Composer – Charles Mingus

Another melody transcription (I am working on my arco playing and wanted some stuff to look at that wasn’t those dreadfully twee exercises that you get in bass study books (it’s enough to put anyone off for life). This one came immediately to mind. For those who don’t know the tune, ‘Self Portrait In Three Colors’ is a through composed piece that features the same melody played three times, each with another voice added underneath creating some beautiful harmonies. You can play the first melody all the way through or change each time, as you choose. It’s just an interesting exercise for developing your skills in shifting positions and maintaining your intonation.

The tune is from the 1959 album, ‘Mingus Ah Um’, Mingus at his finest.