So you’ve decided to learn to play bass guitar? Congratulations, and welcome to a club that includes talented, diverse, and sometimes eccentric individuals such as Flea, Paul McCartney, Sting, John Paul Jones, John Deacon, and Gene Simmons. If you don’t know these bassists, your first step should be to look them up and watch/listen to them play! Find your favorites and let them encourage and motivate you. The bass is the heart of the band (at least according to us bassists) but the parts can be long and repetitive, so watching professionals helps you bring your own attitude and passion to the instrument.
Now, it’s time to play, but with so much music in the world, where do you start? If you don’t already have some favorite songs in mind, here are suggestions that will help you learn the basics of notation or tablature, key signatures, fingerings, rhythm, and tempo, all without boring you with endless repeats of the same eight bars. The secret to getting good at this is repetition, which is up to you, and learning good technique — from School of Rock teachers, of course.
A good beginner bass part is one that is not too simple but not overwhelming, exposes you to different techniques and tempos, and builds your confidence.
Beginner Bass Guitar Video Lesson
What better way to start a bass guitar journey than with some classic Paul McCartney. You could learn most of what you need to know by following the growth of McCartney as a bassist over the year, and She Loves You is a perfect example of the early “simpler” years.
Looks are deceiving. She Loves You has a fast and driving beat so you need to keep pushing and build stamina. You can also play it McCartney style using a pick, and if you’re so inclined, left-handed.
This next song is a winner and it’s from a band that didn’t have a bass player! Huh? Yes, the White Stripes were a duo and notorious for their lack of a bassist in live performances. Yet, Seven Nation Army is an accessible next step into more ambitious rock music.
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This is a leap into a long, repetitive, yet simple bass part that keeps you on your toes. You learn how to deal with triplets, eight notes, and rhythm variations. Be sure to be well hydrated before taking this on!
There are few bass lines that are as recognizable as Jack Bruce’s iconic track on Sunshine of Your Love. It’s the beating engine of the song, sticks in your head, and is just darn fun to play. Sunshine also can be played simply by the beginner and with bells and whistles for the advancing player.
The part requires stamina and precision. It’s not hard to play but it’s hard to play it right and keep it going for 110+ measures. Sunshine also provides an opportunity to explore the fingerboard using various positions.
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Rock music is interesting because it embraces characteristics from all different genres. Smoke on the Water is actually a four-note blues scale, and it introduces our first key with flats - G Minor. It’s not a difficult part but it will test your finger strength and ability to maintain a strong moderate tempo.
Smoke contains over 1200 notes! That’s a long, dense bass part and while it’s easily playable, it will take time to build up to full tempo and hold it to the end.
Here’s another classic that will be hard to get out of your head, and the best part is that the song was written by Queen’s bassist, John Deacon. The part is uncomplicated and repetitive but then there are those four bars ahead of the chorus -- a bassist’s chance to shine or epically fail.
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Another One Bites the Dust introduces new challenges including an alternate tuning for the bass, the E Minor key, and advanced rhythms yet it remains approachable.
It’s time to experience the monotony of being a bassist. Message in a Bottle is a great driving rock song written by a bassist, Sting, with a repetitive bass line that has two sections with four notes each. Regardless, this is a must play!
For this song to work, it has to have a driving beat. If you slow it down or fall out of sync with the drummer, the song breaks quickly. It doesn’t matter if it’s loud or soft, it still has to rock, and the bass needs to drive it.
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When it comes to rock ballads, Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb is right at the top of the list, and the best part is the simplistic bass line prominent throughout. The part isn’t complicated but it has to be lyrical and consistent in tempo to fulfill the potential of this classic piece.
The key of C Major (2 sharps) and a tempo of 64 beats per minute don’t pose any particular problem for the aspiring bassist. The challenge comes from the over 6 minute song duration -- that’s a long haul for untrained fingers on both hands. You’ll be glad when you’ve built up your stamina.
Every bassist needs a Who song in their repertoire, and this one is a good starter. It’s not difficult but it does have its challenges with some long periods of rest, varying rhythms, and a fast double time section.
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One quality that defines an experienced rock bassist is the ability to play recognizable riffs, and the repeating two bar bass riff in When I Come Around is as recognizable as it gets. It’s not easy but it’s short and powerful!
Once you learn the riff, you still have to deal with the fast tempo and the alternate tuning. Oh, and don’t forget about counting those repeats.
Let’s end our top 10 with James Brown’s biggest hit. This classic 12-bar blues riff drifts over into Brown’s famous funk. You can play it comfortably at Brown’s original 144 BPM or test your metal at his more raucous recording speed of 195. Either way, I Got You will certainly help you get your groove on.
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You may feel intimidated whenever you break away from standard rock chord structures, but in this song, you can work on the blues and infuse some funk. With enough repetition, it will become second nature.
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Larry Perlstein is one of the owners of School of Rock West Hartford in Connecticut. Learn more about how to open your own School of Rock location in your neighborhood at https://franchising..Maybe you’re just starting out on your musical journey and want to find the perfect bass guitar to get you started, or maybe you’ve played guitar for years but have never ventured below that open E string and are thinking about giving it a try.
Best Cheap Bass Guitars 2023: Budget Basses For Every Player
I’ve scoured the internet and tried out a ton of different bass guitars to bring you my top picks for the 7 best bass guitars for beginners in 2023. Whether you’re a complete newbie or just looking to upgrade from your current starter bass, I’ve got you covered.
So let’s do it. Grab your favorite plectrum, tune up, and get ready to rock out (eventually – once you figure out how to press down those fat strings) with one of these awesome, beginner-friendly bass guitars.
The Fender Squier Affinity Precision Bass is a classic beginner-friendly option for aspiring bassists. It’s got that classic Precision Bass shape and sound, with its split single-coil pickup and comfortable, contoured body. And with its affordable price tag, it’s an excellent choice for players who are just starting out and don’t want to break the bank.
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I love how comfortable the neck is on this instrument. It has a smooth, satin finish and a moderate C shape, which makes it easy to play for hours on end. The short scale length also contributes to the overall playability of the bass, as it makes it easier to reach all the frets and helps to reduce hand fatigue.
The Squier Affinity Precision Bass also features a super light body, allowing you to handle and play it comfortably, even while standing up. Plus, the solid alder body gives it a balanced, punchy sound, while its split single-coil pickup delivers the good ol’ Precision Bass tone.
Overall, the Squier Affinity Precision Bass is a classic, affordable, and easy-to-play instrument. Since it checks all those essential boxes, I’ve gladly selected it as my top pick on this list. But, if it’s not your cup of tea, keep scrolling — we’ve got a lot more to unpack!
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The Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Bass is a great option for beginner bassists who are on the shorter side or have smaller hands. It’s got a shorter scale length (22.2 inches, as opposed to the standard 34 inches), which makes it easier to play even for young hobbyists. The slim neck also gives you a more comfortable grip no matter what angle you’re holding it at.
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