Rufus Reid's Evolving Bassist

[endorka]

In another thread, Basschatter Baboom points out that he has spent a considerable period of time going through the exercises at the beginning of this book. From talking to people, I gather this is a common experience, indeed one I myself found discouraging when I first bought the book many years ago.

In particular, the open string exercises and arpegios / scales require a considerable amount of time to go through properly, particularly if you use the bow.

While it is possible to do this, there is very little music being made while the student does so, and it can be difficult to maintain enthusiasm.

Of course, further on in the book the actual musical exercises come about and all is well.

I'm wondering if there any tried and tested methods of approaching this book in a more integrated and progressive way, or if anyone here has gone through the book in a way that does so?

Jennifer

[Bilbo]

I did it all in one day, realised what the process involved and moved onto the more interesting stuff at the back

[Doddy]

I don't think I've ever worked through any book from start to finish,in order. With a book like that I tend to skip
between the early technical exercises and the more musical stuff.

[GarethFlatlands]

I have a fairly shocking sense of rhythm for a bassist so I found the early exercists quite useful, although dull and uninspiring as mentioned.

[endorka]

Thanks for that folks, helpful indeed.

My inclination is more or less the same, to use the fundamentals at the start for technique & background, then as "on demand" input for the more musical exercises.

I'd love to hear Rufus's opinion on the matter!

Jennifer

[Beer of the Bass]

I tend to dip into the early sections when I feel I need to work on specific things. Anyone used the Ray Brown book? That has some good stuff too, once you get past the pages and pages of non musical exercises.