[FAQ] Best bass related books.

[Jazz Ad]

Title
Author
Publisher
ISBN #

Good reading :) !

Instruction
Slap It!
by Tony Oppenheim
THEODORE PRESSER COMPANY
414-41138

Building Walking Bass Lines
&
Expanding Walking Bass Lines
by Ed Friedland
Hal Leonard
0793542049

Serious Electric Bass : The Bass Player's Complete Guide to Scales & Chords (Contemporary Bass Series)
by Joel di Bartolo
Warner Brothers Publications
1576238830

Gary Willis's books (http://www.garywillis.com/pages/books/thebooks.html)

Improvisers Bass Method
by Chuck Sher
Sher Music Co
0961470100

Bass Playing Techniques : The Complete Guide
by Alexis Sklarevski
Musicians Institute Press
0793582024

Bass Guitar for Dummies
by Patrick Pfeiffer & Will Lee
For Dummies
0764524879

The Bass Player Book - Equipment, Technique, Styles, and Artists
Bass Player Magazine
0-87930-573-8

Funk Bass (Bass Builders Series)
by Jon Liebman
Hal Leonard
079351620X

Bass Method
by Ray Brown
Hal Leonard
0793594561

Funkifying the Clave: Afro-Cuban Grooves for Bass and Drums
by Lincoln Goines & Robby Ameen
Warner Brothers Publications
0769220207

Evolving Bassist - Millenium Edition
by Rufus Reid
Warner Brothers Publications
0967601509

Harmonic Colours for Bass - A Musical Approach to Chord and Scale Relationships
By David Gross
Warner Brothers Publications
1-57623-935-7

Gear
The Tube Amp Book
by Aspen Pittman
Backbeat Books
0879307676

Stewart Mc Donald's Publications (http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Books,_plans.html)

American Basses: An Illustrated History and Player's Guide
by Jim Roberts
Backbeat Books
0-87930-721-8

Guitar Player Repair Guide: How to Set-Up, Maintain, and Repair Electrics and Acoustics
by Dan Erlewine
Backbeat Books
0879302917

The Complete Guide to Guitar & Amp Maintenance
by Ritchie Fliegler
Hal Leonard
0793534909

The Bass Book / a Complete Illustrated History of Bass Guitars
by Tony Bacon
Backbeat Books
0879303689

Ampeg: The Story Behind the Sound
by Bill Moore
Hal Leonard
0793579511

Bios
Jaco: The Extraordinary and the Tragic Life of Jaco Pastorius, "the World's Greatest Bass Player"
by Bill Milkowski
Backbeat Books
0879303611

Standing in the Shadows of Motown : The Life and Music of Legendary Bassist James Jamerson
by Licks, Allen Slutsky, James Jamerson, Motown Record Corporation, Dr Licks
Hal Leonard
0881888826

Beneath the Underdog : His World as composed by Mingus
by Charles Mingus
Vintage
0679737618

Miscellaneous
Jonathan Livingston Seagull
by Richard Bach
Avon
0380012863

Cool bassbook shop ! (http://www.bassbooks.com/)

Beyond the Bass Clef
by Tony Levin
Papa Bear Records
0966813707

[tonyromen]

Slap it! by Tony Oppenheim

.:T:.

[Rain Dog]

BUILDING WALKING BASS LINES by Ed Friedland (Parts 1&2)

Super good books.

[Rowka]

Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach

[Jazz Ad]

Originally posted by Rowka
Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach Look.

We said http://www.americanfishes.com/rock%20bass.jpg, not http://www.kanfer.com/coast3/thumbnails/121NLW%20Seagull.jpg.

[NineMinuteNap]

Serious Electric Bass: The Bass Player's Complete Guide to Scales & Chords (Contemporary Bass Series)
by Joel di Bartolo

Paperback: 279 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.71 x 11.96 x 9.06
Publisher: Warner Brothers Publications; (February 1997)
ISBN: 1576238830

[badmuthaplucka]

Originally posted by Rain Dog
BUILDING WALKING BASS LINES by Ed Friedland (Parts 1&2)

Super good books.

