Bass guitars might not always grab the spotlight like lead guitars or drums, but they are the unsung heroes of music, essential for bridging rhythm and melody. The bassline provides the foundational groove that underpins a song, giving it rhythmic depth and a steady pulse that empowers both guitars and drums to shine.
This guide is designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of bass guitar playing and kickstart your musical journey. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right bass guitar and tuning it, to essential finger techniques and even playing your first song.
In This Guide
- Why Learn to Play Bass Guitar?
- Is Learning Bass Guitar Easy?
- Choosing Your First Bass Guitar
- Essential Bass Gear for Beginners
- Tuning Your Bass Guitar: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Bass Guitar Finger Techniques for Beginners
- Playing Bass Chords: Adding Depth to Your Basslines
- Exploring Bass Scales: Building Blocks for Bassists
- Effective Bass Guitar Practice for Beginners
- Your First Song on Bass Guitar
Why Learn to Play Bass Guitar?
While guitarists often take center stage, bass players are the backbone of any band. They are the vital link between the melodic flair of the guitar and the rhythmic drive of the drums. Bass guitar provides the essential low-end frequencies that give music its depth and groove.
Need more reasons to pick up a bass? Think about your favorite songs. While you might admire a guitar solo, it’s often the bassline that gets your head nodding and your feet tapping. The bass is the rhythmic anchor that makes you feel the music.
Many bassists possess a deep understanding of song structure and frequently play a key role in songwriting. Consider iconic figures like Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, Paul McCartney of The Beatles, Bootsy Collins of Parliament-Funkadelic (also known for his work with Dee-Lite and James Brown), Geddy Lee of Rush, Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe, and Gene Simmons of KISS. These are just a few examples of bassists who have been the creative force behind their legendary bands. Learning bass guitar and how to weave its rhythmic texture into music puts you in esteemed company.
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Is Learning Bass Guitar Easy?
Learning to play bass guitar can be approachable for beginners. The initial steps are often simpler compared to other instruments. However, like any musical instrument, mastering the bass requires dedication and practice. As you delve deeper into the intricacies of bass playing, you’ll discover a world of techniques and musical possibilities, allowing you to create simple or complex basslines.
The perceived difficulty often depends on your musical goals and the genres you want to explore. For instance, playing bass in simpler, guitar-centric country songs might feel easier initially than tackling rhythmically demanding genres like funk, hard rock, or heavy metal.
The physical aspects of the bass, such as the size and thickness (gauge) of the strings, can also present a challenge for beginners. However, if you have smaller hands, short-scale basses (like the Fender Mustang® Bass) are designed with a shorter neck, making it easier to reach frets and navigate the fretboard.
“Everyone’s a beginner at some point. You get better at things by doing them more. You may be a beginner, but you’ll get better. I guarantee it.”
– Mike Dirnt, Green Day
Bass Guitar Basics
Choosing Your First Bass Guitar
Selecting your first bass guitar can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Several factors can guide your decision, from size and tone to the number of strings and your budget.
• Size: For beginner bassists, especially those with smaller hands or those seeking a lighter instrument, a short-scale bass is an excellent option. The shorter neck makes maneuvering around the fretboard easier. Models like the Fender Mustang Bass, Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass Special SS, and Squier Bronco Bass all feature a 30” scale length neck. Additionally, a lighter bass can be beneficial for players who experience back or shoulder discomfort during extended practice sessions.
• Tone: The desired tone is a matter of personal taste and musical genre. Different bass guitars offer distinct tonal characteristics. If you’re aiming for a warmer tone, consider basses from the Fender Squier range. Squier basses often feature thinner necks, which are comfortable for beginners and players with smaller hands, in addition to their warm sound. If you prefer a deeper, more resonant tone, the Player Precision Bass® is a great choice.
Experimenting with tone is part of the fun! Pairing your electric bass with the right amplifier and effects pedals can help you emulate the sounds of your favorite bassists. The Fender Mustang GTX series of amps is compatible with the Fender Tone app, giving you access to a vast library of presets to quickly achieve various tones without needing a collection of physical pedals.
• Number of Strings: While most bass guitars have four strings, five-string models like the Fender American Ultra Jazz Bass® V are also available, offering an extended lower range for more creative possibilities. For beginners, mastering a four-string bass is generally recommended before exploring five-string basses. The narrower neck of a four-string bass can be easier to manage initially. However, a five-string bass expands your sonic palette and the range of notes and scales you can play.
• Budget: A musical instrument is an investment that can last a lifetime. Even if you are on a budget, there are many affordable options to find a bass guitar you’ll enjoy for years. The Fender Affinity Series™ Jazz Bass®, for example, delivers classic Fender sound at a very accessible price point. Electric bass bundles are also excellent for budget-conscious beginners, often including a bass guitar, amplifier, strap, and other essential accessories in one package.
