Single String Studies for Bass: Volume 1

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q	I have been playing bass for about 4 years and was thinking about getting one of your single string books. What is the difference between volume one and two. Is it recommended that they be studied in order?
A	Thanks for contacting me. The main difference between the two volumes is that Volume One has only diatonic notes for each key/string while Volume Two contains all 12 notes for each key/string exercise. You would definately want to start with Volume one before doing volume two.
Q	I have a couple of questions about your single string bass books. Do the books address proper position shifts, or are you supposed to get the notes with whatever finger you want? Also does the first book cover all the notes on each string diatonically or just the diatonic notes of each strings home key? (e.g D string, D major) I am interested in these books because I hope to become aware of every note I am playing.
A	The Single String Studies books does not address proper position shifts as far as it applies to bass guitar fingering. The main thrust of this book is the following: - Locate each note on every string - Develop uniform tone on each string - Feel where the notes are on the neck without looking - Read music on the bass guitar; read ledger line notes quickly and easily - Use the material presented to fine-tune sight reading skills You can also read more about this book and other questions people have asked at: http://www.muse-eek.com/books/sst1/sst1faq.html I would suggest you start the book using any finger that feels practical for the moment. Later on you could also read through the book using one finger which would also be beneficial but much harder. There are exercises for all strings in all keys. The book doesn't depend on whether the open string is diatonic to a key in order to be included.
Q	Here's what I own: Music Theory Volumes 1 and 2 Jazz and Blues Bass Lines Comping Styles for Bass Single String Studies for Bass Volumes 1 and 2 Rhythm Primer Fanatic's Guide One Note Complete Big Metronome What kind of schedule would you recommend for someone who works two jobs and has a wife and three kids? I can give a committed hour everyday in addition to time in my car (delivery job). What would you recommend I do when I have additional time (very sporadic)?
A	In your situation practicing in your head is the best solution. It is common knowledge among classical musicians that you can learn a piece of music or for that matter anything in music by visualizing it in your head. Many classical musicians don't even play a piece on their instrument before performing it live in front of an audience. You can use this technique to help you work on music when driving a car or waiting for a light to change. Of the books you have you could use any of them to practice in your head. For instance you could think through and finger in your mind any scale or arpeggio from the Music Theory Books. You could memorize a bass line from the Jazz and Blues Bass Lines or Comping Style book or you could work on hard rhythms from the Rhythm Primer. You of course can listen to the ear training and sing notes over the Fanatic's Guide CD as you drive. (You might want to get a chromatic pitch instrument to help you check notes.) http://www.encoremusic.com/vocal/6630002.html Just remember that mental practicing is exhausting when you first start it. It takes months before you can do it for any length of time. As it develops you will find it to be the most efficient way to learn. I would then spend your hour or instrument practicing playing the things you have mentally practiced or use the time to improvise with the scales you are learning in the Music Theory Workbook for Guitar Volume Two.