Customer Reviews

Single String Studies for Bass Guitar Volume One

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

 

 

I considered giving this 3-stars, but then thought about how disappointed I was with it. I'm already a good bassist, but wholly dependent on chords or play-by-ear. I wanted this for my son and me to learn a technique I was lacking. Unfortunately, the etudes just toss you in without any progressive steps. That's not a way to learn to sight-read. I parked the book on a shelf and put together something better, longer and progressive in methodology using Finale. I didn't give it 1-star because, well, it wasn't truly awful

Working on a single string is a great idea and should be a part of the bassist's practice routine. The fact that this book does not have any technique recommendations or illustrations is a flaw that most bass books share, which is unfortunate for the beginner.

Before working through this book and I think that it would be a good idea to wire the circle of 5ths/4ths on a single string. This is a relatively quick way to memorize the first 12 fret positions on each string.

I purchased two Bruce Arnold books and both are very disappointing. First issue is the books are about 1% explanation and 99% redundant pages of the exercise in all keys. His idea of working on reading notes on a single string is a good idea. Trying to find the notes without looking cool. His way of doing it in his exercises make no sense. You now know the premise write your own exercises and save your money.