Jazz Bass Lines in 12 keys Books I -V complete set

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Constructing Walking  Jazz Bass Lines complete set.    Jazz Bass Lines in 12 keys
Book I - The blues in 12 keys
Book II - Rhythm changes in 12 keys
Book III - Standard Lines
Book IV - Building a 12 key Facility for the Jazz Bassist
Book IV - Building a 12 key Facility for the Jazz Bassist Pt I
Constructing Walking Jazz Bass Lines Book IV - Building a 12 Key Facility for the Jazz Bassist: Book & MP3 Playalong (Volume 4) (Paperback
Masterpiece, " A Must Have" for any aspiring Jazz Bassist or Jazz Pianist. Once again ,Mr Mooney delivers!! Clearly outlines the language of our jazz
harmonic foundation. Demonstrates how to "walk the walk" and "talk the talk"
I bought three of Steven's books - this one, "Blues in 12 Keys", and "Rhythm Changes" - and they are all excellent. The theory of bass line construction is clearly presented, but more importantly (to me) there are enough examples to put the theory in a musical context. Getting from one chord to the next is only the beginning; a really good bass line has a theme that is developed over the whole form of the song. The examples in these books are really good for that. I feel like my vocabulary has gotten bigger and my lines are sounding much better already, and I'm barely halfway through the book.
If you are an absolute beginner this book might be too challenging, you might want to start with Ed Friedland's book instead. But for an intermediate player (or a brave beginner) there is a lot here that will really help you get to the next level. For less than the price of one private lesson, it's a no-brainer. Buy it.
I bought Constructing Walking Jazz Bass Lines books I, II, III & IV. They are all fantastic. The bass lines sound great. The concept of having the facility to play tunes in all 12 keys is fantastic and Steven Mooney's instruction is invaluable. Highly recommended!
I am highly recommending Steven Mooney's method for Constructing Walking Bass Lines Book I The Blues in 12 Keys, Book II Rhythm Changes in 12 Keys and Book III Standard lines which I purchased mid July and I am eagerly awaiting Book IV. If you can read music a little bit or read TAB, this is the Method for YOU.
Steven's approach is masterly crafted to ensure that you are playing strong Bass Lines right out of the Gate in all Twelve Keys with numerous exercises to reinforce each and every concept whether Theoretically and/or Harmonically in a very Comprehensive and Progressive approach including clearly written directions of the various concepts for the thoroughly written out exercises. As we all know, we all learn by doing. Steven's method provides numerous exercises to keep each and every aspiring Bassist enthuse about Learning and Creating Walking Bass Lines.
I have worked with literally over twenty different method books and Steven Mooney's approach is definitely the best of the best that I have worked with. It is very player friendly throughout and it is masterfully crafted! In addition to a lifetime's work going into creating these books more importantly is the willingness to patiently share this knowledge with others that makes all the difference and Steven should be very, very proud of that accomplishment.
In addition I am truly having the time of my life with these books and I have only just begun!!! So many varied exercises to reinforce the concepts, techniques and sight reading among others!
Moreover, it is a lot of FUN! Steven SHARES the Mysteries of Understanding and Creating Melodic Walking Bass Lines. I personally find it challenging to stay away from his books but I know I should actively be working on Simandl, Ray Brown, Rufus Reid, Harvey Vinson, John Goldsby, Chuck Sher, Ed Friedman, Bunny Brunel, Bob Magnusson, James Jamerson and Jamey Aebersol methods as well!!!
Enjoy!
If you are an electric or acoustic bass player trying to improve your playing, the books by Mr. Mooney are a must. There are four volumes with play-along-tracks that you can download for your practice. For those of us that are a little bit lazy, Mr. Mooney has written out patterns in all 12 keys. I have the paperback and kindle versions. The kindle versions are on my ipad and iPhone 5 for study away from home.
Bird
Book three of Constructing Walking Jazz Bass Lines has a more theoretical approach to the book than the previous two volumes. Part 1 focuses on the theory needed to play jazz standards. It covers everything from modes and chord scale relationships to voice leading and approaches for application within a progression. Part 2 focuses on symmetrical scales and melodic minor scales. Part 3 focuses on the use of bebop scales. The first 3 chapters show many of the different scales and modes used in jazz. After an explanation of how each of these functions within different jazz chord progressions, examples are given that demonstrate the practical use of all of these devices. The final chapter gives the player numerous examples of common jazz progressions labeled under witty titles based off of the original tune name such as "Slipped into a Dream" or "No ones here." Each example demonstrates applications of the various scales and modes learned in the previous chapters. This book covers all angles that can be used in creating a walking bass line for any tune. It is direct and easy to comprehend. Any advancing bassist should take a look at Constructing Walking Jazz Bass Lines.
