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Hal Leonard Bass Method Book 1 - 2nd Edition Book/Online Audio
(Bass Method). The Hal Leonard Bass Method is designed for anyone just learning to play electric bass. It is based on years of teaching bass students of all ages, and it also reflects some of the best bass teaching ideas from around the world! The second edition has been totally revised and features all new engravings and photos. The books have been updated to meet the needs of today's bass students by renowned bassist and author Ed Friedland. Book 1 teaches: tuning, playing position; musical symbols; notes within the first five frets; common bass lines, patterns and rhythms; rhythms through eighth notes; playing tips and techniques; more than 100 great songs, riffs and examples; and more! The audio, accessed online for download or streaming, includes 44 full-band tracks for demonstration or play-along.
- GenresMusic
48 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 8, 2025
The best bass method book for beginners and intermediates. Teaches you to read music and to audiate on the bass. All the exercises are great. Brilliant brilliant brilliant!
March 17, 2023
Realistically I rate this book 3.5/5
Honestly learned more from YouTube…
I think this is a great book for someone picking up bass with no background in music. It teaches you how to read music and definitely helped me with getting around the low end of the fretboard.
As far as technical stuff… I thought this book lacked in ways that other resources excel. For example, while there are bass lines that you learn, there aren’t any technical exercises or etudes that you are really forced to woodshed.
If you have a background in music, get your hands on a real book in bass clef and start learning tunes.
I’m giving up on Ed Friedland’s method; however, I do like the way he presents concepts so I will definitely be back working through his more advanced material when I feel ready. For now, though, I might try Simandl’s method. I’m a trombone player and I’ve heard someone say it’s like “Arban’s for double bass.”
Honestly learned more from YouTube…
I think this is a great book for someone picking up bass with no background in music. It teaches you how to read music and definitely helped me with getting around the low end of the fretboard.
As far as technical stuff… I thought this book lacked in ways that other resources excel. For example, while there are bass lines that you learn, there aren’t any technical exercises or etudes that you are really forced to woodshed.
If you have a background in music, get your hands on a real book in bass clef and start learning tunes.
I’m giving up on Ed Friedland’s method; however, I do like the way he presents concepts so I will definitely be back working through his more advanced material when I feel ready. For now, though, I might try Simandl’s method. I’m a trombone player and I’ve heard someone say it’s like “Arban’s for double bass.”
September 18, 2019
I would give it a 7 out of 10 🌟.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews