Bass Guitar for Dummies

by Patrick Pfeiffer

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.comNew 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!

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Reference, Amazon, Unfinished

411 pages, ebook

First published November 1, 2003

Reviews

[Zachary Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spent a few weeks working through these exercises. Surprisingly insightful! Would recommend for the intermediate student with predilections for an encyclopedic approach to music theory. Four stars for the book and the fifth for the gnarly CD that came with the edition from my library. Phat content.

[Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I normally read 'Dummies' book to get a kind of over all outline on a given subject as they tend to scratch the surface but not get into a great deal of depth. This book really surprised my both its overall content and its depth. I would have no problem highly recommending this book to either a beginning or an intermediate bass player. Good stuff!

[Hilary "Fox" · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sort of read, sort of skimmed. I was hooping that this book would go deeper into the history of bass guitar, but it really only touched upon it in a few asides. Understandable, really, but alas. This means I need to find a more comprehensive text.

The exercises were good, and the information was helpful. Predictably, this book was more for people looking to play the guitar than for any research purposes. Which wasn't what I was looking for. This is more my fault (and trying to be lazy) than the fault of the book.

Oh, and here's looking at you, Adam Clayton. You're awesome for helping out with this text.

[Ding Ong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am going to be subjective on this one, I found this book apt in terms of the width and depth covered. It doesn't go too deep into music theory, which is adequate for me as I was looking for a book to consolidate my existing knowledge and fill in my gaps. It mostly introduces and break down major styles used in music today, providing the scores and tabs for the readers to explore.

The video resource provided in the book was also immensely helpful, it was much easier to listen than trying to sight read given my current level.

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an indispensable reference and not really for dummies. An absolute beginner like myself won't get far at all without in-person lessons or at least Fender Play. The audio/video extras are good, but this book is most helpful for intermediate players learning how to improvise grooves and fills in many musical styles.

[Justin Sturgis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invaluable for bassists and musicians!

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had not played bass in the last 6 years, although I am not a dummy at all in terms of bass playing I bought this to get back in the job. Although the author covers a whole variety of themes it simply is too brief on music notation/reading and harmony. Sometimes the explanations are too brief as well.

Edit: raised the rating to 4 stars, after reading it again when I need the necessary info this book is rather effective.

[AquaMoon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Highly informative and well-written. The author definitely knows his chops. I learned a lot on the first read and will likely end up re-reading parts of this book. I'm sure there are things I missed.

[Jeff Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! helped my bass playing progress quite a bit.

[Beatles1964 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad but hate the format of 'Dummies' books.

[Gilles Desrosiers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good beginner's guide. I looked at many bass guides and liked this one the best.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful in some ways, but no replacement for individual lessons.