Grangur Posted August 24, 2013 Share Posted August 24, 2013 (edited) Hi All, I've been learning to read and I've found so much of the music you see for bass either has tabs under it, so it pulls your eyes down and you go back to playing-by-numbers, or the score has no rhythm or tune to it. I saw Jaco Pastorius in a video saying that to learn you should read and play anything and everything, well I got started and here's a few I've been using. I thought others may find it useful: If others are interested I could post moreBeginner:Amazing Grace - easier than Victor's versionAutumn Leaves - G Major - The bass line to the well known jazz standard. To play the "tune" see the score in the "Advanced" section - it's not too advanced reallyFrere Jaques - Traditional French song God Save the Queen - Uk National Anthem - various keys Happy Birthday Ode to Joy - Beethoven Silent Night - Christmas hymn Streets of London - Ralf McTell The Star Spangled Banner - USA national anthem Walking Bass Blues - a cool walking bass line from Stuart Clayton's book "Crash Course Bass". - A good book, worth a good read, like all of Stuart's books. Wedding March - Wagner Intermediate:Beauty and the Beast - G MajorCrash Bass Timed Ex, Day 21 - This is a cool simple bass line from Stuart Clayton's book "Crash Course Bass" (reproduced with the kind permission of Stuart Clayton) Crash Course Bass Exercise 38 - This is one I find challenging as there's a few places on the fretboard you can play it and it makes you move about a bit - Thanks Stuart. (reproduced with the kind permission of Stuart Clayton) Good King Wencaslas - Christmas Carol with no reference to Christianity that I know of... strange that.I Could Have Danced All Night - C Maj - From the hit Musical "My Fair Lady" - (This calls for a low C. If you don't play a 5, play it on the A string)Minuet En Sol, by JS Bach Morning Has Broken - Cat Stevens / Traditional The Blue Danube - Johann Strauss. This gives you an intro to ledger-lines and octaves; forcing you up the dusty end. The Sound of Silence - Paul Simon She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain - Traditional song Simple Gifts - A Quaker hymn.Meet me on the Corner - Lindisfarne - bass part Transcribed by MrCrane Advanced: Autumn Leaves - This is the score of the tune, not the bass line. To hear what this is meant to sound like, click here and listen from 0.50 onwards. Colour My World - Chicago On this one the chord names shown may not be right. They relate to the piano score which I worked from and simplified somewhat. If you don't know this one, you can click here to get the youtube It's really only arpeggios, but not the most obvious ones on the fretboard. La Marseillaise - French National Anthem Groups and others: Sunshine of Your Love - Cream (Bass - Beginner) If others can post more links that would be great. Edited November 12, 2017 by Grangur Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bagsieblue Posted September 5, 2013 Share Posted September 5, 2013 Thanks for this - yes, please post more up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cybertect Posted September 5, 2013 Share Posted September 5, 2013 I've been having fun with this little app for IOS: Sight Reading Machine https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/sight-reading-machine/id662692296?mt=8 Handy sight reading practice when I have a bass to hand or just on the train. It generates a tune and plays it; you can configure it to select a wide range of parameters such as tempo, key, note lengths, etc. Notably, it comes with presets for both 4 and 5 string bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evil Undead Posted September 6, 2013 Share Posted September 6, 2013 I really must learn to read SN. But it's hard and I keep giving up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bagsieblue Posted September 6, 2013 Share Posted September 6, 2013 [quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1378498053' post='2201281'] I really must learn to read SN. But it's hard and I keep giving up [/quote] Practice, practice, practice my girl... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted September 9, 2013 Author Share Posted September 9, 2013 (edited) When I first posted this I had great intentions of re-writing and transposing and getting a better library of pieces together. Since then life at home got complicated for a while and I've been working myself on only a few pieces and in a different vein to the first ones. The first 2 are from a book by Stuart Clayton. I'm not going to reproduce loads of his pieces. The guy has to make a living and, in any case, he's a member here. These are 2 I've been working having re-typed them to remove the tabs. I don't know about others, but I find tabs a bad distraction, slowing down the reading of the dots as you try to read both at the same time. So here they are in the "clean" versions.Crash Bass Timed Ex, Day 21 - This is a cool simple bass line.Crash Course Bass Exercise 38 - This is one I find challenging as there's a few places on the fretboard you can play it and it makes you move about a bit - Thanks Stuart. (reproduced without Stuart's permission at the time of writing, but I'm about to mail him) The other I've worked on is the intro section from a great track from Chicago. If you don't know it, you can click here to get the youtube I've not done the bass part, that's not challenging at all, but the keys line is better. It's really only arpeggios, but not the most obvious ones on the fretboard.Colour My World - Chicago On this one the chord names shown may not be right. They relate to the piano score which I worked from and simplified somewhat. I hope you like these. In the meantime I'm about to get stuck into another of Stuart's books - The Bass Guitarist's Guide to Reading Music. Damn I hate the lack of rhythm; but it works - you actually learn to read better that way. Stuart knows his stuff and drags you yelling into the world of reading. I just can't wait to get to the stage where Tabs don't distract because the dots score is easier to read than counting frets. I hope others enjoy this. You may also find this thread useful too - http://basschat.co.u...