Bass guitar may not always steal the spotlight like the lead guitar or drums, but it’s the backbone of any band, skillfully connecting rhythm and melody. The electric bass guitar lays down the crucial bassline, the musical foundation that gives a song its groove, rhythmic feel, and steady pulse, propelling both the guitar and drums forward. If you’re looking to start your musical journey, Learning Electric Bass Guitar is a fantastic choice.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover essential bass guitar basics to kickstart your musical adventure. We’ll provide guidance on selecting the right bass guitar, offer tuning tips, explain fundamental finger techniques, and even show you how to play your first song on bass.
Inside This Guide to Learning Electric Bass Guitar
- Why Learning Electric Bass Guitar is a Great Choice
- Is Learning Bass Guitar Hard?
- Choosing Your First Electric Bass Guitar
- Essential Bass Guitar Gear for Beginners
- Tuning Your Electric Bass Guitar: A Simple Guide
- Beginner Bass Guitar Finger Techniques
- Playing Bass Guitar Chords
- Exploring Bass Guitar Scales
- Effective Bass Guitar Practice for Beginners
- Your First Song on Electric Bass Guitar
Why Learning Electric Bass Guitar is a Great Choice
While guitarists often get the limelight for their flashy solos and melodies, bassists are the unsung heroes, quietly holding down the groove. However, the electric bass guitar is the essential low-end frequency that bridges the gap between the melodic guitar and the rhythmic drums. If you want to be a crucial part of a band and lay down the foundation of music, learning electric bass guitar is your path.
Need more reasons to pick up a bass? Think about your favorite songs. While guitar riffs might catch your ear initially, it’s often the bassline that gets you tapping your foot and nodding your head when you listen closely with headphones. The electric bass guitar’s rhythmic pulse is infectious and fundamental to the feel of almost every genre of music.
Many bassists also develop a strong understanding of song structure and become key contributors to songwriting. Consider iconic musicians like Paul McCartney of The Beatles, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, Bootsy Collins of Parliament-Funkadelic, Geddy Lee of Rush, Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue, and Gene Simmons of KISS. These are just a few examples of bassists who have been the creative driving forces behind incredibly successful bands. By learning electric bass guitar and mastering its rhythmic texture, you join the ranks of true musical innovators.
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Is Learning Bass Guitar Hard?
Learning electric bass guitar can be surprisingly accessible, especially at the beginning. The initial steps of playing basic basslines are often easier to grasp than complex guitar chords or drum patterns. However, like any instrument, mastering the bass guitar involves continuous learning and dedication. The depth and complexity you choose to explore will determine how challenging learning bass guitar becomes.
The perceived difficulty of learning bass guitar often depends on your musical goals and the genres you want to play. For genres where the bass primarily supports the rhythm and provides a foundational tone, like some styles of country or pop, the learning curve might be less steep compared to rhythmically intricate genres such as funk, progressive rock, or heavy metal.
The physical aspects of the electric bass guitar, such as the string thickness and string spacing, can also present an initial challenge for some beginners. Bass strings are thicker and require more finger strength than guitar strings. However, for players with smaller hands or those seeking easier playability, short-scale basses, like the Fender Mustang® Bass, are excellent options. These basses feature a shorter neck, reducing the reach between frets and making maneuvering easier.
“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
Electric Bass Guitar Basics: Choosing Your First Bass
Choosing your first electric bass guitar can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Several factors can help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect bass for learning electric bass guitar, from size and tone to the number of strings and your budget.
• Size and Scale Length: For beginner bassists, especially those with smaller hands or who prefer a lighter instrument, a short-scale bass is often recommended. The shorter neck (typically around 30 inches) makes it easier to reach frets and reduces overall hand strain. Popular short-scale basses include the Fender Mustang Bass, Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass Special SS, and Squier Bronco Bass. A lighter bass is also beneficial for players who experience back or shoulder discomfort during longer playing sessions.
• Tone and Sound: The desired tone is a personal preference and often depends on the musical genres you’re interested in playing. Different electric bass guitars produce distinct tones. For a warmer, rounder tone, basses from the Fender Squier range are a great choice. They often feature thinner necks, which are comfortable for beginners. If you’re after a deeper, more powerful, and rumbling tone, consider models like the Player Precision Bass®.
To further explore different tones, experimenting with bass amps and effects pedals is highly recommended. The Fender Mustang GTX series of amps, compatible with the Fender Tone app, provides access to a vast library of amp and effect presets, allowing you to emulate the sounds of your favorite bassists without needing a collection of physical pedals.
• Number of Strings: Most electric bass guitars come with four strings, which is ideal for beginners learning electric bass guitar. However, five-string basses, such as the Fender American Ultra Jazz Bass® V, offer an extended lower range and greater creative possibilities. While five-string basses can be appealing, mastering a four-string bass first is generally recommended for beginners. The narrower neck of a four-string bass can also be more comfortable for new players.
• Budget: An instrument is a worthwhile investment in your musical journey. Even if you’re on a budget, numerous affordable electric bass guitar options deliver excellent quality and playability. The Fender Affinity Series™ Jazz Bass®, for example, offers classic Fender tone at a very accessible price point. Electric bass guitar starter packs or bundles are also excellent value for beginners, often including a bass, amplifier, strap, cable, and other essential accessories to get you started right away.
