Bass guitars for beginners

Choose a bass guitar for beginners by neck length, number of strings and whether you already have an amplifier. Most instruments on this page have four strings and a scale length of 864 mm, alongside shorter models for children and smaller hands, as well as five-string basses. The range includes Squier Sonic and Affinity, Ibanez GSR and Yamaha TRBX series, plus brands Sire, SX and Pasadena. Some models also come in sets with a gig bag, tuner, stand or combo amp, so you can start playing as soon as you unpack them.

Four or five strings for your first bass guitar?

A four-string bass is tuned E, A, D, G, and most tuition books and video courses are based on it, making it a safe first choice. Five strings add a low B string, which is particularly useful for metal and modern pop. The neck is then wider, and you need to mute unwanted strings more carefully, for example on the Ibanez GSR205 or Yamaha TRBX305. Six-string and fretless basses are also in the range, but they are more demanding in the first few months. Left-handed players can find models with a mirrored layout too, such as the SX SPJ62 LH.

What scale length suits smaller hands?

Scale length is the length of the string from the bridge to the nut and determines the spacing between the frets. A shorter scale means less finger stretching and a shorter instrument, making it suitable for children and players with smaller hands.

P-Bass, J-Bass or Modern Bass: how do they differ in sound?

A P-Bass has one split pickup and simple controls, giving it a full, direct sound that suits rock and pop. A J-Bass has two pickups whose balance lets you change the tone, and it sounds sharper, so funk bassists often choose it. A Modern Bass, such as the Ibanez SR300E, usually adds a thinner neck and more pronounced bass and treble controls. The PJ configuration on the Squier Affinity Precision Bass combines a split pickup with one J-type pickup.

What do you get in Basic, Standard and Premium sets?

A Basic set adds a gig bag to the bass. Standard usually adds a clip-on tuner and a stand, while Premium also includes a bass combo amp and an instrument cable. An electric bass is very quiet without an amplifier, so if you don't have a combo yet, a Premium set saves you choosing everything separately. The exact contents are listed for each set.

If chords and solos appeal to you more, take a look at electric guitars for beginners or the full range of guitars for beginners.