What's the Best Bass Guitar For Beginners?

16 minutes read

When it comes to choosing the best bass guitar for beginners, there are several factors to consider. It's important to look for a bass that is easy to play and that produces a good sound. Some popular choices for beginner bass guitars include the Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass, the Yamaha TRBX174, and the Ibanez GSR200. These bass guitars are known for their affordability, quality construction, and playability, making them great options for those who are just starting out. Ultimately, the best bass guitar for beginners will depend on personal preferences and budget, so it's a good idea to try out a few different models before making a final decision.

Best Bass Guitars of May 2024

1
Squier by Fender Bass Guitar Kit, with 2-Year Warranty, Laurel Fingerboard, Black, Poplar Body, Includes Rumble 15G Amp, Padded Guitar Bag, Cable, Guitar Strap, and More

Rating is 5 out of 5

Squier by Fender Bass Guitar Kit, with 2-Year Warranty, Laurel Fingerboard, Black, Poplar Body, Includes Rumble 15G Amp, Padded Guitar Bag, Cable, Guitar Strap, and More

  • Beginner’s Starter Pack: This beginner's starter pack was masterfully curated around a Squier Precision Bass and has everything you need to play bass
  • Lightweight and Comfortable: The Precision bass guitar featured in this pack sports a thin basswood body, which reduces weight and increases comfort when playing
2
Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Right, Walnut Flat (GSRM20BWNF)

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Right, Walnut Flat (GSRM20BWNF)

  • Fast, slim Maple neck
  • Compact, light-weight Body
3
Yamaha TRBX174 RM 4-String Electric Bass Guitar

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

Yamaha TRBX174 RM 4-String Electric Bass Guitar

  • Incredible Quality and Value
  • Mahogany Body
  • Vintage Style Bridge
4
Stedman Beginner Series Bass Guitar Bundle with 15-Watt Amp, Gig Bag, Instrument Cable, Strap, Strings, Picks, and Polishing Cloth - Metallic Blue

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

Stedman Beginner Series Bass Guitar Bundle with 15-Watt Amp, Gig Bag, Instrument Cable, Strap, Strings, Picks, and Polishing Cloth - Metallic Blue

  • Full Size 46" Electric Bass Guitar
  • Basswood Body and Maple Neck with Adjustable Truss Rod
  • Rosewood Fretboard
5
Best Choice Products Acoustic Electric Bass Guitar, Full Size 4 String, Fretted Bass Guitar w/Padded Gig Bag - Vintage Sunburst

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

Best Choice Products Acoustic Electric Bass Guitar, Full Size 4 String, Fretted Bass Guitar w/Padded Gig Bag - Vintage Sunburst

  • ACOUSTIC-ELECTRIC BASS: Equipped with a 4-band EQ-7545R preamp to produce high-quality audio for hours of musical practice and play
  • ATTRACTIVE DESIGN: Crafted with an attractive sound hole inlay, chrome die-cast tuners, and a glossy finish for easy upkeep
  • CUTAWAY SHAPE: A classic design, the cutaway shape combines a rich, supple tone with easy access to the higher frets for a more diverse sound
6
Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass, Olympic White, Maple Fingerboard

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass, Olympic White, Maple Fingerboard

  • Thin and lightweight body
  • Slim “C”-shaped neck profile
  • PJ pickup configuration
  • Open-gear tuning machines
  • 4-saddle bass bridge
7
Donner Electric Bass Guitar 4 Strings Full-Size Standard Bass PB-Style Beginner Kit Sunburst for Starter with Free Online Lesson Gig Bag Guitar Strap and Guitar Cable, DPB-510S

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

Donner Electric Bass Guitar 4 Strings Full-Size Standard Bass PB-Style Beginner Kit Sunburst for Starter with Free Online Lesson Gig Bag Guitar Strap and Guitar Cable, DPB-510S

  • 🤘[CLASSIC BASS PICKUPS]Donner PB-Style electric bass with classic bass pickups, deliver classic tones with all the warmth and crisp, clear sound, always the first choice for bass players. The bass is designed to be lightweight and design for portable play.
  • 🤘[VINTAGE BRIDGE]Donner Bass is equipped with a through-body fixed bridge-"4-SADDLE BRIDGE", each string can be independently adjusted in height, and intonation, and features slotted saddles for enhanced tuning stability, and punchy attack.
  • 🆙[WE HAVE YOU IN MIND] Donner PB-Style 4 Strings Bass comes with all accessories you need: a gig bag, a guitar strap, and a guitar cable as gifts. You can play Donner bass directly when you get it.
8
Fender Acoustic Bass Guitar 4-String with Fishman Bass Acoustic Guitar Pickup with Tuner and Equalizer, Classic Design with Rounded Walnut Fingerboard, Mahogany Construction, Spruce Top

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

Fender Acoustic Bass Guitar 4-String with Fishman Bass Acoustic Guitar Pickup with Tuner and Equalizer, Classic Design with Rounded Walnut Fingerboard, Mahogany Construction, Spruce Top

  • One right-handed Fender Concert Acoustic Bass Guitar
  • Concert Body: This guitar’s concert body shape provides a well-balanced, well-rounded, and bright tone, great for freestyle fingerpicking and solo playing. Perfect for beginners and songwriters
  • Enhanced Playability: Easily enhance and control your sound with the built-in Fishman Classic Design pickup/preamp tuner
9
Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass, Charcoal Frost Metallic, Laurel Fingerboard

