Best Book for Learning Bass Guitar (2026): 5 Picks Compared

A new bass player with a new instrument faces a clear question: which book turns scales and rhythms into songs that can be played. This list compares the best book for learning bass guitar by method, page count and edition date.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Bass Method by Friedland	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Bass Aerobics by Liebman	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Bass for Beginners by Head	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Bass in 14 Days by Mueller	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Bass for Kids by Johnson	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Bass Method by Friedland

Ed Friedland·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For a beginner, adult learner or teacher who wants Books 1, 2 and 3 in one volume.

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Pros

• Combines Books 1, 2 and 3 into a single volume.
• Covers tuning, hand position, note reading, scales and rhythm exercises.
• Structured lessons that build logically.

Cons

• No reading age or grade level is stated.
• April 1, 1996 edition, the oldest of the picks.
• Shares its method name with Book 1.

2

Bass Aerobics by Liebman

Jon Liebman·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For a beginner or advanced player who wants a weekly technique workout across many styles.

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Pros

• One exercise per week over a 52-week program.
• Covers chromatics, scales, arpeggios, string-crossing and slapping.
• Online audio accompanies the exercises, per the listing.

Cons

• No reading age or grade level is stated.
• A 52-week program of weekly exercises.
• Exercise focus, not a song-based first book.

3

Bass for Beginners by Head

Guitar Head·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For a complete beginner who wants a short path to playing bass in seven steps.

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Pros

• Seven simple steps for a reader new to bass.
• 106 pages with a clear, beginner-focused structure.
• Published May 21, 2020.

Cons

• No reading age or grade level is stated.
• 106 pages, shorter than the complete method volumes.
• Seven-step structure suits a first book more than long-term study.

4

Bass in 14 Days by Mueller

Michael Mueller·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For a beginner who wants daily lessons over 14 days, with audio downloads or streaming.

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Pros

• Daily lessons for beginners over 14 days.
• Covers fingerstyle, bass lines, rhythms and scales.
• Audio downloads or streaming accompany the lessons.

Cons

• No reading age or grade level is stated.
• Only 55 pages, the second shortest pick.
• Daily format suits a short start, not a long method.

5

Bass for Kids by Johnson

Chad Johnson·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For a child learning bass who wants lessons with popular songs.

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Pros

• Step-by-step lessons introducing notes, counting and technique.
• Excerpts from popular songs keep practice moving.
• Can be used with or without a bass teacher, per the listing.

Cons

• Written for children, so an adult may want a general method instead.
• Only 32 pages, the shortest of the picks.
• No reading age or grade level is stated in the listing.

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More picks to compare

• Complete Electric Bass Player by RaineyFor beginner electric bass students seeking method instruction and technique development.Check on Amazon
• Bass Method Book 1 by FriedlandFor beginners seeking songs, riffs and techniques in a second edition method.Check on Amazon
• Playing the Bass Guitar by WhiteFor beginners seeking a guide to the electric bass.Check on Amazon
• Do-It-Yourself Bass Guitar by DykesFor beginners seeking step-by-step fundamentals, tablature and chords with online audio and video.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 25 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. None of the picks list a reading age or grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best book for learning bass guitar

Start with a complete method or a short plan

The Friedland volume combines Books 1, 2 and 3, while Mueller sets out daily lessons over 14 days. For a shorter start, browse guitar workbooks for beginners.

Match the book to the player

Bass Aerobics sets one exercise per week for beginners and advanced players, while Bass for Kids introduces notes, counting and technique to children. Browse guitar books for self-teaching for a similar approach.

Before you buy

• Check the edition date, since two Friedland volumes share a method name.
• Check whether the book includes online audio.
• Check the page count against weekly practice time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the quintessential electric bass guitar method book?

The Friedland Complete Edition combines Books 1, 2 and 3 for beginners, adult learners and teachers.

Does Bass Aerobics suit a beginner?

The listing describes a 52-week program, one exercise per week, for beginners and advanced players.

Which book suits a child?

Bass for Kids introduces notes, counting and technique, with popular song excerpts.

Still deciding? Our top pickBass Method by Friedland

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