An excellent book that focuses on learning by playing the changes and internalizing the patterns. Steven Mooney presents you with the basics of how to play through ii-V7s, or diminished chords, or some other topic, and then gives you plenty of exercises that feature the patterns and cadences the bass player will actually encounter in playing through the standards. Working through Mooney's books on the blues, rhythm changes, and standards is a great way to learn to play jazz bass.
An "Absolute must have" Hands down!! The Constructing Walking Bass line series delivers on how to walk the walk and talk the talk -Constructing Walking Jazz Bass Lines, Book 3: Walking Bass Lines- Standard Lines in 12 Keys Upright Bass and Electric Bass Method [Paperback], and all of Mr Mooneys Series. Prepares any bassist to compete in the highly competitive music business as a Jazz Bassist. My hat goes off to you Sir, your text should be reguired reading for any aspiring bassist.
"Standard Lines" is the 3rd installment of Steven Mooney's "Constructing Walking Jazz Bass Lines" series. Here's hoping it is far from the last. The book details many techniques that are a revelation to the aspiring bassist, and a good review for the advanced musician. For example Part 1 starts, innoculously enough, with the subject "How to Construct the Triads off the
major scale". Mr Mooney walks the reader through that subject detailing both the notes for the triads used and a nicely done example. Mr Mooney also goes into depth here by explaining chromatic approaches walks up and down. In the next section, we find the Scalar approach, which details the technique for the bassists usage of using scales as a foundation as opposed to triads.
Part 2 outlines the use of Symmetric and Melodic Minor scales. Diminished and Whole tone scales are covered for the avid reader. Part 3 covers Be Bop Scales. Is Hip Hop the grandchild of Be Bop? Someone should answer that burning question, but I don't expect Mr. Mooney to do so. He applies himself quite well to the serious subjects at hand. Part 4 is Jazz Bass line examples over Standard Jazz Chord Construction. In this section we find exercises for the bassist that are both challenging and therefore interesting for all bassists.
Mr. Mooney's latest book is a must read for all of us who ply the "Dark Strings". I keep opening all three of his books for education and fun playing. I'm sure you will also.
Book one of Constructing Walking Bass Lines focuses on the blues. It's a great starting place for the beginning jazz bassist. The first chapter covers over a dozen ways to approach a walking bass line. Numerous examples of these devices are given throughout the chapter while incorporating basic jazz theory and examples of smooth voice leading on the instrument. The second chapter simply makes practical use of all of these techniques combined within the blues in every key ascending chromatically. The bassist will not only build endurance and facility in every key from these exercises, but will also develop their own sound on the instrument. This book demonstrates many ideas and techniques that could be an impetus for developing ones own sound. It is unrestricted, leaving the player to his or her own creativity while providing a basis of support to the soloist. I would recommend this book to any bassist interested in jazz. It is the perfect tool for the advancing bass player or for music educators with talented young bassists in their band.
After deciding last year to focus on jazz as my main genre, I ordered Steven's books after reading the preview pages. Though walking basics and theory aren't new to me, book 1 lays a solid foundation. For those who have gone through other walking books such as Ed Friedland's. Many of the concepts will be familiar to you, Steven goes into a little more detail.
Having fully written lines, you're able to see and analysis how and why the lines work. Which goes a long way when writing out your own lines or using chord charts. I also appreciate that the first section is centred around one key. It has helped me adjust to my fret-less again. The use of different rhythmic variation is a good touch as well.
Part 2 of the book and working through all twelve keys can be quite a task. It has helped me brush up on my sight reading, something I haven't actively done for many years. If you can't read standard notation, TAB versions are also available, which sets the book apart. The available MP3 backing tracks are also a great tool. I like the fact they quite long, allowing you to more easily put things into practice.
Overall I'm very impressed with the series so far. I would highly recommend book 1 to anyone who's interested in jazz. For those like me who have used Friedland's book. I feel Steve's are an excellent continuation of knowledge. For absolute beginners or those without basic music theory. Things may be a little more challenging at first. The official website has a forum, where you can sign up and get help from Steven himself and the other members.
