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Rating: 
Summary: Why punish yourself?
Review: I began studying this book after several years of gigging and going through other method and instruction books--I'm always interested in the personal philosophies of industry professionals. Now perhaps the other books in this series are good, but I found this book to be tedious and uninspiring. Chuck Rainey uses a very strange right hand attack, incorporating the fingernail like a classical guitarist, and his left hand fingerings look awkward and not well-placed for maximum quality of tone (too far off the fret). The section on tone-matching with a piano goes on forever, then it's on to scale studies and exercises that will make your eyes glaze over. I'm sorry to sound cruel, but once you've read quality instruction books (Keith Rosier's, for instance) you will find a book like this simply unacceptable. Carol Kaye uses a singular fingering style herself, but her attitude and emphasis on what is hip and interesting over monotonous scale studies is invaluable if you're serious about really sounding good.
Rating: 
Summary: From the Classical Musician's Perspective...
Review: I found this book to be very well done and a good resouce for the higher level beginner/intermediate player. Many people have written to note Rainey's odd playing style, and I would agree with them - it is probably actually best for the student to skip this section. It is important to understand that Rainey wrote this method book much like the Arban's book for trumpet players - more exercises than you can fathom and very few bells and whisltes. If you can take the dry, repetetive (and sometimes downright boring) studies, then there is no question you will be a better bassist.
Rating:
Summary: Why punish yourself?
Review: I've been playing piano for a number of years and recently decided to take up the Bass Guitar. I don't currently have the time or money to work with an instructor for learning the bass. I picked up Rainey's book and found it to be very good. I'm about half way through the book and am now looking to buy the next book in his series. I don't know if this book is good for someone who is 'brand-new' to music, in general. It could be. But, having already had a background in music but NO practical experience with the Bass, this book has proven to be very valuable. I personally recommend this book. The author has a good, straight forward way of teaching that I really enjoy. Todd
Rating: 
Summary: Great Book for Learning Bass Guitar
Review: I've been playing piano for a number of years and recently decided to take up the Bass Guitar. I don't currently have the time or money to work with an instructor for learning the bass. I picked up Rainey's book and found it to be very good. I'm about half way through the book and am now looking to buy the next book in his series. I don't know if this book is good for someone who is 'brand-new' to music, in general. It could be. But, having already had a background in music but NO practical experience with the Bass, this book has proven to be very valuable. I personally recommend this book. The author has a good, straight forward way of teaching that I really enjoy. Todd
Rating:
Summary: This is a great method book for a serious student
Review: Rainey has written a superbly balanced compilation of great importance for every bassist, no matter what their skill level. This world class player will keep you interested, as a beginner in the fundimentals, or, serious as a professional. Chuck Rainey's magic is no longer a secret. It will stay with you throughout your journey and show you what bass is all about.
Rating: 
Summary: Good book, if your willing to study like a college student
Review: This is a hard core introduction to all scales and arpegios you can think of, plus a few you couldn't have. If you master each exercise, with your metronome set at least to 80 bpm, you will get a LOT out of this book. It will take a lot of will power to turn from one page of exercises to next. It is more practise than music, most of the time. This is OK, as long as you are serious.
Unfortunately, there is no CD, but you probably wouldn't want to listen to it anyway.
Also, I'm going to go on a limb here, and say ignore the "right hand" technique section. Chuck has a very unorthodox way of plucking the strings.
It's not easy, but if Chuck Rainey says this will make me play better, I'm going to believe him:)
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