This book is based on the scale types that are necessary to master and understand the chord/scale relationships found in many styles of music. By keeping things simple and uncluttered, each page consists of only one scale type, drawn on a bass guitar neck with the correct fingering - a vital part of organising the hands. The more organised the hands, the easier it is to play. The arpeggio shape is also super-imposed over the corresponding scale in order to create an understanding of the chord/scale relationship. This is better explained with diagrams and not notation; however, because it is a good idea to associate finger positions with their notational equivalents, notation is also included. The simple but comprehensive jazz theory section will help the student gain a deeper understanding of harmony and further insight into how to apply the scales found in this book.

This book is primarily a book of Carlo Mombelli's recorded works. However, you will find not only the lead sheets or scores of his compositions from the stories of his life, but also chapters about his musical ideas, concepts, and theories about performance, listening, learning, and teaching, so that you can gain insight into where and how those compositions were created.The views expressed in this book are Mombelli's alone and come from his experience as a bassist and composer, and the music concepts apply to all instrumentation. He tends to write from the viewpoint of being a jazz musician and an improviser--even though he is not sure if his compositions fall into that genre, as he has never wanted to be stuck in a box. Mombelli expresses his feelings and thoughts on music performance and composition: things that he has learnt and believes in as they have worked in his life as a musician.