful. Starts with some helpful warm ups and stretching. From basic pop slap octaves, he incorporates some really cool sounding ideas. Great way to get comfy with ghosts, mutes, arpeggios, soloing. Worthwhile to buy because you should stop and play along with it. Listening to it over and over allows you to learn by ear. It takes awhile to absorb all of it. Best to focus on a few minutes at a time, master that, and then move on. He combines groups of tips into examples at the end of each section. Not for beginners, tho! If you've been playing awhile and need to break out of a rut with some fresh, new riffs then this is for you. Abandon the pick, this video will help you develop your right hand. More bass players out there should stop and take the time to learn from videos like this. The music world would be a much richer place.

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Product Description:
Dave LaRue is one of today s leading bassists, recording and touring with the Steve Morse Band and Dixie Dregs for nearly 20 years.His incredible technique and finesse of the bass make him the first-call for well-known artists, and he has also established himself as a regular columnist for Bass Player magazine, touring clinician, and adjunct professor at Florida s Stetson University. In this DVD, Dave gets viewers started with warm-ups, stretching, and arpeggio fingering exercises.He lets loose with some of his hip funk lines using hammer-ons, slapped, popped, and ghost notes, and a complete lesson of modes.In addition, he demonstrates how to use rhythmic variations and polyphonic ideas to expand soloing techniques.Follow along at home with note-for-note transcription of each exercise, in both standard notation and TAB, using the printable PDF companion booklet included.

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Hal Leonard Bass Method Book 2 - 2nd Edition (Hal Leonard Electric Bass Method) (Paperback) Review

There are two versions of this book. ISBN 079356378 comes with the CD. ISBN 079356378X does not come with the CD. Don't make the same mistake I did. I wanted the CD and had to return this book and reorder the correct version. Minus one star for Amazon packaging this in a special with Book 3 which comes with a CD while this one doesn't. Very misleading.

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Product Description:
The Hal Leonard Bass Method is designed for anyone just learning to play electric bass. It is based on years of teaching bass students of all ages and it also reflects some of the best bass teaching ideas from around the world. Book 2 teaches: the box shape; moveable boxes; notes in fifth position; major and minor scales; the classic blues line; the shuffle rhythm; tablature; and more!

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