Book cover of 'The Latin Bass Book' by Chuck Sher and Oscar Stagnaro, with illustration of two people playing bass on an abstract blue background.

Latin Bass Book: A Practical Guide

By Oscar Stagnaro and Chuck Sher

The Definitive Method for Learning Authentic Latin Bass

The only comprehensive method book ever published on how to play bass in authentic Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Caribbean, Latin Jazz & South American styles. 

Written in the clear and direct language of the working musician, this high-level material is thorough and invaluable. It is the most in-depth study of Latin bass playing ever published, and will take you from student to practitioner of this beautiful art form.  

The book covers:

• Authentic tumbao construction
• Afro-Cuban bass phrasing and variation
• Brazilian groove interpretation
• South American rhythmic concepts
• Latin jazz applications
• Stylistic nuance across multiple traditions

It contains over 250 pages of transcriptions of Grammy-winning bassist Oscar Stagnaro playing each exercise (bassist with Paquito d’Rivera, the Caribbean Jazz Project, plus a Berklee professor, etc.). Learn from some of the best! 

Also included is a 3 CD Download with audio of Oscar playing each exercise. The bass track can also be removed, so you can play-along with the world-class rhythm section yourself. 

Featuring: 

  • Oscar Stagnaro, bass 

  • Rebeca Mauleón, piano 

  • Orestes Vilato, percussion 

  • Dario Eskenazi, piano 

  • Mark Walker, drums 

Spiral-bound, 262 pages, Table of Contents.

Sample Pages & Audio:

Endorsements:

“By far the most detailed and thorough Latin bass instructional we have seen. A must-have if you are, or would like to be, a bass player with Latin chops.”
— Descarga Magazine

“One of the most comprehensive studies published on Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian styles of bass playing. This book is a must for any serious student of the bass.”
— Latin Beat Magazine

“An indispensable learning and practice tool. This book acts as a personal master class with Stagnaro. Part of the joy of this book is just to engulf yourself in the sound and rhythmic feel of Stagnaro's bass lines on the audio downloads. They are tight and solid and really open up creative ways of playing a bass part throughout an endless array of Latin and related music styles. This book is so full of great ideas and helpful hints that bassists looking to learn about the intricacies of playing Latin jazz can't go wrong.”
— Down Beat Magazine

Peruvian musician Oscar Stagnaro initially studied at the Conservatory of Music in Lima and worked as a session musician there. Relocating to the U.S. in 1979, he furthered his studies with Mike Marra and Jerry Bergonzi. Oscar's expertise in Jazz, Fusion, Latin, and other music styles has made him a sought-after performer on the East Coast and globally. He has collaborated with numerous renowned artists, earning him four Grammy Awards from six nominations. 
Format: Print
$42.00
All Books Spiral-Bound to Lay Flat on Any Music Stand
Instant Digital Downloads
Primary Instrument: Bass
Primary Instrument: Bass

“As with all of Sher Music's books, The Latin Bass Book is a well-done and concise breakdown of the fundamentals of this wonderful idiom. It's written clearly enough for even the most beginning players; but even if you think you already 'know' Latin bass playing, this book is for you! Trust me, you'll learn plenty!”
— Benny Rietveld

“My extraordinary long-time bassist, Oscar Stagnaro, is one of the most intelligent, classy, dedicated and versatile musicians I have ever worked with. All of his valuable knowledge, a product of years of research and 'on the road' experience, is generously reflected in this book.”
— Paquito D'Rivera

“This is a very well-written book. As a drummer and percussionist, it has given me a wealth of information regarding these Latin styles. My students and I have especially enjoyed the excellent play-along audio downloads which feature a host of great players. I highly recommend this 'practical guide' to all instrumentalists, particularly rhythm section players.”
— Yoron Israel

“The Latin Bass Book is the finest work, in a practical approach, yet written. As a busy rhythm section clinician, I am thrilled to use and demonstrate this much needed and complete text. Congratulations to Oscar and Chuck.”
— Ed Shaugnessy

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