Updated with the latest bass guitar technology, accessories, and moreThe bass is the heart of music. So leave center stage to the other musicians—you have more important work to do. You can find everything you need to dominate bass in Bass Guitar For Dummies, 3rd Edition.
You'll get expert advice on the basics, like deciding what kind of bass to buy and which accessories are necessary and which are just nice to have. Plus, you'll get step-by-step instructions for getting started, from how to hold and position your bass to reading notation and understanding chords, scales, and octaves to playing solos and fills.
- Access to audio tracks and instructional videos on Dummies.com
- New musical exercises as well as updates to charts, illustrations, photos, and resources
Whether you're a beginner picking up a bass for the first time or an experienced player looking to improve your skills, Bass Guitar For Dummies is an easy-to-follow reference that gives you just enough music theory to get you going on your way fast!
Patrick Pfeiffer is a professional bassist, composer, and bass educator in New York City. Pfeiffer’s former clients include Adam Clayton of U2, Polygram, Red Ant Records, Arista Records, and other major labels. He has recorded with George Clinton, Phoebe Snow, Jimmy Norman, and many others.
Foreword xiii
Introduction 1
Part I: Getting Started with the Bass Guitar 7
Chapter 1: The Very Basics of Bass 9
Chapter 2: Gaining the Tools and Skills to Play 21
Chapter 3: Warming Up: Getting Your Hands in Shape to Play 57
Part II: The Bass-ics of Playing 67
Chapter 4: Reading, ’Riting, and Rhythm 69
Chapter 5: Understanding Major and Minor Structures 91
Part III: Making the Moves, Creating the Grooves 127
Chapter 6: Creating the Groove 129
Chapter 7: Going Solo: Playing Solos and Fills 167
Part IV: Using the Correct Accompaniment for Each Genre 183
Chapter 8: Rock On! Getting Down with the Rock Styles 185
Chapter 9: Swing It! Playing Styles That Rely on the Triplet Feel 203
Chapter 10: Making It Funky: Playing Hardcore Bass Grooves 221
Chapter 11: Sampling International Flavors: Bass Styles from Around the World 237
Chapter 12: Playing in Odd Meters: Not Strange, Just Not the Norm 255
Chapter 13: Groovin’ in a Genre: It’s All About Style! 271
Chapter 14: Eight Degrees of Separation: The Beatles’ Solution 287
Part V: Buying and Caring for Your Bass 307
Chapter 15: Love of a Lifetime or One-Night Stand? Buying the Right Bass 309
Chapter 16: Getting the Right Gear for Your Bass Guitar 319
Chapter 17: Changing the Strings on Your Bass Guitar 329
Chapter 18: Keeping Your Bass in Shape: Maintenance and Light Repair 339
Part VI: The Part of Tens 351
Chapter 19: Ten Innovative Bassists You Should Know 353
Chapter 20: Ten Great Rhythm Sections (Bassists and Drummers) 357
Appendix: Audio Tracks and Video Clips 363
Index 377
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