__fromsearch__1 Cheers Grangur (Edited to correct a link - Thanks Bagsieblue) Edited November 12, 2017 by Grangur Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted September 9, 2013 Author Share Posted September 9, 2013 Just one thought.... just so I know I'm not wasting my time. If you download the pieces, please can you post here. If nobody posts I won't bother with anything more. Many thanks G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bagsieblue Posted September 10, 2013 Share Posted September 10, 2013 I'm using them mate. Carry on putting them up please. Good work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bagsieblue Posted September 10, 2013 Share Posted September 10, 2013 [quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1378770381' post='2204617'] [url="https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=88014765C749B87!220&authkey=!ACPJOveRC5_dK7s"]Crash Course Bass Exercise 37[/url] - This is a cool simple bass line. [url="https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=88014765C749B87!220&authkey=!ACPJOveRC5_dK7s"]Crash Course Bass Exercise 3[/url][url="https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=88014765C749B87!219&authkey=!AAuwWooA3NQtnu0"]8[/url] - This is one I find challenging as there's a few places on the fretboard you can play it and it makes you move about a bit - Thanks Stuart. (reproduced without Stuart's permission at the time of writing, but I'm about to mail him) [/quote] These link through to the same file mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ambient Posted September 10, 2013 Share Posted September 10, 2013 I found that walking bass lines were a good thing to read, the rhythm is usually quite simple, but when there is a change it throws you 'cos you've gotten used to the quarter notes. The important thing is that the lines usually move around a lot, you often get a lot of none diatonic notes so you have to move around and it can get tricky when you get a lot of accidentals suddenly appear. The key's are sometimes awkward too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bagsieblue Posted September 10, 2013 Share Posted September 10, 2013 [quote name='ambient' timestamp='1378809011' post='2204803'] I found that walking bass lines were a good thing to read, the rhythm is usually quite simple, but when there is a change it throws you 'cos you've gotten used to the quarter notes. The important thing is that the lines usually move around a lot, you often get a lot of none diatonic notes so you have to move around and it can get tricky when you get a lot of accidentals suddenly appear. The key's are sometimes awkward too. [/quote] yep - I find the rhythms harder than the notes, obviously especially so with trick rhythmns and heavily syncopated stuff..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted September 10, 2013 Author Share Posted September 10, 2013 [quote name='bagsieblue' timestamp='1378804286' post='2204736'] These link through to the same file mate. [/quote] Link corrected. Many thanks Bagsieblue. [quote name='bagsieblue' timestamp='1378809656' post='2204817'] yep - I find the rhythms harder than the notes, obviously especially so with trick rhythmns and heavily syncopated stuff..... [/quote] +1 The thing I find hardest is finding the notes on the FB fast enough to keep to the rhythm you know you should be playing. Only after that can you then play the CD or switch on the drum-machine and try to get the timing right. So each one takes some time. Here's another : [url="https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=88014765C749B87!225&authkey=!AKnCt3nt3WXG7mw"]Scarborough Fair[/url] as this is meant to be a song from a girl about her love for a man, God help any woman singing it to the bass. But WTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted September 10, 2013 Author Share Posted September 10, 2013 BTW how I do this is I write them using Musescore (free software). I type up scores I have, or download some others have done. Change the clef and the key in the software and save them as a Musescore file and a PDF. If anyone wants the Musescore files I can load those too. I can load them to the Musescore library and you can then get them from there if you follow me there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesFlashG Posted September 10, 2013 Share Posted September 10, 2013 might have to check that program out i use Sibelius, is it similar? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted September 10, 2013 Author Share Posted September 10, 2013 (edited) [quote name='JamesFlashG' timestamp='1378811271' post='2204837'] might have to check that program out i use Sibelius, is it similar? [/quote] It's similar. For the money I guess [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Sibelius does more, but "you pays your money and takes your choice". [/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]I don't know how [/font][/color][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Sibelius First compares to Musescore. Until just now [/font][/color][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]I didn't know about [/font][/color][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Sibelius First. I'd been looking at the full blown one - £459![/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]For light use [/font][/color][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Sibelius First at[/font][/color][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif] £99 might be good. But Musescore is still there for free.