Murphy Karges, founding member and primary songwriter of the multi-platinum 90s sensation Sugar Ray, unveils his debut book, Basics for Bassists. Karges, the mastermind behind Sugar Ray’s number-one hit “Fly,” brings his 20+ years of experience to the page, blending candid and often hilarious personal anecdotes with practical lessons and invaluable tips. “You don’t need to be a musical theory genius to become a rock star,” Karges says. “If a kid wants to be the next Green Day, you don’t start them with Beethoven. You start them with Green Day. With power chords and attitude.”

Endorsed by an array of respected musicians, Basics for Bassists isn’t your grandma’s dusty old music book. It’s a visually stunning, laugh-out-loud guide that’s as entertaining as it is educational. Packed with eye-catching graphics and easy-to-follow instructions, this book aims to inspire and encourage as much as it teaches.

Key Features:

-Empowering tools from a multi-platinum-selling rock star 
-Beginner-friendly approach to modern bass playing
-Real-world anecdotes from life on the road
-Visual learning aids that don’t bore you to tears
-Techniques to develop your ear and songwriting skills

Karges’ own frustrating experience with childhood music lessons fueled his mission to create a better learning method. “I quit after a few boring lessons and learned from my record collection instead,” he says. “This book teaches you how to unlock the secrets hidden in your favorite songs.” 

Whether you dream of headlining stadiums, rocking local clubs, or just impressing your church group without falling on your face, Basics for Bassists is your backstage pass to bass mastery. It’s time to ditch the snoozefest tutorials and learn hands-on from a real rock star.

“All the greatest insights into rhythm, harmony, and arrangement are just waiting for you to discover them,” Karges says. “My book is your all-access pass to that knowledge.”

Ready to slap, pop, and groove your way to bass greatness? Grab your copy of Basics for Bassists now at [www.MurphyKarges.com] or on Amazon.com and see first-hand why Katherine Turman of the Village Voice calls it, “the most entertaining, helpful and realistic book about being a musician and bassist ever,” and Joe Escalante of The Vandals deems it “epic.”

About the author: Murphy Karges was Sugar Ray’s bassist, a songwriter and backing vocalist from the band’s 1988 formation until 2012. The lineup’s six successful albums for Atlantic were highlighted by 1997’s single “Fly,” which became the band’s first No. 1 hit, the album Floored selling double platinum.  The song was included on VH1’s countdown of the “100 Greatest Songs of the ’90s” at number 52; Karges boasts five BMI Pop Awards and a slightly damaged-in-a-move Blockbuster Award for Favorite Modern Rock Group. This self-taught bass veteran lives with his wife and sons in Costa Mesa, California. Connect with Murphy at murphykarges.com and start your journey to bass domination today! 

“It’s a rollicking good read.”

-Paul Gray, The Damned, Eddie & The Hot Rods, UFO

“Wow! Murphy has written an outstanding book.”
–Arion Salazar, Third Eye Blind

“Murph gives you the nuts and bolts of bass design all the way to having tunes on heavy radio rotation and playing for huge crowds. There are many insights here to help you reach the next level and discover your own voice and mission.”

-Steve Fossen, Heart, Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame Member

“Basics For Bassists” goes beyond just technical instruction by diving into the artistry and mindset essential to becoming a proficient all-around bassist ready to hit the stage.”

– Jason Freese, Green Day, Goo Goo Dolls 

“My bass brother Murphy has put together an easy to understand yet comprehensive book for a beginner bassist to sink their teeth into. I think it’s important for students to enjoy the learning process. Basics For Bassists is a great place to start!”

Mike Inez, Alice in Chains, Ozzy

“Rife with anecdotes and musings, Basics For Bassists will put you ahead of the game and immune to a lot of bad decision making.”

-Kellii Scott, Failure

“I wish I had a book like this when I was a kid! Murphy takes you on a fun and personal journey through the BASS-ics that anyone with a desire to learn the bass would be smart to start with.”

Justin Bivona, The Interrupters

“This book really delivers! Real world applications from an experienced Rock Star with everything you would need to become a gigging musician.”

–Marty Schwartz, Marty Music (#1 YouTube teacher / 4.2 million subscribers)

“Basics For Bassists makes it so much fun to learn everything you want and need to know about the bass guitar. Besides the incredibly informative lessons, Murph’s hilarious anecdotes made me laugh out loud… I simply couldn’t put it down.”

-Stevie DiStanislao, David Gilmour, CSN, David Crosby