Still unsure where to start? Find your Fender to get personalized recommendations and discover an instrument that resonates with your style and sound preferences.
Essential Bass Gear for Beginners
Having the right equipment is crucial for a successful learning experience. Here are some essential items for beginner bassists:
• Bass Guitar Strap: A guitar strap is not just for holding your bass securely in the correct playing position; it’s also a way to express your personal style.
• Cables: Cables are essential for connecting your bass to an amplifier or effects pedals, enabling your sound to be heard.
• Amplifier (Amp): There’s nothing quite like plugging in your electric bass and hearing it come alive. An amp allows you to hear the true tone of your instrument and refine your technique, whether practicing quietly or playing at louder volumes. If you’re unsure which amp to choose, resources are available to help you learn how to choose your ideal bass modeling amp.
• Digital Tuner: Keeping your bass in tune is fundamental for developing your ear and ensuring your practice sounds its best. As you progress, you might explore alternate bass tunings. A digital tuner helps you accurately achieve the correct pitch.
Tuning Your Bass Guitar: A Step-by-Step Guide
While bass guitars produce a deeper, lower sound than standard guitars, they share the same first four string notes. The standard tuning for a 4-string bass guitar is:
- E: The 4th string (thickest, lowest pitch)
- A: The 3rd string
- D: The 2nd string
- G: The 1st string (thinnest, highest pitch)
There are several methods for tuning your bass guitar. While you can tune by ear or by using harmonics (matching the harmonic of one string to the open note of another), the Fender Tune app provides a user-friendly and accurate way to tune. Download this free bass tuning app to ensure your bass is perfectly in pitch.
“Music is like the genius of humankind, universal… People who have never really taken the time to get into music, their lives are a lot smaller.”
– Flea, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Bass Guitar Finger Techniques for Beginners
The debate of pick versus fingers has long been discussed among bass players. The truth is, both techniques are valid and offer different sonic qualities. The best approach often depends on the musical genre, your personal style, and your finger strength and dexterity.
• Playing Bass with a Pick: If speed and attack are your goals, using a pick can be advantageous. A pick allows for faster note articulation than fingers (especially in the initial stages of learning). Experimenting with picks of varying thickness can also significantly alter your tone, providing different levels of attack and sustain.
• Playing Bass with Your Fingers (Fingerstyle): Fingerstyle bass playing produces a smoother, warmer tone and opens the door to techniques like slapping and popping, essential for funk and other groove-oriented genres. Most fingerstyle bassists start by using their index and middle fingers to pluck the strings. As you develop your technique, you can incorporate your thumb for slapping and other percussive techniques to create a more dynamic and organic sound.
Playing Bass Chords: Adding Depth to Your Basslines
While basslines are the foundation of most bass playing, learning bass chords can greatly enhance your musical vocabulary. Bass chords add harmonic richness, color, and rhythmic depth to songs.
A chord is created when three or more notes are played simultaneously. While chords are central to guitar playing, they are also achievable and effective on bass. The tuning of a bass guitar mirrors the lower four strings of a standard guitar. Consequently, many guitar chords that utilize only the lower four strings can be adapted for bass.
Exploring Bass Scales: Building Blocks for Bassists
A bass scale is a sequence of notes played in ascending or descending order. Each scale consists of eight notes, spanning an octave. The notes within a specific scale remain consistent regardless of the instrument (bass, guitar, ukulele, etc.). Every scale begins and ends on the same note, known as the “root note.” The final note of the scale is the root note, but an octave higher in pitch than the starting note.
One of the easiest scales to start with on bass is the G Major scale:
- 1st Note (Root Note): G
- 2nd Note: A
- 3rd Note: B
- 4th Note: C
- 5th Note: D
- 6th Note: E
- 7th Note: F
- 8th Note (Root Note, one octave higher): G
The G Major scale can be played across a single string or across all four strings of your bass. Numerous online resources and lessons demonstrate how to play the G Major scale on bass.
Learning the popular C Major scale on bass is also beneficial, as it is used in countless songs. Practicing scales not only improves finger dexterity and coordination but also trains your ear to recognize notes and intervals, even when played in different positions on the fretboard. Understanding scales helps you identify musical patterns and apply them when learning songs or composing your own basslines.
Want to explore and practice more bass scales? Here are some commonly used bass scales:
A free trial of Fender Play provides access to a wealth of lessons covering scales, techniques, and songs, helping you progress as a bassist.
“That is what intrigues me; songwriting and song structure and expression.”