I can foresee using the book for years to come. Keep up the good work Steve.. looking forward to the release of book V.
This book had a lot more information and was way more advanced than I expected. It's the most comprehensive jazz bass book I've found to date. I've been working out of several books for the last year or so, but this is going to be my focus for the foreseeable future. I will definitely be getting the others in the series.
An "Absolute must have" Hands down!! The series delivers on how to walk the walk and talk the talk -Constructing Walking Jazz Bass Lines, Book 1: Walking Bass Lines- The Blues in 12 Keys Upright Bass and Electric Bass Method [Paperback], and all of Mr Mooneys Series. Prepares any bassist to compete in the highly competitive music business as a Jazz Bassist. My hat goes off to you Sir, your text should be reguired reading for any aspiring bassist.
I was a student of Steven Mooney's at the time this book was published. I am what you would call a serious amatuer player, and had struggled for years to understand the material that is presented in this book. Let me tell you, the other reviewers are 100% correct, and Steven is a master at presenting this material in a context that is logical and easy to understand. If you understand the material presented in Book I you will be able to write effective lines and function in the role of a jazz bassist. His guidance has changed my playing and understanding of music, and allowed me to play at a level I would not have thought possible a short time ago. This is money well spent for a foundation you will use as long as you play the instrument.
I bought three of Steven's books - this one, "rhythm Changes", and "Jazz Standards" - and they are all excellent. Lots of introductory method books show what to play in a single measure to get from one chord to the next, and that is a good place to start. But the next step is to create a line that is melodic and interesting over the whole song form. That's what these books do really well. The underlying theory is clearly presented, and the transcribed lines show how to put the theory in a useful musical context. Well worth the price.
Recommending both Book 1 (The Blues in 12 Keys) and Book 2 (Rhythm Changes in 12 Keys) as a pair for building a firm foundation in learning how to play Jazz bass lines:
The 12-bar blues and "Rhythm" changes (coming from "I Got Rhythm") are two of the fundamental building-block progressions in Jazz. Together, they form a basis for understanding much of Jazz. These progressions, or portions of them, are used again-and-again throughout the Jazz repertoire. Yet, it is nice that so many variations are given on the basic A-part of the Rhythm Changes progression, since that is the way it really gets played: not just the same lines repeated over-and-over.
I am particularly pleased that all the examples are completely written-out note-for-note; whereas in many books by other authors, an example will be given in one key with the other keys being left up to the student to figure-out! I always found that to be extremely frustrating.
Writing-out all the bass lines instead of just the chord symbols lets the student learn the actual melodic motion of bass lines in the way that they are really used. The use of scale-type phrases, chromatic lines, occasional wide interval leaps, and rhythmic variations (such as quarter-note triplets and dotted-eighth/sixteenth notes) ...in full context... really puts it all in proper perspective. It shows how those devices are actually used! That's the stuff people learn-from through specific examples! Then once the student becomes familiar with it all and gets the hang of it, he or she should be able to call on these ideas in increasingly improvisational and hence musical ways.
The books will be very useful in learning these specifically important Jazz progressions in every key, which practically every Jazz teacher tells me I should do! Many years of Jazz music-theory training gives me enough insight to recognize that the given examples will be very useful tools in gaining a good grasp of the melodic nature of walking bass lines. Additionally, the appearance and lay-out are comfortable to look-at, which makes it all easier to read; and I like the Jazz fonts!
"Constructing Walking Jazz Bass Lines, Book 1, The Blues in 12 Keys: A Comprehensive Guide To Constructing Walking Jazz Bass Lines for the Double Bassist and Electric Jazz Bassist" is a complete 12-key guide to techniques and devices used to construct walking jazz bass lines in the jazz tradition.
Part I, the Blues in F, presents exercises and techniques known to help create robust jazz bass lines, moving forward while retaining a solid rhythmic, harmonic foundation. Part 2, The Blues in 12 Keys, expands further the lessons of Part 1, providing previous techniques and devices used in professional level bass lines in all 12 keys. The practical and ambitious aim of "Constructing Walking Jazz Bass Lines" is "to give the aspiring bassist a solid grounding in understanding how to construct walking Jazz Bass lines and support a melody and or soloist (p. 97)." The Book concludes with sage advice, "Listen to as much music as you can, Listen to the masters (p.97)."
