Berklee Practice Method: Bass (Berklee Practice Method)

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 459 pages
• Published by: Berklee Press Publications January 1, 2001
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0634006509
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0634006500
• Book Dimensions: 11.9 x 9 x 0.5 inches
• Weighs: 1.2 pounds

Product Description
Make your band better, or prepare yourself to join one! This sensational series lets you improve your intuitive sense of timing and improvisation, develop your technique and reading ability, and master your role in the groove. Play along with a Berklee faculty band on the accompanying CD, then play with your own band!

Publisher Description
The first-ever method that teaches you how to play in a rock band. Improve your improvisation, timing, technique, and reading ability, and master your role in the groove. Become the great bass player that everyone wants to have in their band.

Lessons throughout this book guide you through playing basic grooves, walking bass lines, and other standard bass techniques. Daily practice routines are designed for practicing by yourself or with other musicians. The accompanying CD features outstanding Berklee players and covers a variety of styles including rock, funk, jazz, blues, swing, and bossa nova.

Topics include:
- learning by ear
- theory and technique
- rhythmic interpretation
- improvisation
- comping
- reading
- song form
- interpreting lead sheets

This series coordinates methods for many different instruments, and all are based on the same tunes, in the same keys. If you know a guitarist, drummer, keyboardist, vocalist, horn player, etc., have them pick up the Berklee Practice Method for their own instrument, and jam together!

Reader Reviews
I was very underwhelmed by this book. Not a good "teach yourself to play bass" book at all. Might be better if supplemented with an instructor. Did an O.K. job of covering various musical genres hence the 2 stars. But not much information on how to apply the basics learned in each chapter to a wider variety of music. Overall there are better books out there and you don't have to look too far.