The Hal Leonard Bass Method thread

HelpImaRock

HelpImaRock

Jul 1, 2013
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#1
How i got here:

I have been a guitarist for 22 years. Two months ago I auditioned on bass for a power pop cover band on a lark, and got the gig. I registered here and bought a bass amp based on Amp forum recommendations. I'm holding my own, but I'm also getting to the point where I need technique instruction. I went back to an old guitar teacher and have taken two lessons so far. The purpose of the lessons was to start out with some transcribing help, and then to wean me off of a pick. But the band needs vocal harmonizing coaching, and I don't have the money for two types of lessons this Fall. So we'll only get through the transcriptions before I have to stop and switch gears for a while.

Yesterday, I ordered the Complete Bass Method for $15 on Amazon to keep from stagnating. It should arrive later this week. The purpose of this thread will be for me to post clips of each exercise and take constructive criticism for all those who are willing to give it. I'll post public links from either Dropbox or Soundcloud. I haven't decided yet. Essentially, I'm publicly shaming myself so I stick to it.

If anybody would like to start the book with me, this is the thread to do it in.
 
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#2
If you mean the 3 in 1 complete edition, I just got the book today, it looks OK and comes with 3 CD's (I'm in the UK, but I guess that it's the same book). I plan to start working through it this week, so could also do with some help, or at least some other perspectives/suggestions/ideas.

I think it starts off really basic though, so if you have been playing guitar for years, then you might not need to be starting right at the beginning?

I am also hoping that it will help with sight reading music.
 
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#6
HelpImaRock said:
I always start from the beginning. You never know what you'll learn with the most basic of exercises.
Click to expand...

I have to agree.

I've been playing bass for 27 years.
My first 3 included lessons and theory (private and in college).
Not much since then, though.

I opened the books at page 1 of book 1. I have to admit, other than refreshing my memory of sight reading and working with notes on a staff and key signatures, I've also learned their interesting fret fingering method of 1,2,4 rather than One Finger Per Fret.

This was a revelation for me.

So, good for you to start on 1st page. Truly the mark of wanting to learn!

I'm looking forward to hearing about your progress.
 
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#10
electracoyote said:
For the majority of players, the fret spacing, especially in first and fifth position, makes it easier in the long run. You'll use finger three soon enough. ;)
Click to expand...

Interesting. I kinda like that I have small hands and can make the stretch. But the opportunity to ramp up and get comfortable is appealing.

Just waiting for the book to ship now.
 
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#14
I'm using this book (and others) to fool around with electric bass and learn about music. Late 50s ain't too late to start!

The CD tracks sometimes inspire, other times drive me back to a simple click. Wouldn't it be cool if people with skilz would post alternative interpretations of the tracks. Exact same bass part but a different setting. Say, just percussion. Or, instead of screaming electric guitar some chilled out synth or acoustic mandolin.

Along with starting at the beginning, I think there is value in pushing ahead, but also pushing back -- take a newly introduced concept and apply it to something earlier.
 
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#15
Rotation said:
I'm using this book (and others) to fool around with electric bass and learn about music. Late 50s ain't too late to start!

The CD tracks sometimes inspire, other times drive me back to a simple click. Wouldn't it be cool if people with skilz would post alternative interpretations of the tracks. Exact same bass part but a different setting. Say, just percussion. Or, instead of screaming electric guitar some chilled out synth or acoustic mandolin.

Along with starting at the beginning, I think there is value in pushing ahead, but also pushing back -- take a newly introduced concept and apply it to something earlier.
Click to expand...

While using the book I've run across some bass lines that I really liked and were fun to play, but the accompanying piece of music on the CD was very short. So I recorded the piece on my laptop then looped it, so I could play the part over and over again.

After a while, I then started improvising over the accompanying piece. It was a blast.
 
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#16
LordDog said:
Yep, I started at the beginning and realised that I definitely needed to. I said I wanted to learn to sight read, and book 1 has started off with this from the get go, so I can now read E, F & G. :D
Click to expand...

lol.

i can read bass clef a bit. i'm going to get confused with treble clef, but that's an adjustment many have made. i'm confident i can do it too.

my biggest issue is going to be playing in time without a pick. that'll get worked out over the next few months, with a metronome, and much gnashing of teeth.

book has shipped. should be here Friday, along with a new set of straplocks.
 
#17
I'm about three quarters of the way through book 2, and I really like the books. I started from the beginning, I've learned a lot and honestly really like playing the songs with the backing tracks. There's some GOOD stuff in there.
 
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