Included is full notations with enharmonic chord symbols for more than 150 choruses of jazz blues lines in all 12 keys, using the whole register of the instrument. "Constructing Walking Jazz Bass Lines Book 1" is an invaluable resource to the aspiring jazz bassist, with potential for learning teaching and great practical application.
First of all, the title is a bit of a misnomer. Yes, there are transcriptions of Blues in all twelve keys. The transcriptions are 3 to 5 pages each. But what the beginning to intermediate bassist will find most usefull are the 33 pages, at the beginning of the book, demonstrating the various devices that Jazz Bassists use to construct effective bass lines. The Advanced player will welcome the books interesting exercises to use for keeping the chops up. Steven Moody, the author, guides the reader through exercises including Chromatic Approaches, Dominant 7th Chords, Harmonic anticipation, Voice leading tones, and Tri-Tone Substitution. Mr. Moody's book gives clearly written directions of the various techniques,followed by bass clef progressions that detail the examples. All the examples are interesting and go beyond the usual straight 4 beats to the bar that unfortunately fill up many of the books that I've purchased. I can see that this book will end up as dog-eared and ragged as my copy of Simandl, from repeated use.
"A must have". The Rhythm Changes in 12 keys ensures preparation for the mastery of the jazz language.Particularly,the Bebop and beyond language. Bar none, Mr Mooney clearly lays out how to walk the walk and talk the talk!!
I am very happy to offer this review of Constructing Walking Jazz Bass Lines BK II. I have had the opportunity for individual lessons with Mr. Mooney, where I was introduced to his books. Bottom line is this is what you need if you wish to become proficient with the instrument and genre. This is, in my humble opinion, the material you need to have under your hands if you want to be able function successfully as a bass player. It is not easy, but nothing of value ever is. This is for the dollar the best investment you can make in fundamentals that you will use for the rest of your playing career.
I bought three of Steven's books - this one, "Blues in 12 Keys", and "Jazz Standards" - and they are all excellent.
Lots of introductory method books show what to play in a single measure to get from one chord to the next, and that is a good place to start. But the next step is to create a line that is melodic and interesting over the whole song form. That's what these books do really well. The underlying theory is clearly presented, and the transcribed lines show how to put the theory in a useful musical context.
If you are an absolute beginner this book will be pretty challenging; you might want to look at Ed Friedland's book instead. But if you have some basic familiarity with walking bass lines and want to take your playing to the next level, this is the book for you. Well worth the price.
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Book two of Constructing Walking Bass Lines is on rhythm changes. The great thing about this series is the emphasis put on playing in every key, which is necessary for any jazz musician. Like book one of this series, book two provides many common ways to approach constructing a walking bass line. Part one breaks down the structure and form of rhythm changes by section. There are examples of all of the common ways to approach rhythm changes, the various chord substitutions that you will encounter and provides you with the smoothest voice leading variations possible. Part two focuses on the A section of the progression. Common progressions are covered here using the various devices covered in the previous chapter. The third chapter is focused on the bridge section. It also covers secondary dominant and substitution chords that can be used as well. Part 4 is rhythm changes in 12 keys implementing all of the techniques and devices demonstrated in the previous chapters. Playing through this book will improve any advancing bass players technique and fluidity on the instrument by light years. This book demonstrates all the common ways to play rhythm changes that you will encounter. It provides the bassist with many tools to approach constructing an interesting and creative accompaniment to the tune, while at the same time improving your endurance, time, and leaving the door open for you to be as creative as you like by using any combination of the numerous devices demonstrated. I would advise bass players of all levels to play through this book.
Here you get simply the best on market, if you are interested learning and understanding the art of creating functional and logical Walkin Jazz Bass Lines.
I have all four books in the bass tab edition (good thing), and each one gives you a really solid foundation in an easy and practical way. Every aspect of Blues, Rhithm changes, Standards and Jazz Progressions is analysed in great detail, offering you all the things you must know to feel comfortable in almost any Jazz situation.
The Playalongs (many!) sound great too and it's really fun to play with!!!
Perfect.
By
Constructing Walking Jazz Bass Lines Book I: The Blues in 12 Keys - Double bass & Electric bass Method (Paperback)
I am currently learning upright bass and learning to read music - this is the perfect book. I have created the chords behind the exercises in GuitarPro and it has really helped me to get a good understanding of jazz bass lines. I have looked at many books out there, but this really is the best I've come across.
