Groove Harder.||Play Smarter.||Sound Better.
Learn Bass From One of the Most Trusted Teachers in the World
For more than four decades, Ed Friedland has helped bass players become better musicians through teaching, performing, writing, reviewing gear, and creating some of the most respected educational resources in the bass world. Now Ed’s bringing those experiences together in one place—an independent home for courses, masterclasses, community, and decades of hard-earned knowledge. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn directly from the educator, author, reviewer, and working musician behind the lessons, while supporting an independent voice dedicated to helping bass players grow.
Learn. Play. Hang.
A Complete Bass Experience.
Build stronger groove, better timing, deeper musical understanding, and real confidence on the instrument — with clear, practical lessons designed for real musicians. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to break through to the next level on electric or acoustic bass, you’re in the right place.
Courses to Build Your Bass Chops
Real-World Bass Education From a World-Class Musician and Proven Instructor on Electric and Acoustic/Upright Bass.
Community to Hone Your Hang Chops
Part educational platform. Part creative resource. Part bass-player rabbit hole. All good.
Class is in Session
Clear Instruction That Actually Makes Sense
There are thousands of bass videos online.
But random information is not the same thing as a system.
The problem with most online learning is that players consume endless disconnected tips without developing a real foundation.
Ed’s teaching is different because it focuses on building complete musicianship.
Instead of chasing shortcuts, flashy tricks, or internet trends…
You build skills that last.
Skills that transfer.
Skills that make you a more musical, more confident, more capable bassist.
Step-by-Step Instruction
No more feeling lost or overwhelmed. Every lesson builds logically on the last so you can improve steadily and confidently.
Beginner-Friendly Explanations
Feel encouraged instead of discouraged, even if you’ve struggled with other bass lessons before.
Practical Music Theory
Understand how music works without feeling intimidated by theory.
Groove-Focused Training
Develop better timing, feel, and musical awareness — the qualities that make bass players truly valuable.
Advanced Musical Insight
Intermediate and advanced players can sharpen their musicianship and deepen their understanding of the instrument.
Real Musical Application
Learn skills you can actually use in rehearsals, gigs, recordings, worship teams, bands, and jam sessions.
Ed’s Secret Sauce
Masterclasses That Actually
Make You a Better Musician.
Plenty of people know how to play bass. Far fewer know how to teach it well.
Ed Friedland has spent more than 40 years doing both — teaching privately, leading workshops, writing educational material used around the world, and working with students at some of the nation’s premier institutions.
The internet has no shortage of talented bass players.
But truly great teachers are rare.
Bass ASAP
There are many ways to learn how to play, and while it will take time for you to master the bass, there are methods to get you up and running As Soon As Possible! If you’re a new player and want to learn the basics you need to get functional enough to play with other...
Bass Line Basics
Bass Line Basics is quick start program for creating your own bass lines. Using the most fundamental, and universal concepts, you learn what works, and sounds good right away. There are written examples, audio tracks with full, and no-bass mixes, and examples where...
10 Early R&B Bass Masters
10 Early R&B Bass Masters is an expansion of my popular book The R&B Bass Masters, inside you will find chapters on James Jamerson, Chuck Rainey, Duck Dunn, Jerry Jemmott, Tommy Cogbill, David Hood, Willie Weeks, Ronnie Baker, George Porter, and Bootsy...
Beginning Walking Bass Lines
Ed literally wrote some of the best-known books on the subject of walking bass, and he’s one of the most respected educators of our time. This course uses the time-tested methodology of his book “Building Walking Bass Lines” and focuses it on one critical progression...
Advanced Walking Bass Lines
Ed literally wrote some of the best-known books on the subject of walking bass, and he’s one of the most respected educators of our time. This course uses the time-tested methodology of his book “Building Walking Bass Lines” and focuses it on one critical progression...
Life on bass
The Lessons Are Only the Beginning
For decades, Ed Friedland has approached bass from every angle imaginable. He has taught at respected institutions, authored many of the most influential bass books ever published, toured as a professional sideman, helped shape the modern world of bass gear reviews, and written extensively about the craft and culture of bass playing in publications including: Bass Magazine, Bass Guitar, Bass Gear, Guitar World, Bass Player, and JazzTimes.
Ed’s own Bass Whisperer TV channel on YouTube has 233 videos that have been viewed 11.5 million times!
Today, all of those experiences come together in one place—creating an environment where the learning and the life of being a bassist meet.
Introducing:
Ed Friedland’s Bass Whisperer Community
Friends in Low Places
This community was built for the people holding down the low end.
The masterclasses may bring you in — but the community keeps the learning going.
Explore a deep archive of bass articles, instrument reviews, practice ideas, touring stories, and educational content built from Ed’s real-world musical experience.