Anything from Ed is good solid material. He was my instrcutor you know.;)

[Son of Nothing]

One for the tube guys:

The Tube Amp Book by Aspen Pittman (published by Backbeat Books)

-SoN

[badmuthaplucka]

How about Jaco's biography?

[My bass in your face]

Gary Willis:

http://www.garywillis.com/pages/books/thebooks.html

[Son of Nothing]

Originally posted by badmuthaplucka
How about Jaco's biography?

Like him or not, that book is great reading material. Definately on for the FAQ..

-SoN

[Emprov]

Standing in the Shadows of Motown.

[Emprov]

Originally posted by tonyromen
Slap it! by Tony Oppenheimer

.:T:.

It's Oppenheim (no er).

www.slapit.com

Awesome slap resource.

[mutronIII]

The Improvisor's Bass Method - Chuck Sher

[Rowka]

Originally posted by Jazz Ad
Look.

We said http://www.americanfishes.com/rock%20bass.jpg, not http://www.kanfer.com/coast3/thumbnails/121NLW%20Seagull.jpg.

This is an essential read for anyone who aspires to greater than mediocrity.

[Jazz Ad]

CHarles Mingus - Beneath the Underdog.

[tonyromen]

Originally posted by Emprov


It's Oppenheim (no er).

www.slapit.com

Awesome slap resource.

Edited!

.:T:.

[beam]

http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics/products/90/901065.jpg

By, Alex Sklarevski

[Joe_Camel]

I would say the Bass Grimoire, but I didn't really like it a whole lot. But maybe someone else might like it. it seems like it wold be a good reference book.

[Jazz Ad]

I wouldn't recommend the Bass Grimoire neither.
Very boring.

[Joe_Camel]

well, it just seemed really redundant too. i mean, do i really need to know the 7 modes of every scale once I know what a mode is? maybe i'm just confused on what a mode is.

[sheepdog]

Bass Guitar for Dummies


actually a REALLY good book. Starts very basic and gets into some (somewhat) advanced theory and styles...

[bassmantele]

Originally posted by Joe_Camel
well, it just seemed really redundant too. i mean, do i really need to know the 7 modes of every scale once I know what a mode is? maybe i'm just confused on what a mode is.


Dingdingdingding!


Your "I get it" prize is in the mail.

:D

[Joe_Camel]

The "For Dummies" series seems really good most of the time. I've bought C++ for Dummies, Windows Programming for Dummies, and DirectX for Dummies, all were pretty decent.

[bassist31588]

I think Stewmac (http://www.stewmac.com) has some books on construction and shit... I remember seeing some videos etc.

Not too sure, my memory fails me.

[Rachel Sampson]

The Bass Player Book
Equipment, Technique, Styles, and Artists

This book was published by the makers of Bass Player magazine and is packed with good information and insights from tons of great bass players.

ISBN 0-87930-573-8

[LittleWoodenBoy]

Originally posted by Rachel Sampson
The Bass Player Book
Equipment, Technique, Styles, and Artists

This book was published by the makers of Bass Player magazine and is packed with good information and insights from tons of great bass players.

ISBN 0-87930-573-8

I was just about to mention that. I've got it, and it's pretty cool. Also, as far as gear goes:

American Basses: An Illistrated History and Player's Guide, by Jim Roberts. It's got entries about (almost) every Bass manufacturer in North America, as of last year, as well as a few articles by builders on such things as wood, fingerboard construction, pickups, etc. Cool book.

ISBN 0-87930-721-8

[Nate42]

The Guitar Player repair guide by Dan Erlewine is a good one.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0879302917/qid=1071102328//ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i0_xgl14/002-5288100-8928010?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

Don't let the name scare you, it has some bass specific info, and a lot of the general stuff is applicable as well. Good book to have if you plan on building, fixing, or modding an instrument.

[FreestyleIntruder]

This book has helped me a LOT - I wouldn't call myself a slap machine or anything but I'd defintately say I'm a lot more competent than I was before I bought this

http://www.activemusician.com/images/store/full/HL_00699348.jpg

[Ace Of Bass]

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0793534909.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
The Complete Guide to Guitar & Amp Maintenance
by Ritchie Fliegler

ISBN: 0793534909

[Fran da Man]

Didn't post any books per se...but heres a damn good link

http://www.bassbooks.com/home.asp

[The Metroman]

Originally posted by Jazz Ad
CHarles Mingus - Beneath the Underdog.

good book, very interesting.