Book I in the " Constructing Walking Jazz Bass Lines " series  covering the  "
MUST KNOW
" chord changes for the jazz bassist.
The Jazz Blues progression is an essential part of the Jazz Bassist vocabulary and was practiced in all 12 keys along with " Rhythm
Changes "   by the Be Bop players.
The Blues in 12 Keys is a complete guide demonstrating the devices
used to construct walking bass lines in the jazz tradition. The book
starts out in Part 1 by demonstrating the various techniques used to
provide forward motion into the bass lines, while providing
a strong harmonic and rhythmic foundation.
The exercises are designed to give the Double Bassist & Electric
Bassist strong jazz bass lines in the bottom register of the instrument.
As an added bonus for the Double Bassist Part 1 provides a complete
study of the blues in F whilst in the first position.
This is an excellent technique builder in itself.
Part 2 expands on the lessons and techniques used in Part 1 providing
the student with the previous devices used in professional level bass
lines in all 12 keys.
Included is over 150 choruses of jazz blues lines in all 12 keys using
the whole register of the instrument.
There are many advanced principles applied in the following bass
lines whilst never losing sight of the functioning principle of the bass
in the jazz idiom.
To provide a strong foundation of rhythm and harmony for the music
being played & providing support for the melody and or soloist.
Rhythm Changes in 12 Keys is Book II in the " Constructing
Walking Jazz Bass Lines " series for the Double Bassist and Electric
Jazz Bassist.
Rhythm Changes in 12 Keys compliments Book I " The Blues in
12 Keys " by following on with an in depth study of  "
must know
"
Jazz chord progressions for the aspiring Jazz Bassist.
Rhythm Changes in 12 Keys is a complete guide demonstrating the
devices used to construct walking jazz bass lines in the jazz tradition.
Part 1 of the book outlines and demonstrates the various
techniques used by professional Jazz Bassists to provide forward
motion and a strong harmonic and rhythmic foundation into bass
lines.
All exercises are designed to give the Double Bassist and Electric
Bassist strong jazz bass lines in the bottom register of the instrument.
An additional bonus for the Double Bassist,  Part 1 provides a
complete study of Bb Rhythm Changes whilst in the first position.
This is an excellent technical study for building strength, improving
intonation and being able to walk strong bass lines at increased
tempos in the bottom register of the instrument.
Part 2 expands on the lessons and techniques used in Part 1
providing the aspiring Jazz Bassist with the previous devices used in
professional level bass lines in all 12 keys. Providing over 70 choruses
of Rhythm  Changes in all 12 keys using the whole register of the
instrument. In total there are over 100 choruses of Rhythm Changes
included in Part I and Part II of this book.
There are many advanced principles applied in the following bass
lines whilst never losing sight of the functioning principle of the bass
in the jazz idiom. To provide a strong foundation of rhythm and
harmony for the music being played & providing support for the
melody and or soloist.
Standard Lines, Book III in the Constructing Walking Jazz Bass
Lines series for the Double Bassist and Electric Bassist is a
comprehensive guide demonstrating the devices used to construct
walking jazz bass lines in the jazz standard tradition.
Book III covers 24 standard jazz chord progressions with 110 choruses
of professional jazz bass lines as an example.
Part I outlines the Modes and the chord scale relationships and the
fundamental knowledge required to be able to build the diatonic triads
and 7th chords in any key. Examples are given in the " 2 " feel and " 4 "
feel walking bass style enabling the bassist to develop a strong
rhythmic and harmonic foundation.
More advanced bass line construction examples including voice
leading and mode substitutions and mode applications related to specific
jazz chord progressions are also outlined.
Part II outlines the Symmetric Scales as well as the Modes of the
Melodic Minor Scale related to the Minor II V I progression.
Provided are written examples of the Symmetric Scales and the chord
scale relationships and how to apply the use of the Symmetric Scales
over popular jazz chord progressions.
The Minor II V I  is outlined and compared to the Major II V I
outlining the differences with the suggested scale uses applied to
common jazz chord progressions.
Part III outlines the use of the BeBop Scales and their use in the jazz
walking bass tradition, providing suggested uses of the Be Bop scales
related to popular jazz chord progressions.
Part IV outlines the previous lesson devices and concepts with
examples of professional level bass lines over standard jazz chord
progressions.
All information builds in a stepwise progression enabling the bassist to
apply the techniques in all 12 keys.