Most importantly, Ed actually hangs out here. Ask your questions, share your thoughts, or just say “Hey!” to be present and stay inspired.
take the next step
Join the Bass Whisperer Community
Monthly
$10/monthly
Community Access
Forum Access
Free Courses Access
20% OFF Master Classes
7 Day Free Trial
Annual
$100/annual
Community Access
Forum Access
Free Courses Access
30% OFF Master Classes
VIP
$250/annual
Community Access
Forum Access
Free Courses Acces
Access to All Master Classes ($575 Value)
Included 30 minute one-on-one lesson with Ed.
Lifetime
$500/One-time payment
Community Access
Forum Access
Free Courses Access
Access to All Future Updates
Access to All Master Classes ($575 Value)
Included 30 minute one-on-one lesson with Ed.
About Ed Friedland
The Bedrock Library
If you’ve spent any time exploring bass education online, there’s a good chance you’ve already learned from Ed Friedland. His books, articles, instructional systems, and courses have set the standard that others emulate—and have appeared on some of the most respected educational platforms in the industry, including Scott’s Bass Lessons. Ed Friedland’s bestselling Hal Leonard books have helped thousands of musicians around the world learn bass the right way — with clarity, groove, and real-world musical understanding.
4000+ Reviews Later…
Bass Players Still Keep Coming Back to Ed.
Time after time, bass players from around the world expressed their gratitude through their comments and ratings. A few of them are below.
Great Beginner's Book
This book is similar to Friedland's Walking Bass Lines book, but I ...
Fantastic introductory method to building basslines and basic theory
I went through the beginning of ...
Good Book
The heavy jazz influence in this book but may be a turn-off to ...
Improving improvisation
Great book and great for reference would recommend this book to fellow bass players
educational
The bass has been compared to the human voice which is why some of ...
Excellent collection of need-to-know bass riffs
This is exactly what I was looking for! I ...
EXCELLENT BOOK
I've bought a lot of bass instructional material over the past 20 years and ...
40 bass lines with 5 ways to play them
good for beginners. says 200 licks, but its really 40 ...
superb play-along backing tracks
Unlike many backing track CDs (and I have quite a few), ...
Great
This is an awesome way to jam and practice your soloing. With 40 songs this ...
awesome
A great tool for learning. The 40 different tracks are all really good - none ...
Five Stars
Exactly what was needed and great price!
new edition
useful third book in a series of manual
Perfect
Easy read
Thank you Hal Leonard for making instruments fun
I've been playing bass for about a year now and these books have been "instrumental" in ...
the only way to learn how to play bass
Hal Leonard books are very well ...
Simply great
I`m not going to repeat what every one says on the web......
Great Resource for budding bassists
Absolutely effective and productive for musicians who are aspiring to be bassists. I have been following Ed Friedland for ...
Know the basics.
I purchased a bass guitar to play the game Rocksmith. Although the ...
very interesting book
Very very interesting book for the bassist player who want to ...
Great.!!
Super book, very inspiring.
Great!
Excellent for skills and acknowledge developing, playing and/or thinking.
Five Stars
Great if you want to play 'jazz style' bass lines. I like to walk, so loved this book.
Five Stars
Ed is the master!
Five Stars
this book is fun and an easy way to improve your bass playing.Trusted by Some of the Most Respected Institutions in Music Education
Higher Ed Hires Ed.
Institutions don’t trust just anyone to teach their students.
They trust educators like Ed Friedland who can communicate clearly, teach effectively, and help musicians make real progress.
That same teaching approach is now available directly to you at a fraction of the price.
Trusted by Some of the Most Respected Artists and Musicians in the Industry
Built on Real-World Experience
Every style tells a different story.
Jazz demands interaction.
Fusion demands technique.
Funk demands feel.
Pop demands taste.
Country demands restraint.
Over the course of his career, Ed Friedland has learned to speak all of those musical languages. Whether on four-string electric bass, five-string electric bass, or upright bass, he’s performed and recorded with exceptional musicians while developing the versatility that has become a hallmark of his teaching
One of the greatest living bass teachers.
The Choice is yours
Unlock the Skills Professional Bassists Actually Use
Ed Friedland’s career spans everything from local gigs to major international stages, including worldwide touring and recording with Grammy-winning artists.
The lessons inside these courses aren’t based on theory alone. They’re rooted in decades of real-world playing and teaching experience:
Monthly
$10/monthly
Community Access
Forum Access
Free Courses Access
20% OFF Master Classes
7 Day Free Trial
Annual
$100/annual
Community Access
Forum Access
Free Courses Access
30% OFF Master Classes
VIP
$250/annual
Community Access
Forum Access
Free Courses Acces
Access to All Master Classes ($575 Value)
Included 30 minute one-on-one lesson with Ed.
