Bass Grooves: Develop Your Groove and Play Like the Pros in Any Style Book/CD (Softcover) [Paperback]

Ed Friedland (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2004

The only book to teach groove development strategies that includes drum notation and tips on programming drum machines, Bass Grooves and its accompanying CD give bass players both the musical background and training needed to get on with their grooving. With lessons guided by a metronome and presented in various musical styles and rhythmic applications, bassists increase their ability to internalize rhythm. The book also breaks down classic styles and grooves from rock, blues, R&B, jazz, Afro-Caribbean, and other traditions. Each illuminating example includes a notated version of the drum part and details how to program it into a drum machine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Backbeat Books (August 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879307773
• ISBN-13: 978-0879307776
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #111,615 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid Foundational Book, March 12, 2006

By 

Emily M. Enders "Ubermoose" (Indiana) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bass Grooves: Develop Your Groove and Play Like the Pros in Any Style Book/CD (Softcover) (Paperback)

This book is one of the best books out there for the budding bassist, in my opinion. Ed Friedland, an experienced instructor and seasoned studio bassist, really lays down a solid foundation for understanding the role of the bass and how to fit in with the band.

Some definate pro's would be Ed's lively writing style and clear descriptions of the examples being played. Instead of pulling random grooves out of nowhere, he really gives solid insights on the music. And the examples are clearly first rate and give good bredth within different genres. He also gives very good ideas simply on becoming comfortable playing the instrument, which I've found is one of the biggest concerns for beginners.

The book does not go without a few cautionary bits, however. Ed Friedland highly recommends getting a drum machine to jam along with (he even writes out the drum parts). This naturally, is great advice if used, but without a drum machine (or, better yet, a real live drummer!), the book really can't be enjoyed to the same extent. So if you don't have a drum machine and have absolutely no interest in getting one ever, this book might not be the best option. Also, one should note that though this book covers many different genres, it doesn't go into real depth concerning any particular one. So, if, for example you dig motown, heavy metal, or whatever, try getting a book that focuses specifically on that style in addition to this book. Concerning just pure insight and ecclectic examples, this book rocks, but this shouldn't be the only book in your bass library if you are interested in diving deep into a specific genre.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Answer!!!, March 1, 2006

By 

Mr. Bojangles - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bass Grooves: Develop Your Groove and Play Like the Pros in Any Style Book/CD (Softcover) (Paperback)

After attending Bass at the Beach 2005, I came away knowing how important time and groove is to a bass player. My whole goal was to become a solid groove player once I came back. If you have any questions or difficulties about rhythm or keeping a strong groove than this book is the answer. I have never felt super solid about reading syncopated rhythms even though I have read numerous books and been told countless ways to try and learn them. This book has answered that problem for me. A drum machine is highly recommended as the book dissects the drum parts that should be programmed in to play each bass groove over. This is the first book that I've come across that really explains "feel" from many different angles. I could go on and on about it but the basic gist is that this book has me thinking about rhythm in a whole new way and it is helping my bass playing more than anything else that I've read. This will be my Bass Bible for years to come...Thanks Ed!

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for serious bass players!, September 29, 2005

By 

T. Krauze (Poland) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bass Grooves: Develop Your Groove and Play Like the Pros in Any Style Book/CD (Softcover) (Paperback)

This is not a typical book with bunch of licks without explenation. Here everything is explained in detail - how drums (should) work with bass in different styles. Great musical examples although it would be much better if music was split into seperate channels for bass and drums. Great book worth money.