The Lost Art Of Country Bass

Beginner Bass Guitar Instruction

At last, here is a method book for the upright string bass or "dog house bass" as it is affectionately known in bluegrass circles. Although bluegrass bass has a style of its own, the knowledge gained through this method is applicable to virtually any musical genre. This book addresses the elements of tuning, hand positions, essential chord theory, slap bass technique, and playing in positions 1-10. A handy chart is provided for transposing chord progressions from one key to another. Written in standard notation only.

"Includes audio CD with over 20 play along songs with a full band. Quickly & easily learn to play like the pros with this step by step method." --front cover.

The most widely-used introductory bass method available! Both Volumes I and II present a standard notation approach to reading solo and arpeggio studies for four string bass. Included in Volume I are the rudiments of playing, plus handy charts of arpeggios featuring major, minor, augmented, diminished, and seventh chords, plus upper harmonic extensions. Volume II continues with studies, scales, walking bass patterns, and more. Applicable to any style of music, this method has gained acceptance as the foundational text for electric bass study world-wide.

(Bass). As the legendary bassist for the famous Stax-Volt studios in Memphis, and as one of the most influential bass players in the history of American music, Donald "Duck" Dunn (1941-2012) laid down the booty-shaking foundations to countless soul, R&B, blues, and rock recordings throughout the 1960s and '70s, providing the essential grooves for generations of listeners. Duck worked with some of the biggest artists, musicians, and songwriters of the day, including Booker T. & the MGs, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, Eddie Floyd, Elvis Presley, Isaac Hayes, and many more. And later, as a member of John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd's riotous Blues Brothers, Duck helped revitalize these genres via his epic bass lines and role in the hit movie. But his unparalleled 50-year career was just getting started. He went on to record and perform with the likes of Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks, CSNY, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Buffett, and many more, until his passing in 2012. Now, in this exclusive, one-of-a-kind book, Duck's life and music are presented in full detail, with rare photos, stories, over an hour of audio demonstrations and play-alongs, gear info, and authentic, note-for-note transcriptions of nearly 60 iconic bass lines. Written by bassist and researcher Nick Rosaci, with help from Duck's family, friends, and music compatriots, this book presents a piece of history that documents not only the triumphs and tragedies of Duck's amazing life, but also uncovers the magic behind the "soul fingers" that plucked a thousand timeless grooves.

(Book). A variety of eleven of today's greatest studio bassists including Lee Sklar, Nathan East and Dave Pomeroy openly discuss their recording experiences, techniques and more and offer actual basslines. Leading producers and engineers reveal what's expected in the studio, while hands-on lessons cover number-system charts, setting up the bass, which gear to use and how, and more. The CD includes a recording of each lesson.

More than a pattern book, this lays out the theory behind the use of pentatonic scales in jazz, and follows with transcribed solos and exercises. Still a favorite after 14 years, this book has become a standard in the field.

Although designed for newcomers to the upright bass and bluegrass music in general, this unique approach to creating basslines has something for everyone! The first half focuses on bass-playing essentials, giving the reader a solid technical footing with the instrument. Then, using his own baritone voice and the classic bluegrass song, “Going Down the Road Feeling Bad,” author Nate Sabat reveals his creative process in crafting effective basslines from the song’s melody and chord progression. The second half focuses on bass playing within the specific context of complementing bluegrass vocals. Well beyond what you might expect from an introductory method, Nate tastefully guides the reader by presenting multiple composed bassline options for each of five well-known bluegrass songs: Rabbit in the Log, Don’t this Road Look Rough and Rocky?, Long Journey Home, I Am a Pilgrim, and Angel Band. Nate’s warm, pitch-perfect vocals can be heard on virtually every track, giving this method an undeniable musicality. A lightly accompanied vocal track with no bass is also provided, so you can be the sole upright or electric bassist in the band. You’ll not only want to back Nate up—but sing harmony with him too! The impulse to sing can’t help but influence your bass playing in a natural and positive way. Nate provides notated versions of the eight major scales most commonly used in bluegrass. Once you get them under your fingers, you’ll soon be able to play along with the book’s 50 companion online recordings. With its simple harmonic palette and repetitive nature, bluegrass music offers bassists the perfect opportunity to become musically literate. If you’ve hesitated to learn to read music, this is the time and place to eliminate that drawback. Working through these 46 pages will provide the tools and confidence needed to create your own engaging and musical basslines and hopefully, you’ll be inspired to continue your bluegrass bass journey for years to come. Includes access to online audio.