Lifetime
$500/One-time payment
Community Access
Forum Access
Free Courses Access
Access to All Future Updates
Access to All Master Classes ($575 Value)
Included 30 minute one-on-one lesson with Ed.
Curiosity is good for the soul
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Courses
Everything You Want to Know
With courses, community discussions, articles, reviews, and educational resources all in one place, you may have a few questions about how everything works together. Here are the answers to the most common questions about Ed’s courses.
Questions about the Community
A New Chapter in Bass Education
Bass forums, magazines, books, and online lessons have helped generations of musicians learn and grow. Today, private communities are opening exciting new possibilities—bringing education, conversation, mentorship, and decades of accumulated knowledge together in one place.
As an independent educator, author, reviewer, and lifelong bassist, Ed has built the Bass Whisperer Community to be exactly that kind of place. Here are some of the most common questions folks ask as they explore this unique learning experience.
Questions About the Learning Experience
Masterclasses. Community. Archive.
Every course is designed to teach a specific skill or concept. But becoming a better musician is about more than completing lessons. It’s about staying curious, exploring new ideas, learning from experience, and connecting with other players. That’s the learning experience you’ll find inside the Bass Whisperer Community.
Questions About Ed Friedland
More Than a Bass Instructor
Over the past four decades, Ed Friedland has taught students, authored influential bass books, toured professionally, reviewed gear, written for leading publications, and helped generations of musicians grow. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the experience and expertise behind the lessons.
Selected Artists
Jazz
Albert Dailey, Abe Most, Alain Mallett, Alan Farhnam, Alan Vache, Ali Ryerson, Ben Wittman, Bob Kindred, Brad Hatfield, Bruce Arnold, Bruce Barth, Bud Shank, Buddy DeFranco, Carl Saunders, Chuck Marhonic, Claudio Roditi, Clay Jenkins, Dave Kikowski, Dave Stryker, Dee Sharp, Dena DeRose, Dmitri Matheny, Eddie Daniels, Enrico Pieranunzi, Frank Vignola, Garrison Fewell, George Garzone, George Schuller, Gray Sargent, Greg Abate, Greg Hopkins, Gunnar Mossblad, Hal Crook, Illinois Jacquet, Jimmy Maxwell, Jimmy McPartland, Joe Beck, Joe Cohn, John Medeski, John Stowell, Joshua Breakstone, Junior Cook, Ken Peplowski, Kenny Davern, Kim Richmond, Kitty Margolis, Larry Coryell, Lew Tabackin, Marc Elf, Matt Rollings, Matthias Teece Gohl, Mel Martin, Michał Urbaniak, Mike Metheny, Paul Horn, Randy Johnston, Randy Sandke, Red Young, Robben Ford, Sal Nistico, Scott Robinson, Stacy Kent, Steve Allen, Steve Hunt, Ted Rosenthal, Tierney Sutton, Tim Ray, Ursula Dudziak, and Wycliffe Gordon.
Blues/R&B
Johnny Adams, Barrence Whitfield and The Savages, Bruce Katz, David Maxwell, Eric Burdon & The Animals, Jim Kelly, Kevin McKendree, Kim Wilson, Lew Christie, Linda Hopkins, Little Frankie Blandino, Marcia Ball, Martha & The Vandellas, Marty Richards, Mighty Sam McClain, Mike Williams, Paul Rishell, Robert Jr. Lockwood, Rosie Flores, Sax Gordon Beadle, Theresa Williams, The Drifters, The Ink Spots, The Marvelettes, and The Platters.
Country/Americana
Augie Meyers, Clay McClinton, Delbert McClinton, Ernie Durawa, Guy Forsyth, J.D. McPherson, Jim Lauderdale, John Anderson, Kathleen Edwards, Kenny Vaughan, Larry Campbell, Maggie Rose, Mickey Raphael, Rosie Flores, Roy Head, The Mavericks, and Tish Hinojosa.
Theater Work/Show Biz
42nd Street, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, Al Martino, Anna Maria Alberghetti, Ann Hampton Callaway, Caroline, or Change, Diahann Carroll, Disney Symphonic Fantasy, Georgie Jessel, Hairspray, Liz Callaway, Little Shop of Horrors, Mamma Mia!, Nite Club Confidential, Rent, Spring Awakening, Stars of the Lawrence Welk Show, Susan Somers, The New Christy Minstrels, The Opera Company of Boston, Tiny Tim, Tony Martin, Vic Damone, and Demond Wilson.
Live with The Mavericks
The Mavericks – Sabor a Mí
Recorded Live at Floore’s Country Store, Helotes, TX
The Mavericks – Easy As It Seems
Recorded Live at Statler Ballroom, Dallas, TX
The Mavericks – Swingin’
Recorded Live at Statler Ballroom, Dallas, TX
The Mavericks – Every Little Thing About You
Recorded Live at Denver Botanical Gardens

