Learning the bass guitar

Below are some of the more common questions I'm asked by new students. If there's anything you'd like to know that isn't covered here, get in touch!

Is it easier to learn bass or guitar?

How easy or hard an instrument is to learn depends on how much time you are prepared to practice. To become proficient in any instrument takes time, but unlike some instruments, playing bass guitar becomes fun quite early on, as you are able to play along with a band or your favourite songs by playing a simplified version of the bass line, as you improve over time, you can create more complex bass lines.

Can I learn bass on a guitar?

It is possible to learn bass lines and bass theory by using the lowest four strings on a guitar, but you won’t be able to learn decent playing technique and it will ultimately sound rubbish.

Can you play bass if you know guitar?

Up to a point, yes. A guitarist will be able to play a simple bass line, and it is certainly easier to learn bass guitar if you already have experience of playing guitar, but to become proficient requires lots of different skills and techniques which are unique to bass guitar.

What is a good beginner bass guitar

There are plenty of good quality bass guitars that don’t cost a lot. There definitely isn’t any need to spend more than £200 on a beginner bass, and you can pick one up for much less than that. Ibanez and Squire are two big names who make good quality entry level basses, but there are lots of other less well known brands too. The best thing to do is try some out in the shop to see how they feel, if you know someone who knows about bass guitars, take them with you when you go shopping, and don’t be afraid to haggle!

Do I need my own bass guitar?

Ideally yes, but I do have a bass guitar you can use at the studio if you haven’t yet got your own. In order to progress quickly you will need to practice at home. It’s also better to use your own bass in the studio during lessons because you will learn quicker if you feel comfortable playing on a bass that feels familiar to you.

Am I too old to learn an instrument?

No. it’s never too late to start learning to play a musical instrument. The oldest student I have taught was 70 years old when they started lessons.

Am I too young to start learning an instrument?

The youngest student I have taught was 12 years old when they started lessons. The main problem with learning to play bass guitar if you are young is the size of the neck when compared to that of a guitar. There are short scale bass guitars which have a shorter neck with the frets closer together to combat this problem (I have one at the studio). The best thing to do is to book a FREE lesson and try it out to see if it is manageable for you.

How much are lessons?

£15

How long is a lesson

30 minutes

Do I have to block book lessons in bulk?

No. Each week you book your next lesson for the following week.

How can I pay for lessons?

Cash only at the moment, I don’t have a card reader yet. Each week you pay for the following weeks lesson.

What happens if I can’t come to a lesson?

If you have a lesson booked but can’t make it for any reason, just call or text to let me know. As you will have already paid for the lesson in advance, your payment will simply roll over to the following week, you won’t lose any money.

How often do I need to practice?

The way to get good at playing your bass guitar, is by playing your bass guitar. The more you practice the better, but you don’t have to spend hour after hour practicing, especially if you don’t have time. A quick half hour here and 15 minutes there all adds up, and is better than not practicing at all.

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