[/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]What format you save files in for Sebelius? I'll check if the other is compatible (unlikely)[/font][/color] Edited September 10, 2013 by Grangur Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesFlashG Posted September 10, 2013 Share Posted September 10, 2013 Sibelius you can save as PDF, midi, wav, mp3 ( as it has built in sounds to play you r scores back) as well as a few more different ones. But i have old version and want to upgrade however i feel its a bit of a rip off and a free scoring software would be fine i think as i only use it for transcribing exercises rather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoJoKe Posted September 10, 2013 Share Posted September 10, 2013 just downloaded it... looks great! just what I need! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted September 10, 2013 Author Share Posted September 10, 2013 (edited) [quote name='JamesFlashG' timestamp='1378813612' post='2204879'] Sibelius you can save as PDF, midi, wav, mp3 ( as it has built in sounds to play you r scores back) as well as a few more different ones. But i have old version and want to upgrade however i feel its a bit of a rip off and a free scoring software would be fine i think as i only use it for transcribing exercises rather [/quote] Musescore saves to .mscx .mid (midi) .wav .xml .mxl .pdf .png .flac .ogg So it lacks the MP3, which is a shame. [quote name='MoJoKe' timestamp='1378814867' post='2204907'] just downloaded it... looks great! just what I need! [/quote] Which one? Edited September 10, 2013 by Grangur Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bagsieblue Posted September 11, 2013 Share Posted September 11, 2013 Keep putting them up mate. I'm enjoying working through them and the anticipation and surprise of what you'll post next!. Keep fighting the good fight..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted September 14, 2013 Share Posted September 14, 2013 (edited) [quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1378811605' post='2204841'] [color=#282828][size=4][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]For light use [/font][/size][/color][color=#282828][size=4][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Sibelius First at[/font][/size][/color][color=#282828][size=4][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif] £99 might be good. But Musescore is still there for free.[/font][/size][/color] [size=4][/quote][/size] [size=4]For £83.00, Notion 4 is a better bet.[/size] [url="http://www.notionmusic.com/products/notion4.html"]http://www.notionmus...ts/notion4.html[/url] [size=4]Much, much more to it, and comes with a great bunch of play back sounds (around about eight gigs) and more expansion packs avaiable.[/size] The articulation markings work a treat and give a real human feel when playing back the score. [size=4]You can export as PDF, Wav, Music XML, import/export Midi as well as bunch of other formats.[/size] [size=4]The learning curve is very, very easy, and also there is an iPad version.[/size] [size=4]You can transfer files between Desktop and Ipad.[/size] Plenty of tutorial videos on their support page. [url="http://www.notionmusic.com/support/tutorials.html"]http://www.notionmus.../tutorials.html[/url] Garry Edited September 14, 2013 by lowdown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted September 16, 2013 Share Posted September 16, 2013 Great thread, Richard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bagsieblue Posted September 16, 2013 Share Posted September 16, 2013 Yes, it is a good thread. Can I nudge you to put some more links up please. It's good to be surprised by a piece of music and to try and sight read it first off without knowing what's coming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted September 16, 2013 Author Share Posted September 16, 2013 [quote name='bagsieblue' timestamp='1379346217' post='2211526'] Yes, it is a good thread. Can I nudge you to put some more links up please. It's good to be surprised by a piece of music and to try and sight read it first off without knowing what's coming. [/quote] OK. Bagsie. I want you playing ALL of Sunshine of your Love straight off. Enjoy yourself. Others added today: Good King Wencaslas She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain Wedding March - Wagner Cheers Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted September 17, 2013 Share Posted September 17, 2013 A transcription I did a couple of years ago "Lets Hear It For The Boy" Original was played on Synth Bass, but still a nice read for Bass Guitar. [url="http://www.pdf-archive.com/2013/09/17/lets-hear-for-the-boy/lets-hear-for-the-boy.pdf"]http://www.pdf-archive.com/2013/09/17/lets-hear-for-the-boy/lets-hear-for-the-boy.pdf[/url] Garry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bagsieblue Posted September 17, 2013 Share Posted September 17, 2013 [quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1379358979' post='2211790'] OK. Bagsie. I want you playing ALL of Sunshine of your Love straight off. Enjoy yourself. Others added today: Good King Wencaslas She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain Wedding March - Wagner Cheers Rich [/quote] Great - should there be some links for these? [quote name='lowdown' timestamp='1379400298' post='2212089'] A transcription I did a couple of years ago "Lets Hear It For The Boy" Original was played on Synth Bass, but still a nice read for Bass Guitar. [url="http://www.pdf-archive.com/2013/09/17/lets-hear-for-the-boy/lets-hear-for-the-boy.pdf"]http://www.pdf-archi...for-the-boy.pdf[/url] Garry [/quote] Superb Garry - anymore??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.