Measures of Success Electric Bass Book 2: Electric Bass Method Book

Book 2 assumes nothing about where your bass players are and builds systematically from there. The method balances individual skill development with ensemble playing, so your students feel like they're part of the band from day one rather than working through tedious exercises in isolation. Sheldon and her collaborators understand that electric bass players need different preparation than their acoustic counterparts, and this book delivers exactly that.

The material balances focus and forward momentum. Students encounter new concepts within familiar musical frameworks, so they can think clearly about technique and harmony without being overwhelmed by unfamiliar repertoire. The progression feels natural and achievable.

This book serves electric bass players working through their second year of study, whether they're in concert band, jazz ensemble, or both. It's designed for students who have moved beyond absolute beginner territory and are ready to deepen their reading skills and understand their role in different harmonic and rhythmic contexts.

• Anchor dynamic changes to the rhythm section before bringing in full ensemble; bass tone shapes how the whole band sits in time.
• Have students practice exercises with the recorded accompaniment at slower tempos first, then gradually increase speed. This builds security without creating rush.
• Ask your bass player to listen specifically to kick drum interaction during ensemble passages. When those lock, everything stabilizes.
• Isolate melodic figures and have the bass play them unaccompanied before introducing harmonic context. This builds individual ownership of the material.

Assign this as your method book for bass players in their second year of band study, using the exercises and songs in your regular sectionals and full rehearsals. The material integrates smoothly with concert band arrangements at this level, giving your bass section ownership of specific technical and musical goals they can track across the semester.

• Reading in multiple keys and positions on the fingerboard
• Understanding voice leading and harmonic function
• Solid eighth and sixteenth note rhythms in various meters
• Ensemble listening and lock with rhythm section
• Tone control and dynamic awareness in ensemble context
• Building patterns and ostinatos that support ensemble harmony