If you’re still unsure where to begin, Fender’s “Find Your Fender” tool can help you discover instruments that match your style and sonic preferences.
Essential Bass Guitar Gear for Beginners
Having the right gear is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable learning experience when starting with electric bass guitar. Here’s a checklist of essential accessories for beginner bassists:
• Bass Guitar Strap: A quality guitar strap is essential for playing while standing. It securely holds your bass in the correct playing position and also allows you to express your personal style. Explore various guitar strap designs to find one you like.
• Instrument Cables: Cables are necessary to connect your electric bass guitar to an amplifier or effects pedals. Invest in reliable instrument cables to ensure a clean and consistent signal.
• Bass Amplifier: An amplifier is essential to hear your electric bass guitar properly. A bass amp amplifies the instrument’s sound, allowing you to practice and perform at appropriate volumes. For beginners, combo amps are a practical choice, combining the amplifier and speaker into a single unit. If you need guidance, resources are available on how to choose the ideal bass modeling amp for your needs.
• Digital Tuner: Keeping your electric bass guitar in tune is fundamental for developing your ear and ensuring your playing sounds its best. While you can learn to tune by ear, a digital tuner provides accurate and quick tuning, especially for beginners. Clip-on tuners are convenient and easy to use.
Tuning Your Electric Bass Guitar: A Simple Guide
While the electric bass guitar has a deeper sound than a standard six-string guitar, it shares the same tuning for its first four strings (if it is a 4-string bass), tuned to the same notes, but an octave lower. The standard tuning for a four-string electric bass guitar is:
- E String: The thickest, lowest-pitched string (4th string)
- A String: The next string up (3rd string)
- D String: The second string (2nd string)
- G String: The thinnest, highest-pitched string (1st string)
There are several methods for tuning your electric bass guitar. You can tune by ear, using reference pitches, or using harmonics. However, for beginners learning electric bass guitar, using a digital tuner or a tuning app like the Fender Tune app is the easiest and most accurate method. These tools detect the pitch of each string and guide you to the correct tuning.
“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
Beginner Bass Guitar Finger Techniques
A long-standing debate among bass players is whether to play with a pick or with fingers. The truth is, both techniques are valid and offer different sonic qualities and playing styles. The best approach often depends on the genre of music you’re playing and your personal preferences.
• Playing Bass with a Pick: Using a pick (or plectrum) on electric bass guitar generally produces a brighter, more articulate, and often more aggressive tone. It can also facilitate faster and more precise note articulation, particularly for fast-paced genres like rock, punk, and metal. Experimenting with different pick thicknesses can further shape your tone.
• Playing Bass with Your Fingers: Fingerstyle bass playing, using your fingers to pluck the strings, typically results in a warmer, rounder, and more mellow tone. It also allows for techniques like slapping and popping, which are central to funk and some styles of rock and fusion. Most fingerstyle bassists begin by using their index and middle fingers to pluck the strings alternately. With practice, you can develop finger independence and incorporate techniques like thumb slaps and pops for a wider range of sounds.
Playing Bass Guitar Chords
While basslines are the primary role of the electric bass guitar in most genres, learning bass guitar chords can significantly expand your musical vocabulary and add depth to your playing. Although bass chords aren’t used as frequently as guitar chords in many popular music styles, they can be used effectively to create richer harmonies and rhythmic textures.
A chord is formed by playing three or more notes simultaneously. The tuning of the electric bass guitar strings corresponds to the lower four strings of a standard guitar. This means that many guitar chords that utilize only the lower strings can also be played on the bass guitar. Understanding basic chord shapes and how they translate to the bass can open up new creative avenues for bassists.
Exploring Bass Guitar Scales
A bass guitar scale is a sequence of notes played in ascending or descending order, following a specific pattern of intervals. Scales are fundamental building blocks in music theory and practice. Each scale consists of eight notes, spanning an octave. The notes within a scale remain consistent regardless of the instrument you’re playing, whether it’s bass guitar, guitar, or keyboard. Every scale starts and ends on the same note, called the “root note.” The final note of the scale is the root note one octave higher than the starting note.
For beginners learning electric bass guitar scales, the G Major scale is a good starting point. The notes of the G Major scale are:
- 1st Note (Root): G
- 2nd Note: A
- 3rd Note: B
- 4th Note: C
- 5th Note: D
- 6th Note: E
- 7th Note: F# (F sharp)
- 8th Note (Octave, Root): G
The G Major scale, like other scales, can be played in various positions on the bass guitar, using different string and fret combinations. Learning scales like the C Major scale and minor scales is also beneficial for understanding music theory and developing finger dexterity. Practicing scales helps you recognize note patterns, improve your technique, and apply musical ideas when learning songs or creating your own basslines.
To further explore bass guitar scales and music theory, consider resources like Fender Play, which offers comprehensive lessons and exercises.
“That is what intrigues me; songwriting and song structure and expression.”
