Bass Guitar for Dummies

by Pfeiffer, Patrick; Lee, Will

• ISBN13: 9781118748800
• ISBN10: 1118748808
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2014-03-10
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

Updated with the latest bass guitar technology, accessories, and more

The 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!

Author Biography

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.

Table of Contents

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