Solos for Bass Guitar: Adaptation of Baroque and Classical works

Most "Bach for bass" or classical pieces for bass guitar include some of Bach's inventions, selections from the cello suites, etc. Or some popular bits and pieces from the classical canon. If you're like me, you have a couple of these and managed to play through a few some pieces relying on your traditional two-finger plucking. It works, but after while you may realize something more is required.This book is different in several ways.The selection of composers include names you may not be familiar with and compositions that include etudes and studies for instruments such as flute and bassoon, as well as some less-often seen compositions from Bach, Teleman and others.The major focus of this book is on the techniques necessary to play Baroque music on bass guitar, something the others seldom if ever mention. There is a section explaining how the ornaments are played. But the real focus is on right-hand technique with exercises to develop independance, use of the ring finger, and exercises to coordinate and synchronize using the thumb. There is a section on chords including bar chords.Jean is a guitar player, his other books are classical studies for electric guitar. If you have played another stringed instrument, his approach may be old news. Many guitar players who pick up bass use these techniques this naturally. But for those, like me, who play only bass guitar, and that with two fingers, this is invaluable. I've observed many players playing this way but lacked a systematic way to develop it myself.The selections included, and there are quite a few of them, will benefit from the enhanced technique explained in the intro. They are arranged from simple to more demanding. A tab for 4-string bass is included, though IMO a 5er suits this music better. And by the way, don't be put off by "etudes" and "method" peices designed to build your skills. They may not be as musical as a bouree (though they can be), they can be fun to play.Tab can drive you crazy, but don't ignore it completely. The author includes some left hand fingering suggestions. I'm aware that my fingering habits are not always efficient and the suggestions can be helpful, even though I play a 5. Note that the selections designed to be played above the 12th fret are given in treble clef rather than going above the staff in the bass clef. I haven't seen that before.The book is nicely laid out. It's large and will stay open on the stand - if you press it flat. Even though tab is included, the spacing and type font are efficient and readable. I wish more were like it. Many such books hog space, requiring too many pages for even a short work.The book is translated from French, (so the abbreviation for Thumb is P, ring finger is A) but it does not cause any problems. There is a link to the author's Web page. There are some videos there, not all that helpful really. Some slow motion closeups of the right hand would be nice. What text there is is in French.I'm still working through the exercises and the simpler peices. Fact is, it's not easy to change years of two-finger plucking. But it's a fun challenge.If all you want is to play through some Bach, you probably don't need this book (or any other for that matter, since many scores are available on line.) But if you're out to improve your technique, intend to persue this kind of music, or explore some less traveled territory, this one may be for you.

I recently purchased this book along with eight other books that all focus on classical works played on the electric bass. This one clearly stands out as the best of the bunch. It begins with non-trivial technique advice and explanation of nomenclature that makes the notation straightforward to read. The musical selections are diverse, and the right-hand techniques they employ are indicated at the beginning of every piece. The tablature is refined enough that I'm actually paying attention to it, unlike most other books that include tab, even though I play a 5-string bass that allows for more efficient fingerings in various places. The layout is excellent; the only issue I noticed is that in a few places technique annotations are partly chopped off at the edge of the paper (perhaps the book was laid out for A4, but this translation is printed in a standard American size). Finally, I really enjoy many of the musical selections, including ones I wasn't previously familiar with.

A perfect resource for bass guitarists who want to learn some “classical” chops. Includes a brief but very helpful guide to technique and an excellent selection of pieces that range from quite accessible (my speed) to quite challenging. I’m only on my third piece, but each has been fun to play and educational, and I feel like this book will be part of my routine for a long time to come.The author’s approach to this collection is very clever. He’s included a number of pieces from well-known composers (Bach, Telemann, etc.), but also dug things out of older instructional books for instruments that can translate to the electric bass - like Crome’s ‘cello book from the mid-1700s and Jancourt’s 19th-Century bassoon method. These pieces are specifically designed for students to learn from, and some are genuinely lovely. And it creates a fun feeling of kinship to be grappling with a piece that people were grappling with 250 years ago.One gripe: the quality of the print-on-demand pages is very decent but the binding won’t let the book lie flat when open. I cut off the bound edge and put the pages into plastic sheet protectors (A4 size, not 8.5 x 11) and then into a binder. A bit of hassle but a huge upgrade in usability - and the book is inexpensive enough and of such high quality otherwise that it still deserves six stars.

5 stars for the instruction and exercises for both hands for those of us new to this style coming from basic bass lines.It is difficult for someone like me in the early intermediate stage who has only used the standard 2 fingers to pluck with and has not played chords on the bass guitar. But I’m focusing on getting proficient on 1 song plus the exercises and not get ahead of myself (remember it’s a journey not a destination).

My eyes are not failing me yet. The music notations and tablature to small to read. You would almost need a magnifying glass to read this. Other than that what's in it is good info. You should be playing the music on there. Not trying to read that small print...

I brought this book for my enjoyment. Not for anything else in particularly and it's fun. Good for exercising your cross over fingering. And if you don't read music it does have tabs. I like it took the chance when I brought it. really good for your endurance........Eddy.......If your looking for something different I would say buy it!

great book. it has a lot of music to learn. i really great buy for the money....you can't beat it.

If you want your technical ability to go off earth good! Get this and learn it. The book shows you the correct left and right hand positions. The music examples are free to download online no sign up needed. The person who make those book did an outstanding and detailed job. The music and tab are bold and easy to read. If you want to know classic music on BASS this is your BOOK! Get this book if you want technical detailed fingering. Well worth the asking price.

This pieces are not only fun to play, but you can also feel the improvement in your finger independency and fluidity through the neck while taking the challenge.

Excellent book good stock too, really pleased I got this book, it's great for expanding your bass playing skills, also a refreshing change as they are classical scores, (Exercises), the beginning of this book has a very useful section on different techniques explained, followed by the scores, they are music scores, and in tablature too, and plenty of them, The Track Numbers corespond with the page numbers, Track Nos Are from page No 27 Too page No 102, these you can also play along too the backing tracks that are also provided.

英語苦手だけと、何となく分かる（本当か～（≧∀≦））運指のやり方から親切に図解してるので、面白い

This compilation of short tunes makes learning the bass guitar very easy for anyone familiar with music notation and theory. I found it makes learning the bass guitar easier then just a rock riff collection.