There are many that offer reading courses. SBL and TalkingBass are two that offer paid courses specifically to learn to read bass clef. Both are excellent programs. If funds are tight, here's a free course . . . [link] Most of these courses approach reading in the same manner: they all start with learning several notes ... ... more

An excellent summary! While somewhat old-fashioned in his approach, Chuck Rainey's 5-book method series (from the early 1980s, I think) is really thorough and comprehensive. My copies are old and do not have any tab in them so there's no way around having to read the notation. I don't know if that's true of later printings. ... ... more

I highly recommend the Hal Leonard series as a starting point. Just start at the beginning and work slowly and consistently, you'll get there. ... more

books: The Hal Leonard Bass Method by Ed Friedland has a stellar reputation online: TalkingBass.net has excellent materials and well organized you tube content ... more

I am using both of these because I learn/practice at different times of the day, depending on my mood. They pretty much have all that I need to learn. I also insist that I learn ... ... more

Agreed - The Hal Leonard book is quite good. TAB isn't introduced until p. 60, which is after maybe 55 mp3 tracks. I'm going back through it now and picking out the 'groove' feeling ... ... more

Skip the tabs, they're a pain (imo) and take more time than they deserve. Simple songs can be learned by ear, and the real way to learn is by reading music notation. If you start with the basics as you are, it'll come quickly. I'd recommend Ed Friedlands bass method books - they start really simple and just working on a ... ... more

I agree with learning to read music notation. It may slow some things down in the beginning (especially if not used to reading bass clef!), but it will open vistas. Having recently started on bass, I'm studying strictly with material in standard notation. I want to get this dealt with up front. Conversely, I find tabs can ... ... more

I just bought this book that you referenced and recommended. Yes, I waited awhile perhaps but I think I'm now ready to advance to the next level of learning. Thanks for your help and interest ! Much appreciated ! Paul ... more

I know exactly the book: Hal Leonard Bass Method Complete Edition, Second edition, by Ed Friedland. It is just under $22 bucks: [link] Conceptually there are three books, but they ... ... more

There is a symbol, 8vb, that is often used to let one know to play one octave below, but it's often omitted in sheet music for bass as it's understood that it's played one octave below what's written in standard notation. Check out this site for a good explanation on octave symbols on music notation. Octave Sign - 8va or ... ... more

That's great to know, thank you for the help, and the references I'll definitely check it out and get the books. ... more

Welcome to the deep side. If you want to really learn your way around the bass and lessons are not an option (at least for a while) consider starting with a bass method book. Ed ... ... more

Lots of good reviews on this book. I found it very helpful. [link] ... more

Truly an awesome book! Actually 3 in 1 Notation and tabs! ... more

I totally forgot about these books. I learned to play with these, and years later recommended them to a guitar teacher that wanted a crash course in bass playing so he could teach. ... ... more

Headphone amp is (arguably) all you need to start. Ampeg gets good reviews. It has an AUX input so you can play along with mp3 or whatever. [link] Hal Leonard Bass Method is quite ... ... more

If you can't afford lessons, I suggest starting with something like the Hal Leonard Bass Method. And start saving for lessons. Even one a month is better than none. ... more

I'll save some money do buy it ! Thanks for the Advice ... more

Why not the classics? F. Simandl's New Method for Double BassHal Leonard Bass Method completeReading Contemporary Electric Bass ... more

I can't recommend this book highly enough for someone learning to read standard notation. For someone like you who already has the mechanics of playing it will be a breeze. However, ... ... more

I'll check it out thanks man. When I used to have a piano teacher, I'd be held way through playing a piece and she'd shout "stop!" and ask me where I was on the sheet. Got me every ... ... more

The difference between our methods is as different as our personalities. Jeff is a firm believer in focusing on one thing. That works for him, and many others, and I have employed ... ... more

Apologies if my comments came across that way, it absolutely wasn't my intent to insinuate that about you personally so for that I am sorry! It would be a bit insane to think that ... ... more

I like this one for getting started. I still pull it out every now and again and run through the lessons. [link] ... more

Thank youn I will look into it! ... more

You can get by with a headphone amp. Most will have an AUX channel that lets you play along with mp3s or whatever. If you buy an amp, I'd look for one that also has the AUX mixer ... ... more

Lots of good reviews on this. [link] Keep at it, don't let the bad days get to you. ... more

Hi and welcome to TB. :) Check out this link on getting started. Lots of useful information here. How to get started? If at all possible I would recommend getting a real, live, ... ... more

Great start here. Can't recommend it enough. [link] ... more