Hiya guys. Ok, I was at a friends last night, and was flicking through one of his Beatles tab books. Although I rarely use tab’s these days, I remembered back to when they were an invaluable source of learning for me. Back then, we used to learn them from bass magazines, which tried and tested them. These days anyone can add a tab to the internet, and i’ve noticed that they are often very wrong!

So I decided to compile a list of books that will benefit you as players. They are defiantly worth checking out! Not all tab books from all of my favourite artists are available, though, which is a shame. Below is a pretty good list, though…

PRIMUS:

I’m thinking that this book will be aimed more at intermediate/advanced players than beginners. We all know of Les Claypool’s bass-playing prowess! Coming from someone that has studied Mr Claypool’s style for some time now, i’d say that this was worth a buy, just to see into his mind as to how he achieves his unique way of playing!

THE CHILI PEPPERS (BLOOD SUGAR SEX MAGIK)

This is a must have. This album isn’t just about funk, although there is a lot of it. In my opinion Flea’s greatest lines are in this book.

METALLICA (BLACK)

Nice and solid rock/metal lines for you to learn. A lot of this is simple stuff, and is perfect for beginners. Black is probably Metallica’s most commercial album, but is still a great one.

THE BEATLES:

This indispensable guide offers full transcriptions (including tablature and chord names) of ten of Paul McCartney’s most revered bass parts: “You Won’t See Me,” “Drive My Car,” “The Word,” and “In My Life” from Rubber Soul; the classic b-side, “Rain,” as well as “Taxman” and “I’m Only Sleeping” from Revolver; “Lovely Rita” from Sgt. Pepper; “Dear Prudence” from The White Album; and “Something” from Abbey Road. Each of these key tracks is analyzed and explained in detail to show today’s bassists how much they can still learn from McCartney’s remarkable skill and imagination.

NIRVANA:

Learn the lines that formed the foundations of a dozen of the best songs from one of rock’s most influential bands! In this book/CD pack, Chad Johnson explains in detail Chris Novoselic’s bass work on: About a Girl * All Apologies * Blew * Come As You Are * Heart Shaped Box * In Bloom * Lithium * Lounge Act * Mr. Moustache * (New Wave) Polly * Smells like Teen Spirit * Stay Away.

LED ZEPPELIN:

One of the worlds greatest ever rock bands! LED ZEPPELIN III includes: Bron-Y-Aur Stomp * Celebration Day * Gallows Pole * Immigrant Song * Out on the Tiles * Since I’ve Been Loving You * Tangerine * That’s the Way. ^Led Zeppelin IV} includes: Black Dog * Four Sticks * Misty Mountain Hop * Rock and Roll * Stairway to Heaven * When the Levee Breaks.

PEARL JAM:

Ah, the grunge years. One of my biggest influences right here, and one (if not the best) of their best albums…

ROCCO PRESTIA (TOWER OF POWER)

A funk institution and Tower of Power founding member, Rocco Prestia is one of the most important innovators of the electric bass. This Play-It-Like-It-Is Bass book/CD pack from Cherry Lane allows bassists to learn Rocco’s authentic bass parts. The songbook includes full transcriptions with tab for eight songs, a bio on Rocco, and his performance notes for each tune. The special accompanying CD features performances by Rocco along with Tower of Power members Larry Braggs (vocals), Dave Garibaldi (drums), Roger Smith (keyboards) and Jeff Tamelier (guitar) on four TOP classics (Credit * Down to the Nightclub * There’s Only So Much Oil in the Ground * What Is Hip) plus four new grooves created especially for this book (Don’t Knock It * F-Funk * Free-Fallin’ Funk * Hip-E-Jam)! Tracks on the CD are included both with and without the bass line so that players can “sit in” with Tower of Power!

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE (SELF TITLED ALBUM):

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE features exact note-for-note Bass transcriptions in notes & tab of all the songs on their 1992 debut self-titled recording. Hit songs include: Bombtrack, Settle for Nothing, Take the Power. Combines technical post punk guitar with hip-hop influences

GUNS AND ROSES:

An essential collection for every bass player who wants the low-down on GN’R, this songbook features an interview with Gunner bassist Duff McKagen and note-for-note transcriptions with tab for 14 of the band’s biggest hits: Bad Apples * Dead Horse * Don’t Cry * Locomotive * My Michelle * Nightrain * November Rain * Paradise City * Pretty Tied up (The Perils of Rock N’ Roll Decadence) * Sweet Child O’ Mine * Used to Love Her * Welcome to the Jungle * Yesterdays * You Could Be Mine.

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