This article is written by Toru Hoshino, a jazz bassist and instructor based in Japan who teaches online lessons to students worldwide.
This guide is for:
- People picking up a bass for the first time
- People who are about to start playing bass
- People who want to revisit the basics or rethink their playing style
I wrote this as a hint for anyone wondering: “I want to start playing bass, but I have no idea where to begin.”
Contents
Where to Start When You Want to Play Bass
When you’re starting out, there’s a lot you probably don’t know — and a lot you’re not sure where to begin. Here are the most important things I think every beginner should know.
What Kind of Instrument Is the Bass?
First things first — what actually is a bass? It looks similar to a guitar, but it’s a different instrument. Understanding how it differs from the guitar, and what role it plays in a band, is a good starting point before diving in.
What Bass Should You Buy?
When you start jogging or going to the gym, getting yourself some new shoes and clothes tends to make you feel more motivated. Bass is the same — having a bass of your own makes you want to play. And without one, you can’t practice at all, so let’s get the essentials sorted.
If you have no idea where to start, a beginner bundle that includes the bass body, an amp, a cable, and a tuner all in one package is a solid first choice. These are widely available online and at music stores, with entry-level sets typically starting around $150–200 USD.
If you have a bit more budget and want something of better quality, I’d recommend a Fender Jazz Bass. That said, I’d also suggest visiting a local music store in person and talking to the staff about:
- What bands or styles you like
- Your budget
- Songs you want to learn
- Whether you’re already in a band or starting fresh
Getting advice tailored to your situation will help you find the right fit.
Upright Bass or Electric Bass — Which Should You Start With?
This is a question I often get from people interested in playing jazz. Either one works, really — but the easiest thing to do is picture a musician you like and see which one they play.
I’d recommend starting with whatever type of bass your favorite musician uses. If no one comes to mind, electric bass is the safer default — it takes up less space and is generally less expensive.
For more on the differences, pros, and cons between the two:
Upright Bass vs. Electric Upright Bass: Differences, Pros, and Cons
What Should You Practice First?
There are many ways to practice, but the one I always suggest to beginners first is a metronome-based exercise. It’s simple, but it’s great for finger training.
A 10-Minute Daily Metronome Exercise for Bass
Other Things That Will Help You Enjoy Bass as a Beginner
Try Starting or Joining a Band
Having a band makes your bass playing improve. When you have a song to work on together, you have a shared responsibility — you can’t slack off.
Bass isn’t the most common instrument, so cover bands and amateur bands are often actively looking for a bassist. Try searching for “bassist wanted” or “bass player needed” on musician networking sites or social media in your area — there are plenty of people looking.
Playing in a band is deep and genuinely fun. I have students who are in over their heads, running around like crazy — but their eyes are lit up and they’re growing fast.
Once You Join a Band, Pick a Goal Song
Practicing without direction will burn you out within a few months.
Having a clear goal — “I want to be able to play [this song] by [this date]” — keeps you going and gives your practice purpose. In music, that goal is usually a live performance, a recital, or a target song.
There are hard songs and easy songs, but start by looking for something you genuinely think sounds cool or that you actually want to learn. That’s what makes practice feel worth doing.
Want Personalized Feedback on Your Playing?
This is exactly the kind of thing that’s hard to fix alone — and where having a teacher makes all the difference.
At Line on Bass, I offer an online lesson service where you send me a video of your playing, and I give you specific, detailed feedback — every single day if you want.
Students from around the world are using this to fix exactly these kinds of issues and steadily improve their jazz bass skills.