FastTrack Bajo 1 - Spanish Edition by bassist and educator Blake Neely is a beginner-focused bass guitar instruction book designed for Spanish-speaking players who want a clear, engaging introduction to the instrument. Written in an accessible, self-guided format, it supports new musicians learning at home or in lessons, combining fundamental theory with practical playing for a solid and confidence-building foundation.
This method book includes 75 songs and musical examples that reinforce core concepts, presented in both standard notation and bass tablature for flexible learning. Players are introduced to essential techniques such as reading music, playing riffs and licks, understanding scales, and developing rhythmic accuracy through syncopation. The included online audio allows learners to hear demonstrations and play along, helping connect written music to real performance while improving timing and overall musical feel.
As part of the FastTrack series, this method emphasizes progress through recognizable musical styles, including rock and blues, making practice feel relevant, modern, and enjoyable. The structured progression encourages steady improvement while keeping motivation high, especially for beginners who benefit from immediate, musical results and clearly guided steps forward. It also supports ensemble learning, as the series is designed so players can eventually perform together.
Whether used for independent study, classroom instruction, or as a thoughtful gift for an aspiring bassist, this method book offers a balanced blend of technique, creativity, and musical enjoyment. It provides a reliable starting point for building confidence, developing skill, and experiencing the satisfaction of playing bass in real musical contexts over time.
Mattingly's articles on jazz drummers have appeared in Modern Drummer, Percussive Notes, Drummer, Down Beat, Jazziz and The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz. He is a freelance editor for Hal Leonard Corporation.
Blake Neely has been playing piano since he was about 4 years old, although it took a while before real audible music could be detected. His fascination with music led him to other instruments, such as the French horn, guitar, and drums, but the keyboard remains his baby.
Upon graduation from the University of Texas in 1991, he moved to Los Angeles to experience the music business. He licensed music for Hollywood Records and later worked for Disney Music Publishing as editor of all printed music publications.
An award-winning composer and author, he has written symphonies, a piano concerto, and numerous orchestral and chamber works. He is co-author of the acclaimed FastTrack series, published by Hal Leonard Corporation.
Blake has worked as a composer, orchestrator, arranger, copyist, engraver, musicologist, and consultant for such prominent figures as Disney, Hal Leonard Corporation, Decca Records, Hyperion Books, composers Michael Kamen and Alan Menken, and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra.
Currently living in Austin, Texas, Blake spends his free time tuning into his family: wife Elizabeth, daughter Jordan, and son Jacob. Blake is the proud owner of a Kawai grand piano and Kurzweil, Ensoniq, and E-Mu synths and samplers. You can reach Blake via e-mail at BlakeNeely@aol.com.
