Books and Videos:  Instruction Method Books

Essential Elements Bass Book/DVD/CD Set

Manufactured by: Hal Leonard

Instructional Materials/Books

If you ask, I will always suggest that you start your upright bass adventures by studying with an experienced and schooled teacher. However, I recognize that both geography and cost can get in the way of that method, as quality teachers are not so easy to find in every nook and cranny of the world. I've been looking for a competent, thorough method for String Bass for quite some time. At long last, I am very happy to say I have found a very special package — and at a ridiculously low price.

These three books are an excellent series with all the elements needed for a new player, as well as someone who started to learn the bass on their own. It's extremely important to get the fundamentals down right, because "winging it" can result in poor habits that will limit your ability to advance. Learning the proper techniques can make an awesome difference in the quality of your sound! Finally, instead of the usual method books seemingly aimed at eight year olds, this series is intelligently written, well-illustrated, thorough, detailed, and does not talk down to you!

The DVD clearly illustrates some the basics to get you on the right road for success. In addition, software is included that let you slow down or speed up the tracks on the CDs — the same selections that are in the book — so you can learn by listening as well as playing.

Learning to read music is not brain surgery, and the best way to advance in music is to understand it. These books use standard notation, not tab, and you will be able to learn or enhance your ability to play by reading music. It's painless and surprisingly easy; the authors of this series have done a very nice job IMHO. The include fingering charts to coordinate with the music, which also includes fingering when appropriate. Of course, they eventually get into keys, rhythms, special techniques, musical terminology, and more! And if you are also a bass guitarist, most of what you learn here for upright bass will apply since both instruments are notated the same way. But before I go, let me repeat my original comment: if you can get a qualified, schooled teacher to work with you with these books (or materials of their own selection), please do so.

The complete set includes the following:

• Books 1, 2 and 3 - each book is 48 pages, with photos, illustrations, index, music exercises, songs, tips, and more
• Three Audio CD's, one for each book, which accompany the exercises in the books
• A DVD, which includes a fifteen minute starter video program, play-along tracks, as well as additional audio tracks. DVD is Region-Code "ALL" compatible.
• Amazing Slow-Downer EE software that lets you adjust the speed of the play-along tracks from 50 to 125 percent of the original tempo.
• SmartMusic^® Software, for exercise accompaniment and more (even enables recording and the ability to email performances!), for Windows, MAC OS 8-9, and MAC OS X. Note: Just found out this particular piece of software will not support all the tracks provided, but requires a subscription to play all of them. However, IMHO the features of this program are nothing necessary, and the files are all MP3 format. The Amazing Slow-Downer EE will play all the exercise accompaniment tracks, and other MIDI software can access the files as well.
• Finale^® Notepad^® Music Notation Software for Windows, MAC OS 8-9, and MAC OS X, to help in learning to write music.

Kolstein Upright Bass Bib

This classy black or brown bib can protect the side of your bass from finish scars, and even has a pencil pocket...

Kolstein Fine Musical Instrument Cleaning and Polishing Kit

Total Cleaning and Polishing Care for your Upright Bass (and all fine musical instruments)...

Super Endpin ball attachment for Upright Bass (tip, cover)

This little endpin ball replaces the wimpy rubber cap that your endpin spike is poking through. Aside from being more durable, it also will help avoid having your endpin skid across smooth surfaces.

Enjoy the Double Bass, vol. 1 & 2 - Instruction Books/CDs

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Essential Techniques for Acoustic Bass by Todd Phillips - Two DVD Set

An excellent instructional DVD set for learning to play the Upright Bass; with specific attention paid to tone, timing, and technique, it's an excellent visual means to learning the ropes...

Rockabilly Slap Bass taught by Lee Rocker (DVD)

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All Star Bluegrass Jam Along for Bass - Book with CD

This book helps you to learn the tunes, and the CD gives you the musicians to play with! There's no better aid to learning than jamming with other players...

Ron Carter - Building Jazz Bass Lines - Book with CD

One of the greats of Jazz Upright Bass brings us this technique study for creating great jazz bass lines. Includes a play-along CD...

Franz Simandl - 30 Etudes with 4 Accompaniment CDs

The classic upright bass instructional method features these etudes for practice; now available in a "Music Minus One" format for more effective and interesting practice...

Carlsson Swedish Rosin for Upright Bass

This premium Swedish bass rosin has a relatively neutral consistency good for most environments. It's Bob's current favorite!