[gbassman100]

"Bass Fishing in the Okiefenokee"

[bassmantele]

Originally posted by Jazz Ad
CHarles Mingus - Beneath the Underdog.


A monster talent and a world-class liar - in a good way. The book didn't do much for me, but the man was a giant.

[Mr. Pants]

Originally posted by NineMinuteNap
Serious Electric Bass: The Bass Player's Complete Guide to Scales & Chords (Contemporary Bass Series)
by Joel di Bartolo

Paperback: 279 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.71 x 11.96 x 9.06
Publisher: Warner Brothers Publications; (February 1997)
ISBN: 1576238830

+10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,001

-b

[Mr. Pants]

Originally posted by badmuthaplucka
How about Jaco's biography?

Also very good.

-b

[toby chan]

Originally posted by Emprov
Standing in the Shadows of Motown.

+ 1

Bio, History textbook, learning material and all-star master classes!

[Jazz Ad]

Ray Brown's Bass Method
Editor : Hal Leonard
ISBN: 0793594561

It simply is the best jazz bass method ever.
Rough, hardcore, unfriendly, but incredibly rewarding.

[philthygeezer]

EDIT: Sorry. Don't know how I missed it above so many times but:
Originally posted by Rachel Sampson
The Bass Player Book
Equipment, Technique, Styles, and Artists

This book was published by the makers of Bass Player magazine and is packed with good information and insights from tons of great bass players.

ISBN 0-87930-573-8

http://graphics.encoremusic.com/1630054.gif

+1

Part 1 is a good introduction to playing in most genres
Part 2 is equipment
Part 3 is interviews with/descriptions of several of the most legendary bassists

Great introductory book.

[dabbadon8]

Originally posted by Rachel Sampson
The Bass Player Book
Equipment, Technique, Styles, and Artists

This book was published by the makers of Bass Player magazine and is packed with good information and insights from tons of great bass players.

ISBN 0-87930-573-8

I was about to say that I totaly agree. Great book.:)

[chris dax]

Hey Jazz - good thread...put this one under Instruction

Funkifying the Clave: Afro-Cuban Grooves for Bass and Drums

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0769220207.01._PE_PI_SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Publisher: Warner Brothers Publications; (July 2000)
ISBN: 0769220207

I bought this book on the recommendation of several accomplished latin bass players...it did not disappoint...very nice layout where the bass and drums are laid out side by side throughout the book and 2 cds - bass and drums....this book takes you from the basics of clave (latin/salsa pulse) and ends up with some nasty slap and funk on top of it...

the cd's have full band and then band minus bass...same for drums....(the drum trakcs completely KICK ASS...it could be a stand alone cd as far as I'm concerned...seriously KICKS ASS...nice bonus for a bass method book)

there are about 30 or so lesson tracks and I think 6 or 7 full play along recordings with bass and drum charts...

everything about this book is top notch....costs about $30 US plus shipping....worth every cent if you want to learn some latin...

here's the reviews off of Amazon

Reviewer: A reader from Des Plaines IL
Combining traditional Latin claves with a funk backbeat. I bought this book / cd combo to improve my bass playing and drumming. (Yep! I play both.) I enjoy Latin / rock type music and wanted to become more familiar with the various styles and rhythms of this music. This book is awesome! It is also not fot the beginner or the timid unless you are dead serious about your playing. This will not only improve your playing, but your reading as well. The CD's start with a group of songs performed by the band. Then they break into LOTS of examples of ALL different styles of Latin music. Once you think you have it all mastered, the songs you heard at the beginning of the cd are there without drums / bass depending on which cd you want to play along with. Yes there are 2 cd's. One for drums, one for bass. By the way, all the songs on the cd have studio grade charts in the back of the book for you to follow. If this book doesn't keep you busy for a long time, you must already be a seasoned studio professional. Even if you are, there's probably something in here for you. ENJOY!