– Geddy Lee, Rush
How to Create a Bassline
A bassline is a series of notes played on bass that weaves together chord tones, the key of the song, and the rhythm – essentially anchoring the beat and melody. Listen to the funky, upbeat intro of Rick James’ “Super Freak” or the deep, brooding bassline of Nirvana’s “Come As You Are”. Notice how the basslines repeat and define the character of each song. These are prime examples of the power of a well-crafted bassline.
Creating a bassline combines the skills you develop as you learn bass, transforming knowledge into musical expression. Here are some tips for crafting effective basslines:
• Identify the Key: Begin by determining the key of the song. Understanding scales and listening for the root note that appears in the song’s melody and chords will help you identify the key. This knowledge is essential for creating a bassline that complements the song’s harmony.
• Analyze Chords: Listen to the guitar chords and break them down into individual notes, creating arpeggios. This process can inspire basslines that harmonize with the chord progression of the song.
• Focus on Timing: Bass is fundamentally a rhythmic instrument. It establishes the groove and tempo of a song. When constructing a bassline, pay close attention to the song’s tempo and time signature to create a rhythmically fitting bass part.
In Fender Play Live sessions, experienced bassists demonstrate the process of building memorable basslines, providing valuable insights and practical techniques.
Effective Bass Guitar Practice for Beginners
Establishing good practice habits is crucial for beginner bassists. Regular practice, even in short sessions, is more effective than infrequent long sessions. Here are some tips to help you create a consistent and productive practice routine:
• Schedule Practice Time: Even a few minutes of daily practice is beneficial. The Fender Play app allows you to set practice reminders at convenient times. You set the schedule, and the app provides reminders. The app also tracks your progress and gamifies practice with “Streaks.” Practicing for at least 7 minutes, 3 times a week, earns you points towards building streaks, making practice more engaging.
• Designate a Practice Space: Having a dedicated practice area can significantly improve consistency. Ideally, choose a space where you can practice without interruptions. This space could include a bass stand or case and a comfortable chair that promotes good playing posture.
• Start with Fundamentals: Begin each practice session by focusing on fundamental skills like scales or specific techniques. Consistent practice of these basics lays a solid foundation for more advanced playing.
• Be Patient and Persistent: Learning an instrument takes time and effort. Progress is gradual. Be patient with yourself, celebrate small victories, and persist through challenges. As you practice consistently, you’ll gradually connect fundamental skills and progress towards playing complete songs and basslines.
Your First Song on Bass Guitar
One of the most rewarding aspects of learning bass guitar is applying your skills to play actual songs. Learning songs you enjoy deepens your appreciation for the musicianship of the artists and helps you develop your musical ear and experiment with newly acquired techniques.
An excellent song for beginner bassists to learn is “La Grange” by ZZ Top. This iconic song, by the blues-rock trio, features a simple yet powerful bassline. Learning “La Grange” allows new bassists to experience the blues influence across various genres, from rock and funk to country.
“La Grange” is ideal for beginners because of its straightforward riff, primarily using single notes with a focus on rhythm and tempo on a single string. While there’s a slide between frets on the A string in the bridge, the song is mainly about rhythmic precision and a steady groove. It’s also a great song to experiment with fingerstyle playing and explore its tonal qualities.
Learn how to play “La Grange” on bass here.
Explore Bass Collections
Looking for more songs to learn on bass? Explore Fender Play’s curated collections. These collections group songs by artist, genre, difficulty level, or technique, providing structured learning paths. Browsing these collections can help you advance your skills, explore different genres, and understand the techniques used by your favorite bassists.
Here are a few recommended bass collections:
• 10 Easy Songs to Learn on Bass: Perfect for beginners, featuring iconic and easy-to-learn basslines from songs like Salt n’ Pepa’s “Push It” and Nirvana’s “Come As You Are.”
• Slap Bass: Master the slap and pop bass technique with this collection designed to develop your slap bass skills.
• Blues Form Bass Basics: This collection provides a crash course in blues bass playing, covering blues fundamentals and incorporating shuffle grooves and bass arpeggios in songs like John Lee Hooker’s “Boom Boom” and James Brown’s “I Got You (I Feel Good).”
• Must-Know Rock Riffs: Learn 14 essential rock basslines and riffs, ranging from classic rock anthems like Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall Pt. 2” to pop-punk hits like Green Day’s “Longview.”
• Walking Basslines & Arpeggios: Explore the walking bassline, a staple in genres from rockabilly to blues, through lessons and songs in this collection.
Check out Fender Play Bass Lessons
Learning to play bass guitar is a rewarding way to challenge yourself and deepen your passion for music. As you learn bass, you’ll develop a new appreciation for the rhythm and melody in your favorite songs. Sign up for a free trial of Fender Play and unlock a world of skills, scales, and songs to learn and play on your bass guitar.
