Music Theory for the Bass Player: A Comprehensive and Hands-on Guide to Playing with More Confidence and Freedom

I've been playing bass since I was 19 (I'm nearly 50 now!) and always avoided learning much music theory in case the technicalities of it detracted from the 'feel' of the sort of music I like to play. That approach works to a point, but I'm now in a band with some musicians who have a background in jazz and thought it was about time to learn some theory, partly because it's fun to learn new things, and partly so I can speak the same musical language as my bandmates!I've found this a really good book; instead of rote learning scales and dry lumps of technical information, it teaches in a way that feels very logical and progressive. I feel like I'm understanding the science, rather than just playing the notes, if you see what I mean. It includes links to really good videos too, and the combination of a well structured book and the videos make it feel like you are on a course with an expert teacher on hand, rather than working through a book on your own.I'm really enjoying going through this book and would highly recommend it to any bass player looking to gain an understanding of how music theory works and more importantly, how you can actually use it as a tool to enhance your playing.

Fantastic book highly recommend and the included video tips are easy to access and really fast access to information, really enjoyed working through both books

This has got to be the most direct way to your bass mastery. It won't take two weeks, no. It will be work, but with all the support you need and more, you will do it.

The coverage is good for basic/intermediate bass players. Some of the diagrams are tricky to understand, but maybe that’s just me. If you’re looking for the theory behind using triplets, for example, then you need another source. Posture, basic techniques, pentatonics, triads, inverted triads etc are all in there. All in all, it’s a good worthwhile addition to the library and with the book comes a range of videos to help apply the knowledge to your practical playing. Lots of help from an acknowledged expert. Recommended.

This is the book of an excellent online course. It is extremely carefully thought out and well organised and basically does exactly what it says on the tin. Over 20 lectures, each one requiring a minimum of about 100 minutes to complete, it introduces the bass player to key musical concepts in a digestible form and provides a wealth of exercises which are excellent at breaking down left and right hand techniques and isolating and removing bad habits while promoting good ones. The author is passionate about teaching and gives frequent advise and tips on how best to learn, particularly with reference to the PORA method. The course is arranged around a variety of online video demonstrations given by the author, with the student invited to play along. The tone of the course is friendly and inclusive, and is pitched in such a way as to be useful to all levels of ability. As a beginner to intermediate level player I find the lessons stimulating and challenging, taking me on average about two weeks each to complete to a sufficient level of proficiency to enable progression. They are very well structured with each lesson building on the last and offering fresh challenges. The course has already enabled me to uncover various issues with my technique that I was unaware of and has provided to clear road map as to how to address them. In addition my appreciation of musical theory is progressing steadily. In summary this is an excellent, well-organised, practically useful course that is well worth its relatively modest cost.

I first started playing Bass over 30 years ago and have had numerous lessons and bought a truckload of books, instructional videos over the years. After a long lay off I returned and found Ari's book on Amazon and it is simply the best book / advice I have ever received. There is no doubt Ari is an excellent player and tutor, she is very diligent and passionate about her subject. The book is so well structured and thought out it will help any one whether a beginner or an advanced player looking to polish their skills. Theory is often overlooked but so important and this is presented in a very user friendly manner. There are 89 videos included which provide a visual demonstration of the material presented in the book and there is no doubt I have learnt more in one month than in most of the previous years. My only regret is that it wasn't available all those years ago. I for one have now signed up to one of her online courses but there is absolutely no commitment to do so.

I have read many syllabi, lesson plans and observed many lessons and this book has the unmistakable quality of a teacher who is passionate about their subject and has an instinctive understanding of the way we all earn, it is a rare gift.I have been pursuing the course for a month, it's not easy ,but the little things i have done are beginning to fall into place. Through the videos and chargeable extras, like the wall chart (It wasn't available in the uk and was sent directly from California), they provide the context for studying. I will undoubtably subscribe to Ari's on line lessons at sometime in the future.Will I stick with it? I don't know, it is certainly very challenging although all your needs are anticipate by Ari. I have a particular ambition for these studies and as it is the last item on my bucket list it has my full attention