Bass Guitar For Dummies

Part I: The World According to Bass.............................. 7

Chapter 1: Bass Bass-ics: What Is the Meaning of Bass? ..............................................9

Chapter 2: Gaining the Tools and Skills to Play ...........................................................21

Chapter 3: Reading, ’Riting, and Rhythm......................................................................55

Part II: The Bass-ics of Playing .................................. 73

Chapter 4: Warming Up: Getting Your Hands in Shape to Play .................................75

Chapter 5: Understanding Major and Minor Structures .............................................85

Part III: Making the Moves, Creating the Grooves ...... 115

Chapter 6: Creating the Groove ...................................................................................117

Chapter 7: Going Solo: Playing Solos and Fills ...........................................................149

Part IV: Using the Correct Accompaniment

for Each Genre......................................................... 163

Chapter 8: Rock On! Getting Down with the Rock Styles..........................................165

Chapter 9: Swing It! Playing Styles That Rely on the Triplet Feel............................183

Chapter 10: Making It Funky: Playing Hardcore Bass Grooves................................201

Chapter 11: Sampling International Flavors: Bass Styles from Around the World .....215

Chapter 12: Playing in Odd Meters: Not Strange, Just Not the Norm .....................229

Chapter 13: Groovin’ in a Genre: It’s All About Style!................................................241

Part V: Buying and Caring For Your Bass .................. 259

Chapter 14: Love of a Lifetime or One-Night Stand? Buying the Right Bass ..........261

Chapter 15: Getting the Right Gear for Your Bass Guitar.........................................271

Chapter 16: Changing the Strings on Your Bass Guitar ............................................281

Chapter 17: Keeping Your Bass in Shape: Maintenance and Light Repair .............291

Part VI: The Part of Tens.......................................... 303

Chapter 18: Ten Innovative Bassists You Should Know...........................................305

Chapter 19: Ten Great Rhythm Sections (Bassists and Drummers).......................309