Progressive Repertoire for the Double Bass, Vol. 1 (Book & MP3)

My son's Bass teacher is using this book to supplement her lessons. He is also in 7th grade public school orchestra class. This book along with his private lessons have him ahead of what his school is currently working on.

I am a newly starting bass player and I purchased this book at my teachers recommendation. I will say up front that I did not go from start to finish, nor did I progress equally throughout the book. I think I would be frustrated if I did that, because the book is a little cold and clinical in it's approach. I personally think it's best as a supplemental book that you would use in certain situations as you try to practice one specific area at a time.One thing that IS good about the book is that it covers the entire bass. There is a lot of variety in what it covers. Again, you'll probably be bogged down if you go start to finish, but if you use the book liberally and skip around, you'll really cover the entire bass. I am using one of the songs for a simple church performance because it's fairly basic, but has a nice melody to it. But most importantly, it uses the entire bass, so the performance gives a great overview of the full range of sounds that the bass provides - not just the deep sounds that people expect.

was recommended for my son who is just starting off on the bass, I'm guessing there's not many beginner books out there for the bass, because this one just starts off with 8th notes and 16th notes and no real introduction or sequential exercises. Must be used with a teacher for sure, I read music myself but without my help this was too advanced for someone just starting music.

I support the use of these method books when teaching (or self-teaching) the double bass for many reasons, but my top two are: 1. It is tried and true; students who use this method are usually successful according to their own goals. 2. It is unique in that the progression of topics covered, in my opinion, more comprehensively sets up the beginning bassist to understand the inherent variety in bass technique. (ex. thumb position/upper positions are covered earlier than other methods, which is actually easier for the arm and hand to become acclimated to.)Along with scales and etudes from other authors/composers, it's a great choice.

As pointed out to me by a friend, it starts out the student in positions higher up on the neck to accommodate the smaller hands of younger students. The tunes/exercises are child oriented as well. However, is a good way to learn the upper and thumb positions along with treble clef no matter what your age.

Having been an electric bass player for 25+ years I recently purchased an NS double bass. I bought this book to be able to get introduced to bowing. It's a good starter book if you've never done any bowing on a double bass. Not in tab, so it keeps me up on sight reading. The CD is a plus with playing along and getting the right sound with the bow. Beginner level songs. Well worth the money.

As a Double Bass teacher this book has changed how I approach the instrument for young students. It helps avoid bad left hand habits, and is written so students aren't afraid of the instrument's upper range. In my opinion, if used correctly, this method book series is the best one to use in private lessons.

My 11 year old daughter has been learning the bass for the past several years. She had first started with the piano, learning by the Suzuki method. Her teacher loaned us her son's old bass for my daughter to start learning. This book leads the student through learning the bass in a very similar method as the Suzuki method. (My daughter's teacher likes this book more than the official Suzuki bass book.)