Book excerpt: Titans of Bass: The Tactics, Habits, and Routines from over 130 of the World's Best reveals the experiences of over 130 of the world's top bassists to help the beginning bassist learn and play their first song. Picking up an instrument for the first time can be a confusing, frustrating experience, but KJ Jenson consulted the best players to give readers an inside look and a running start at the bass guitar. Navigate the first steps of taking on the bass, such as which songs to learn, what to practice every day to enhance skills, and which musicians to emulate. From over 130 interviews of the best bassists, KJ Jenson lends the perspectives of musical heroes on how they conquered the bass. Titans of Bass includes interviews with bass wizards such as Justin Chancellor (Tool), Billy Sheehan, Ron Carter, John Patitucci, Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath), Nathan East, Snow Owl, Abraham Laboriel, Sean Lennon, Leland Sklar, George Porter Jr., Christian McBride, Jack Casady, Stuart Hamm, Verdine White, Bill Laswell, and over 125 more.