For bassists and instrumentalists downloading this book, the value is often a shift in perspective.

Some musicians are frugal (or broke). The eBook version of The Music Lesson is usually priced between $12 and $15. While that is fair for a masterpiece, many hobbyists look for free alternatives, leading them to torrent sites and PDF search engines.

The narrative follows a fictionalized version of Victor Wooten—a talented but frustrated bassist who feels stuck in a rut. He is technically proficient but feels his music lacks "soul."

His life changes when he meets Michael, a mysterious, eccentric, and unorthodox teacher. Michael does not teach Victor how to play faster scales; instead, he challenges Victor’s entire perception of what music is. Through a series of strange lessons—in locations ranging from a messy shack to a bumpy tractor ride—Michael dismantles Victor's ego and rebuilds his approach to the instrument.

Musicians travel. They play gigs on subways, tour vans, and green rooms. Carrying a 240-page paperback is heavy, but carrying a phone or tablet with a PDF is easy. The desire for a digital copy is purely logistical for many pros.