You Can Teach Yourself Electric Bass (Book + Online Audio/Video)
by Mike Hiland
The electric bass has evolved far beyond simple low-end support—and this comprehensive method shows you exactly how to step into that modern role. You Can Teach Yourself Electric Bass is a clear, thorough, and beginner-friendly guide designed to help new bassists build solid technique, musical understanding, and confidence from the ground up.
Written by Mike Hiland, this method balances music theory, practical technique, and real-world playing styles, covering everything from basic tuning and finger exercises to advanced contemporary techniques like slap & pop and right-hand hammering. Standard notation is taught step-by-step, with tablature included throughout, making the material accessible no matter how you prefer to learn.
The book also includes access to online audio and video demonstrations, allowing you to hear and see the examples performed—an essential tool for developing timing, tone, and technique.
What You’ll Learn
- Parts of the electric bass and proper setup
- Tuning and essential left- and right-hand techniques
- Finger exercises for strength and coordination
- Reading music and understanding rhythm
- Notes across the entire fingerboard
- Scales, bass lines, fills, and walking bass patterns
- Popular bass line examples
- Slap-and-pop technique
- Hammer-ons, pull-offs, and right-hand hammering
- Advanced scale patterns using multiple fingers
Product Details
- Product Number: 94358M
- Format: Book + Online Audio/Video
- Skill Level: Beginning
- Notation Type: Tablature & Standard Notation
- Pages: 120
- Binding: Perfect Binding
- Size: 8.75" x 11.75"
- Series: You Can Teach Yourself
Publishing Information
- Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc.
- Publication Date: August 4, 2015
- ISBN: 0-7866-9068-2
- ISBN-13: 978-07866-9068-8
Whether you’re picking up the bass for the first time or building a strong foundation, You Can Teach Yourself Electric Bass delivers a complete, modern learning system ideal for self-study, private lessons, or classroom use.