– Geddy Lee, Rush
How to Create a Bassline
A bassline is a sequence of notes played on the electric bass guitar that provides the harmonic and rhythmic foundation for a song. A well-crafted bassline connects chord tones, establishes the key of the song, and anchors the rhythm, working in harmony with the drums and other instruments. Think of iconic basslines like the funky groove of Rick James’ “Super Freak” or the distinctive, melodic bassline of Nirvana’s “Come As You Are.” These examples demonstrate the power of a memorable bassline in shaping a song’s identity.
Creating a bassline is a process that draws upon the skills you develop as you learn electric bass guitar. Here are some tips to guide you in building your own basslines:
• Identify the Key: Start by determining the key of the song you’re working with. Understanding scales and listening for the root note and chords will help you identify the key. Knowing the key is essential for creating a bassline that complements the song’s harmony.
• Analyze Chords: Listen to the guitar chords or keyboard chords in the song. Break down the chords into individual notes (arpeggios). Using chord tones as a starting point is a common approach to create basslines that harmonize with the song’s chord progression.
• Consider the Rhythm and Timing: Bass guitar is fundamentally a rhythmic instrument. Pay close attention to the tempo and time signature of the song. Your bassline should reinforce the song’s rhythmic feel and groove. Experiment with different rhythmic patterns and note durations to create interesting and engaging basslines.
For further insights into bassline construction, explore online resources and lessons, such as Fender Play Live sessions that delve into the art of bassline creation.
Effective Bass Guitar Practice for Beginners
Establishing good practice habits is essential for progress when learning electric bass guitar. Consistent and focused practice, even in short sessions, is more effective than infrequent, long practice sessions. Here are some tips for effective bass guitar practice:
• Schedule Regular Practice Time: Make practice a consistent part of your routine. Even 15-30 minutes of focused practice each day is more beneficial than sporadic longer sessions. Utilize tools like the Fender Play app, which allows you to set practice reminders and track your progress.
• Designate a Practice Space: Having a dedicated practice area helps create a focused and productive practice environment. Choose a space where you can practice without distractions. Ensure you have a comfortable seat, a music stand (optional), and your bass guitar readily accessible.
• Start with Fundamentals: Begin each practice session by focusing on fundamental techniques, such as scales, arpeggios, and basic exercises. This builds a solid technical foundation and improves your finger dexterity and coordination.
• Practice with Patience and Persistence: Learning an instrument takes time and dedication. Be patient with yourself, and don’t get discouraged by challenges. Celebrate small victories and focus on consistent progress. Break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
Your First Song on Electric Bass Guitar
One of the most rewarding aspects of learning electric bass guitar is applying your skills to play actual songs. Learning to play songs you enjoy not only motivates you but also deepens your appreciation for music and helps you develop your musical ear and timing.
An excellent beginner song for electric bass guitar is “La Grange” by ZZ Top. This classic rock track features a simple yet powerful and driving bassline. “La Grange” provides new bassists with an opportunity to learn a foundational blues-rock bassline and understand the influence of blues music on various genres.
The bassline in “La Grange” is based on a straightforward riff using primarily single notes, emphasizing rhythm and groove. While there’s a simple slide between frets in the bridge section, the song’s focus is on steady tempo and rhythmic precision. “La Grange” is also a great song to practice playing with your fingers and explore how fingerstyle technique affects tone.
You can find bass guitar lessons and tutorials for “La Grange” on platforms like Fender Play and YouTube to guide you through learning this iconic song.
Explore Bass Guitar Song Collections
If you’re eager to learn more songs on electric bass guitar, explore curated song collections. These collections group songs by artist, genre, difficulty level, or specific techniques, providing structured learning paths. Browsing song collections can help you expand your repertoire, learn fundamental techniques within your favorite genres, and understand the basslines of influential bassists.
Here are a few popular bass guitar song collections to explore:
• 10 Easy Songs to Learn on Bass: This collection is perfect for absolute beginners, featuring iconic and relatively simple basslines from songs like Salt n’ Pepa’s “Push It” and Nirvana’s “Come As You Are.”
• Slap Bass Collection: If you’re interested in funk and slap bass techniques, this collection focuses on mastering slap and pop bass fundamentals.
• Blues Form Bass Basics: This collection provides a focused introduction to blues bass playing, covering blues scales, grooves, and songs, including classics like “Boom Boom” by John Lee Hooker and James Brown’s “I Got You (I Feel Good).”
• Must-Know Rock Riffs: Learn essential rock basslines and riffs from classic rock anthems like Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall Pt. 2” to modern rock hits.
• Walking Basslines & Arpeggios: This collection explores walking basslines, a fundamental technique in genres like jazz, blues, and rockabilly.
Discover Fender Play Bass Lessons
Learning electric bass guitar is a rewarding journey that opens up a world of musical expression and enjoyment. It’s a fantastic way to challenge yourself, deepen your love for music, and connect with the rhythmic foundation of your favorite songs. By learning bass guitar, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the interplay of rhythm and melody and develop a valuable musical skill.
Sign up for a free trial of Fender Play to access structured bass guitar lessons, scale exercises, song tutorials, and a supportive learning environment. Start your electric bass guitar journey today and unlock your musical potential!
