The next Squire? Hah, not quite.

[Original_Shifty]

Does anyone have any recommendations for literature or video that may help me in my quest to become a bass player?

I've had two private lessons (two more to go), but after that I'm on my own. Anything from how to read music, to bass technical info, to tech jargon like proper amps and the such.

Any information would be helpful.

Thanks.

[Kev]

I'll recommend a book called "Edly's Music Theory for Practical People." It's a terrific and often entertaining explanation of musical form and guidelines. It'll teach you everything from how to read music to understandings of complex harmonies; very important if you want to become a great bass player. Also, there's a shirt on EBay you have to check out- it says "Bass Players Do It Deeper."" Gotta accessorize!

[Original_Shifty]

Yah, I love some of those t-shirts out there. Two musician friends of mine wore some good ones.

One guy would wear one that had a picture of Spock on it all dressed up in leather and studs and the caption read, "Beat me up Scotty"

The other guy had a shirt that three letters accross and three letters down that you really had to look at to get. I'm not sure if posting it here would have the same affect, but you'll get the idea.

A B C

D E F

U C K

But we're getting off topic a bit. I do love your t-shirt idea though.

[Dale Cleary]

Hello from Oz.
The best recommendation one can give is this FIND A GOOD TEACHER !
Books and videos are useful tools but they will not correct any bad habbits that you may develop. A good teacher will keep an eye on your technique and gide you in the right direction.
Later this same teacher will help you find gigs through his or her own contacts. Remember that a teacher can teach you something in a couple of minutes that could take you years to do alone.

When finding a teacher, try to get one who is a working musician and knows what goes on. It will be very useful to find a teacher who is fluent in different styles. Don't only play one style, as this will limit your oppurtunities for work.
You also need to learn how to read charts because it is very important.
Ask at the local store about your needs and see as many gigs as possible be they Jazz Rock Pop whatever.
All styles are valid so keep an open mind.
One more thing, as a drummer I much prefer to work with a bass player who uses fingers and not picks. They are always better players, ALWAYS !! They also tend to have a better sound.
Of course that is only my opinion.
Some players to check out.
Eddie Gomez. Ron Carter. Tony Levin. Stanley Clarke. Bootsy Collins.

[Dale Cleary]

What is long and hard and F&%$# bass players?
Primary school !
I couldn't resist.
What do you throw a drownning guitarist?
His amp' !

[Original_Shifty]

Thanks Dale and Kev.

Kev - I'm going to try and find that item you suggested.

Dale - I've had a teacher for three lessons now and have one more with him. He's pretty good. He says I have good technique with plucking the strings. Apparently I also have good tone sense. I came in bragging that I was picking up a couple of songs and he asked me to play them. So all of a sudden I'm nervous, but I get through the parts that I learned and he was very impressed that I picked them up by just listening to them.

I guess I was just looking for stuff that would help me once I'm on my own.

Practice practice practice.

[Dale Cleary]

At this point concentrate on the lessons he gives you. He should be able to recommend books to use so you can include them in the lesson format.
Practice your scales over and over.
Your lessons with the teacher need to be an on going thing. I have seen far too many students see a teacher for a month or so and then go it alone. Their careers are normally of the "Short" variety.
The idea is to bleed your teacher dry and then move on to the next. There's a hell of a lot to learn. Good musicians only play with good musicians so you need to be good. This is acheived through constant practice and lessons.
I never go anywhere without drumsticks and normally practice for hours a day. Unfortunately I had a bad accident so I'm not doing gigs but I played every night in all kind of situations.
I well recall being youg and unschooled when the band leader turned to the band and said "Lets do a swing number" and I sat thinking "If only I'd learned that" Needless to say I never let that happen again.
Good luck with your career. Make it a long one.
Dale
PS. There is an old saying in Jazz. You need to develop "Big ears"

[Johnni]

Aside from the cd,s VHS' and books that are out there an important aspect to learning one's instrument regardless of which is to listen to many varied types of music. You'll naturally gravitate to one's you like, but it will broaden your horizons and help your playing by listening to different bassists techniques. Some players that influence me have been (of course), Chris Squire, Tony Levin, Jeff Berlin, Pino Palladino and Paul McCartney. What alot of these guys have in common is their ability to line write on the bass and treat it as a melodic instrument rather than sticking to the root-fifth. I wholly agree with the above reply's to find yourself a great teacher. Nothing can replace that. Someone who can watch your potentially bad habits and correct them early and someone to share ideas with and bounce things off of.

[Squireaholic]

I am in full agreement with the advice offered thusfar by Johnni, Dale and Kev. I offer the following additional thoughts.
*Bass is a relatively simple instrument to get ' the basics', but you will find it takes a lifetime to master (I say this as someone who has played for 30 plus years). There are literally a ton of resources out there for you that simply weren't available when I started, so please take advantage of them. Among these:Bass Player magazine (subscribe to and read, even and esp. the articles about people you've never heard of), videos (get ones by your favs, and branch out from there- The Chris Squire Starlicks vid has some insights into our Lord of Lows), and websites (type "Bass" into your Search and learn about music ... and fish!)
* Acquire the best equipment that you can afford-now. Bass has grown into an industry; there's an instrument and amp of more than decent quality for everyone at any level. There's nothing more frustrating than having to fight with a sub-par instrument, and it creates bad habits, too. If you're serious enough to be asking for advice, then you needn't worry about losing interest and having to sell in a few years time
*Play,play,play... and then play!

[RobAdams]

I saw an episode of the Monkees the other day. Some mad scientist kidnapped the Monkees. He had a Frankenstein-like monster and he wanted to give his monster the musical talent of the Monkees.

The four Monkees were hooked up to a machine...you know...the one where these caps are stuck over their heads (beauty parlor hair dryer style!). The caps have electrical wires and flashing lights. Then another cap is put over the monster's head. When the machine was activated, the Monkees' musical abilities were transferred to the monster.

I've seen variations on this machine on BUGS BUNNY and THE FLINTSTONES as well.

So, Shifty, get one of these machines! I'm thinking ebay?:homer: