Bass Guitar Basics For Dummies
2nd Edition

This book provides expert advice on the basics like deciding what kind of bass to pick up and which accessories to buy. It gives step-by-step instructions for getting started- from how to hold and position the bass to reading notation and understanding chords, scales and octaves, to playing solos and fills.

This title is 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, 2nd Edition". You'll get expert advice on the basics, like deciding what kind of bass to pick up 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. It features new coverage of slaps, double stops, de-tuning, and fretless techniques, along with new musical exercises as well as updates to charts, illustrations, photos, and resources. It includes bonus CD with audio clips of all the examples in the book. 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, 2nd Edition" is an easy-to-follow reference that gives you just enough music theory to get you going on your way fast!

Introduction. Part I: The World According to Bass. Chapter 1: Bass Bass-ics: What Is the Meaning of Bass? Chapter 2: Gaining the Tools and Skills to Play. Chapter 3: Reading, 'Riting, and Rhythm. Part II: The Bass-ics of Playing. Chapter 4: Warming Up: Getting Your Hands in Shape to Play. Chapter 5: Understanding Major and Minor Structures. Part III: Making the Moves, Creating the Grooves. Chapter 6: Creating the Groove. Chapter 7: Going Solo: Playing Solos and Fills. Part IV: Using the Correct Accompaniment for Each Genre. Chapter 8: Rock On! Getting Down with the Rock Styles. Chapter 9: Swing It! Playing Styles That Rely on the Triplet Feel. Chapter 10: Making It Funky: Playing Hardcore Bass Grooves. Chapter 11: Sampling International Flavors: Bass Styles from Around the World. Chapter 12: Playing in Odd Meters: Not Strange, Just Not the Norm. Chapter 13: Groovin' in a Genre: It's All About Style! Part V: Buying and Caring For Your Bass. Chapter 14: Love of a Lifetime or One-Night Stand? Buying the Right Bass. Chapter 15: Getting the Right Gear for Your Bass Guitar. Chapter 16: Changing the Strings on Your Bass Guitar. Chapter 17: Keeping Your Bass in Shape: Maintenance and Light Repair. Part VI: The Part of Tens. Chapter 18: Ten Innovative Bassists You Should Know. Chapter 19: Ten Great Rhythm Sections (Bassists and Drummers).