The Complete Electric Bass Method: Beginning Electric Bass: Bass Guitar Book & Online Video/Audio

This method moves beyond music reading into the actual job of being a bass player. Overthrow's 20-plus years teaching at every level means he knows exactly where beginners get stuck, and the step-by-step progression through major scales, triads, chord changes, and rhythmic locking proves it. The integrated video and audio content transforms what could be abstract theory into something you can hear and play along with immediately.

Straightforward and encouraging. The book assumes you're serious about learning but doesn't assume you already know anything, so it never talks down to you. Moving from reading fundamentals into major scales, chord voicings, and locking in with a drummer builds a natural sense of progression and accomplishment.

Beginning bass players just starting their journey, as well as experienced players looking to deepen their foundation in music theory, chord progressions, and style-specific playing. The method also works for self-taught players who need structure and for private teachers searching for a clear, thorough curriculum that covers reading, theory, and practical ensemble skills together.

• Use the online audio tracks to lock in your feel against a real drummer and band; listening to multiple playthroughs before you try to match the pocket teaches your ear faster than reading about it.
• Work the major scales and chord progressions slowly at first, then gradually increase tempo with the video demonstrations to build finger confidence and fretboard familiarity.
• Practice the blues and funk patterns separately from the rest of your playing time; these styles have distinct rhythmic feels and require focused repetition to sit solidly in the groove.

This works well as a structured private lesson book, especially for students who benefit from having both written explanation and audio demonstration. Ensemble directors can assign specific sections to bassists preparing for jazz band or funk-influenced repertoire, and the chord progression and style sections provide quick reference material for students learning to comp during rehearsals.

• Reading bass clef and music notation fundamentals
• Major scales and scale construction on the bass fingerboard
• Triads and 7th chord voicings and inversions
• Chord progression analysis and functional harmony
• Rhythmic locking and pocket playing with drums
• Blues phrasing and blues scale application
• Funk groove fundamentals and syncopation
• Fretboard navigation and note naming across registers