Best book/DVD for learner

[Mickeyboro]

My son, who doesn't live with me, is getting a bass for Xmas.

Any recommendations as to a book or DVD that would be useful to him would be welcome.

He's left handed, if that makes any difference. Does it?

Thanks all.

Mick

[RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE]

Wouldn't think that being left handed has much to do with it,to be honest.
Getting a DVD/Book is a good idea. Iwould say that,ypu need to find out the type of music he listens to,
and a bass player in that field . (ie if it's funk ,checkout the jamiriqui bassist)
if it's metal ,checkout like Stevie harris or something.
Don't checkout Sid Vicious if he's into punk tho'......

[Happy Jack]

IME the DVDs are of very limited use unless you have already sorted out the basics.

I suggest you get him [i]Crash Course In Bass [/i]by our very own Stuart Clayton. Excellent book, and a very user-friendly way to get started.

[iamthewalrus]

A series of books that seems to be very highly rated is the Hal Leonard Bass series 1,2, & 3 by Ed Friedland. Whether you're right handed or left handed doesn't really matter (ask Lee Pomeroy - he was the house bassist at the Children in Need gig the other night, he plays a left handed bass strung upside down a la Jimmy Haslip).

I've seen a few bass videos, but nothing really aimed at a beginner.

Hope your son likes his pressie.

Cheers,
iamthewalrus