Was this review helpful to you?



3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

A Must-have for drummers/bassists looking for improvement, January 31, 2001
Reviewer: A reader from Glendale, AZ USA
This book is a goldmine of information and ideas pertaining to the addition of the salsa feel in your playing. The authors lay out, in both English and Spanish, the different latin styles and feels clearly, and the included cd's make learning the material that much easier. The different patterns discussed include the clave, tumbao, songo, guaguanco, cha-cha, mozambique, and afro-cuban styles. Also included are 6 songs (complete with charts) for the student to play with (recorded with and without drum/bass tracks). This book is a must have for a player of any level. It was recommended to me by a bass player friend of mine who plays in a touring group specializing in latin/flaminco music. It has made a huge difference in my playing, and I've been drumming for 23 years. Get this book and enjoy the new world of ideas and possibilities!

Enjoy....c-d

[mutronIII]

Originally posted by chris dax
Hey Jazz - good thread...put this one under Instruction

Funkifying the Clave: Afro-Cuban Grooves for Bass and Drums

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0769220207.01._PE_PI_SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Publisher: Warner Brothers Publications; (July 2000)
ISBN: 0769220207



+1

This is one of the most challenging books I've worked with... not in a jaco/wooten techno/speedy flash kinda of way, but you have to be a freakin time machine to play these grooves right..

[Chiisu]

Originally posted by sheepdog
Bass Guitar for Dummies


actually a REALLY good book. Starts very basic and gets into some (somewhat) advanced theory and styles...

great book for a beginner, like me :cool:

[Ron C]

Beyond the bass clef - Tony Levin
Great book, lost of advice, anekdotes and bullshit. Very funny and informative!
http://www.papabear.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/basscover.gif

[Jazz Ad]

The Bass Book / a Complete Illustrated History of Bass Guitars, by Tony Bacon.

Publisher: Backbeat Books; (August 1995)
ISBN: 0879303689

It's an excellent book, filled with info. You get a lot of great pics, history and stories, datation systems for main brands, ...
I refer to it at least once a week.

[teknoman]

Bass players for dummies by patrickpfeiffer ...wiley publishing,isbn 0-7645-2847-9:p

[Mr. Pants]

BUMP

Add to the list and let's FAQ this mofo, yo.

-b

[speddling]

from Bassbooks.com....

RUFUS REID - THE EVOLVING BASSIST (MILLENIUM EDITION)

A classic. Comprehensive jazz instruction.

$29.95 Item # WB000


A comprehensive method in developing a total musical concept for the aspiring jazz bass player. THE EVOLVING BASSIST is designed to take you through a process to help you reach the goals to becoming the consumate bass player. It is also dedicated to to the student who has difficulty finding and/or being able to afford a regular teacher. You will have this tool to help you help yourself along the way. I use all of these concepts with my students and it has proven extremely successful. As you and your playing mature through the years, you will discover that there is always something more to learn about being a better bass player in this music we call jazz.

[Zomby Woof]

Originally posted by Jazz Ad
I wouldn't recommend the Bass Grimoire neither.
Very boring. What about ? The Picking Hand Grimoire? That book has been reccomended here, and I plan to pick it up.

[basshunter]

For Ampeg lovers, I recommend:


http://vintage-amp.com/FCoversm.jpg


Ampeg: The Story Behind the Sound
by Bill Moore
Publisher: Hal Leonard; (July 1999)
ISBN: 0793579511

[Deacon_blue]

Harmonic Colours for Bass
A Musical Approach to Chord and Scale Relationships.
By David Gross
ISBN 1-57623-935-7
$19.95

No nonsense exercises written in standard notation and tablature. The tab is nice to follow because he uses some positions I would never think of. He stretches me up and down the fretboard.

[Jazz Ad]

To those who have read Levin's book : where does it fit best ? Bio, instruction, misc. ?

[Rowka]

Originally posted by Jazz Ad
To those who have read Levin's book : where does it fit best ? Bio, instruction, misc. ?

Misc. It's mostly anecdotal.

[Fran da Man]

Would you FAQ this thing already? :mad: :p ;)