Customer Reviews

Essential Bass Technique: The Definitive Technique Manual for Bass Guitar (Bass Instruction)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book teaches the bassist the "proper" techniques for playing bass efficiently (and safely). The author not only explains left and right hand techniques, but additionally goes into detailing the reasoning behind the techniques. The beginner who applies the mechanics explained in the book will have a very solid foundation for playing bass, and more advanced players are likely to modify their techniques and/or integrate new concepts and techniques into their own playing.

As I learned each technique I immediately applied it until it felt "natural" and my playing has greatly benefited from this book.

As the previous reviewer mentioned, there are not that many exercises in the book.

I would give it 41/2 stars.

Regarding the comments by "a reader" about the book barely scratching the surface, I actually believe it is very thorough when it comes to right/left hand techniques. As the title says, it deals with essential techniques. Readers wanting to learn about slap and pop techniques, for example, should look elsewhere. Also, this book is focused on the mechanics involved in playing bass, but it is not a bass method. Beginning bassists will want to use this book in conjunction with other books.

This is an excellent book on basic electric bass technique. There are a lot of excellent tips that will allow you to play more comfortably for a longer period of time. I especially appreciated the advice on left and right hand muting. Muting does not receive enough coverage in other books.

I would have loved for there to be more exercises for practicing the techniques in this book.

As a kid I'd played rhythm guitar in a few amateur bands. Fast forward decades later and I get a desperate call from my brother asking me to help out with his semi-pro band - on bass. Some people will tell you if you can play a 6 string guitar you can play bass. Well, you can play it like a guitarist - but not a bassist... That's where this book comes in.

I had four weeks to learn before a first gig and from the first moment I picked Murrays' book I thought "I can do this". He gives you confidence and shows you the few simple straight-forward techniques that separate playing bass from guitar. If you like your "How-to" info to be quick and easy you'll love the writer's over-riding ethos of maximum impact with minimal effort. This book is THE place to start for any aspiring bassist. Years on now and playing regularly at places like the Hard Rock Cafe this guide is the only theory I've ever needed. Thank you Mr. Murray!

Author of Gig-Getter: How to get more gigs than you can play

This book teaches all the wrong techniques for left hand, and barely even scratches the surface. There is a distinct lack of good books for beginners on the subject of technique, and although this one claims to fill the void, it fails to deliver. Using the techniques in this book you can be sure to develop tendonitis or carpel tunnel syndrome fairly quick, thus ending any potential career you may have imagined. I'm a beginner myself, and I have gleaned more from searching the web than from this book. Carol Kaye is highly recommended for good reason - go look at her website, at www.carolkaye.com and get her dvd lessons, you won't regret it!