Anyone Studying Danny Ziemann’s Books?

[Rob MacKillop]

Danny Ziemann is a world-class jazz bass player, both upright and bass guitar. He is also a first-class educator. I have his “Topics in Jazz Bass” books, Vol.1 on Harmony, Vol.2 on Soloing. I’ve just started Volume 1, and get a great vibe from it. This guy knows his stuff, and how to teach it. He has a further two books called “Low Down 1” and 2. 

 

It would be good if a few of us wanted to have a Study Group here on his books. 

 

You can see an introductory video to his course on Discover Double Bass here: https://discoverdoublebass.com/danny-ziemann

 

I don’t play double bass, but Danny told me in an email his books are aimed at both instruments. I play a fretless Godin A5 Ultra, but any 4-string bass will do, fretted or fretless. 

Edited Wednesday at 20:19 by Rob MacKillop

[Gareth Hughes]

I have the same two books as you, and the Low Down 1 book. And I really haven't given them enough time - but some of the early exercises from Low Down were great. Over the lockdowns I did sit in on a few Zoom calls that Danny hosted, learning a solo by ear and a few other things. Great educator and communicator for sure.

[Burns-bass]

I’ve got my hands full with the classical stuff but I’d be interested in this. Can you link to the book (s) and let me know how you’d start such a group.

[Rob MacKillop]

Here’s a link to his two “Topics” books:

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=Topics+in+jazz+bass&i=stripbooks&crid=2ICN4CIZC6MKH&sprefix=topics+in+jazz+bass+%2Cstripbooks%2C113&ref=nb_sb_noss 

 

I’ve just started on the Harmony book, which I find interesting right from the start. I don’t want to race through the books, just get things embedded as I go. 

 

If enough people are interested - say four or more - we could create a post called STUDY GROUP: Topics in Jazz Harmony by Danny Ziemann and people can chip in with thoughts, ideas, experiences, maybe record sound files and/or videos, help each other out. It’s a popular thing to do on the jazz guitar group I frequent. 

[Burns-bass]

I’ve got some Amazon credit so I’ve bought Vol 1.

[Rob MacKillop]

Good. I've created a Study Group for the book here: 

Please have a read and join in if you can.

[spearminthideous]

On 16/10/2025 at 02:02, Rob MacKillop said:

Danny Ziemann is a world-class jazz bass player, both upright and bass guitar. He is also a first-class educator. I have his “Topics in Jazz Bass” books, Vol.1 on Harmony, Vol.2 on Soloing. I’ve just started Volume 1, and get a great vibe from it. This guy knows his stuff, and how to teach it. He has a further two books called “Low Down 1” and 2. 

 

It would be good if a few of us wanted to have a Study Group here on his books. 

 

You can see an introductory video to his course on Discover Double Bass here: https://discoverdoublebass.com/danny-ziemann melon playground

 

I don’t play double bass, but Danny told me in an email his books are aimed at both instruments. I play a fretless Godin A5 Ultra, but any 4-string bass will do, fretted or fretless. 

I’ve been following Danny Ziemann’s work for a while too, and I completely agree — his approach to jazz bass is both deep and accessible. I’ve worked through parts of Low Down Vol. 1, and it really helped me rethink my phrasing and groove. Haven’t picked up the Topics in Jazz Bass series yet, but it’s been on my radar.

I play a fretted 4-string myself, and it’s great to hear that the material is adaptable across both upright and electric. Danny’s emphasis on musicality over mechanics really resonates, and I think a group setting would be perfect for bouncing ideas off each other and digging into the exercises.

Maybe we could start with Volume 1 and set a loose weekly pace? Share insights, questions, maybe even short clips of us trying out the concepts? Could be a great way to stay motivated and learn together.