Rating is 4.2 out of 5

Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass, Charcoal Frost Metallic, Laurel Fingerboard

  • Thin and lightweight body
  • Slim “C”-shaped neck profile
  • Squier single-coil pickups
  • Open-gear tuning machines
  • 4-saddle bass bridge
10
Squier by Fender Mini Precision Short Scale Bass Guitar with 2-Year Warranty, Laurel Fingerboard, Sealed Die-Cast Tuning Machines, and Split Single-Coil Pickup, Maple Neck, Black

Rating is 4.1 out of 5

Squier by Fender Mini Precision Short Scale Bass Guitar with 2-Year Warranty, Laurel Fingerboard, Sealed Die-Cast Tuning Machines, and Split Single-Coil Pickup, Maple Neck, Black

  • One Squier Mini Precision 4-string bass guitar
  • Reduced-Size Instrument: The Squier Mini Precision bass guitar with a split single-coil pickup is the perfect companion for players seeking a smaller and lighter instrument for great sound and easy travel
  • Rock Steady Tuners: Chrome die-cast tuners help keep your guitar tuned with the perfect amount of tension, and they don't attract much dust or grime
11
Ibanez GSRM 4 String Bass Guitar, Right, Starlight Blue (GSRM20SLB)

Rating is 4 out of 5

Ibanez GSRM 4 String Bass Guitar, Right, Starlight Blue (GSRM20SLB)

  • Fast, slim Maple neck
  • Compact, light-weight Body


What is the importance of warranty and customer support for a beginner bass guitar?

Warranty and customer support are important for a beginner bass guitar for a few key reasons:

  1. Peace of mind: Having a warranty on your bass guitar ensures that you are covered in case of any manufacturing defects or issues that arise within a certain period of time. This can provide peace of mind for a beginner player who may be unsure of how to handle potential problems with their instrument.
  2. Quality assurance: A warranty signifies that the manufacturer stands behind the quality of their product and is willing to provide support if anything goes wrong. This can give beginner players confidence in the overall quality of their instrument.
  3. Customer support: Having access to customer support from the manufacturer or retailer can be invaluable for a beginner player who may have questions or need assistance with their instrument. Good customer support can help address any issues or concerns that arise and ensure that the player has a positive experience with their bass guitar.


Overall, having a warranty and access to reliable customer support can help ensure that a beginner bass guitar player has a positive experience with their instrument and can focus on learning and improving their skills without worrying about potential problems or issues.


What is the significance of a truss rod in a beginner bass guitar?

A truss rod in a beginner bass guitar is important because it helps to adjust the curvature or bow of the guitar neck. This allows the player to optimize the playability and intonation of the instrument. A properly adjusted truss rod ensures that the strings are at the correct height above the fretboard, making it easier for beginners to press down on the strings and play without excessive buzzing or fretting out. It also helps to prevent issues such as warping or twisting of the neck due to changes in temperature or humidity. Overall, a truss rod is a crucial component in ensuring that a beginner bass guitar is comfortable and easy to play, making it more enjoyable for the player to learn and improve their skills.


How to assess the quality of the electronics in a beginner bass guitar?

  1. Check the brand and reputation: Higher quality beginner bass guitars are often made by well-known and reputable brands that have a track record of producing reliable and durable instruments. Research the brand to see if they are known for producing high-quality electronics.
  2. Look at the components: Examine the pickups, knobs, switches, and input jacks to see if they are securely attached and of a sturdy construction. Loose or flimsy components can indicate poor quality electronics.
  3. Test the sound: Plug the bass guitar into an amplifier and play it to see how it sounds. Listen for any unwanted buzzing, humming, or distortion, which could indicate poor wiring or faulty components.
  4. Check the controls: Turn the volume and tone knobs to ensure they work smoothly and accurately adjust the sound. Check the pickups and switches to see if they change the tone and volume as expected.
  5. Look for any visible damage: Inspect the electronics for any visible damage, such as loose wires, broken components, or signs of wear and tear. Damaged electronics can affect the performance and longevity of the bass guitar.
  6. Consult with a professional: If you are unsure about the quality of the electronics in a beginner bass guitar, consider bringing it to a professional guitar technician or luthier for an assessment. They can inspect the electronics and provide recommendations for any necessary repairs or upgrades.


How to pick the best beginner bass guitar based on hand size?

When selecting a beginner bass guitar based on hand size, it's important to consider a few key factors:

  1. Neck width: For players with smaller hands, a bass guitar with a narrower neck may be more comfortable to play. Look for bass guitars with a slim profile neck, such as a jazz bass style neck, which can be easier to wrap your hand around and fret comfortably.
  2. Scale length: The scale length of a bass guitar determines the spacing between the frets, which can impact how easy it is to reach and play different notes. Players with smaller hands may find a shorter scale bass guitar, such as a 30-inch scale length, easier to play and navigate.
  3. Body size and shape: The shape and size of the bass guitar body can also affect how comfortable it is to play, especially for players with smaller hands. Consider choosing a bass guitar with a smaller, more compact body shape, such as a short-scale or travel bass, which can be easier to hold and play for smaller hands.
  4. Adjustability: Look for a bass guitar that offers adjustable features, such as a truss rod for neck adjustments or adjustable bridge saddles, which can help customize the setup of the instrument to better fit your hand size and playing style.


Ultimately, the best way to pick the right beginner bass guitar based on hand size is to try out different instruments in person and see which one feels the most comfortable and natural to play. Visit a music store and try out a few different bass guitars to see which one suits your hand size and playing preferences best.

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