Bunny Brunel's Power Bass: Soloing Secrets: Explore New Modes, Scales & Chords: Expand Your Improv Palette

For those who wish to expand their soloing capabilities, look no further; this is the Rolls Royce of ear training and fingerboard proficiency. If you've always wondered how the great Jazz giants have gotten to where they are, then is the book for you. In a few months you'll finally understand the secret behind the improvisational language and how it works, which is nothing more than playing around with simple modes and scales.At first glance, it may take a while to fully comprehend the material that is covered in this book, especially with mode names such as "Harmonic Major" or "Harmonic Minor". Rather confusing, I agree, but don't give up. These scales have been labled differently by others, (as in Aebersold's Vol. 26 "Scale Syllabus") and both names should compliment each other. The goal in the end is to expand your knowledge of how to feel the music in your own way.The CD contains 11 progressive variations of 12-measure blues, using scales and modes. Each variation has 3 choruses, once with Bunny, and twice for free improvisation. You can do the same in "Madrid" or "Pebble Beach"- a tune based on the same harmonic changes as "All the things you are" (but in 3/4 time). One small problem however, which concerns many errors of the musical notation. The software sometimes writes out enharmonic equivalents for notes that should be "spelled" differently. For ex., if a chord is B Major, an Eb shows up instead of a D#. The note sounds OK, but is incorrectly written. These mistakes really do hinder sight reading as well as the learning process, and should have been revised by the editor before publication.Lastly, I highly do recommend "Power Bass" for those who have been desperately searching for the road to expression and creative skills.

Although I liked it, I think this is for people who know music, how to create scales, modes, harmonic substitutions...If you do not know any of these do not buy it, try to pick an easier book

I have to disagree with the reviewers that say you really need to be well versed in music and reading music for this to be useful. This is totally untrue. You can use the tablature and simply memorize the major modes, then use one of these modes during a solo in whatever scale you are in, to really give it a unique twist. There are modes for almost every scale and they are not that difficult to get the hang of.

Not many secrets here, it wasn't nearly what I had hoped. A few things were helpful.

A great methodical approach to soloing on the electric bass!

This is a great instructional book on learning and or improving your playing ability on bass. It is very well written and easy to follow.

the scales and modes learn are worth the price alone,to get inside the mind of a bass great is icing on the cake...

When it comes to Bass instruction books, I own them all. However, none compares to this one. I have played keyboards for many years and just picked up the Bass. Not only have I progressed at an amazing speed thanks to this book but I have learned harmony concepts I can use on other instruments. I really feel like this book will have me soloing like a pro in no time. Granted, I practice a lot but without this book I don't think I would be where I am. I have recommended it to friends who have been playing much longer than me. I am convinced this is what they need to get to the next level. I am lucky to have gotten my hands on it.The book is laid out and organized in the most useful way. No fluff, Just facts. The included CD has backing tracks for all the lessons and not just a few seconds. You can really practice with it and get the most of what you are learning.If you are serious about playing Jazz Bass, trust me and buy this book. you won't regret it.