A bass guitar is a necessary instrument for any band. That woody and boomy sound complements the drums and creates a foundation for the vocalist and guitar to groove with the melody. If you want to experience the magic behind playing the bass, you may consider picking up your first bass guitar. Before you run to the store and grab the first one you see, there are a few things you’ll need to consider when shopping for a bass.

We put together a guide for you to make the best choice for your learning experience.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Things to consider when purchasing a bass guitar

Size

Basses come in two sizes: long scale and short scale. The strength length also plays a part in the size of the bass. When you’re shopping for your first bass, you’ll want to ensure the size of the bass matches the size of the bassist for the best possible playing experience.

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Action

Action is how high the strings are in relation to the fretboard. A bass guitar with high action will make playing more difficult for beginner bass players. However, if the action is too low, you may deal with an ongoing buzzing sound that will distract you from your playing.

For the best results, find a happy medium. You’ll want something high enough that your strings have the right ring to them, and the bassist can easily press down the strings while playing.

The neck width

The width of the neck of a bass guitar can change how comfortable you are. Most beginner bass guitar players can benefit from starting with a narrower neck. This will ensure you have an easy-to-navigate playing experience that helps you learn the basics.

The electronics

If you’re investing in a used electric bass guitar, you’ll want to ensure all electronics are in good condition. To do this, plug the bass guitar into an amp and adjust the sound. Make sure there aren’t any unwanted cracking sounds. These cracking sounds are a result of faulty electronics or internal issues.

Check to make sure the frets are leveled

Lastly, make sure the frets are level. If you have uneven frets, it can cause your notes to sound different and affect the entire playing experience.

Acoustic bass guitar vs. electric bass guitar

Acoustic bass guitars are typically used in rock and pop songs. They’re hollow, have a sound hole at the top, and have a mellow feel compared to an electric bass guitar.
The electric bass guitar is great for funk, rock, and soul music. This is considered an easy option to learn because it’s smaller than the acoustic guitar, and the sounds are amplified. Electric bass guitars are typically a better choice for beginners, especially during the learning phase. They are beginner-friendly, more accessible, and often available on short scales for younger beginners.

When deciding which option is right for you to learn, you’ll want to consider your goals and the type of music you plan on playing. Acoustic bass guitars can be more challenging for a beginner to take on. They require more effort and have a limited range of sounds. However, they don’t require as much additional equipment since you won’t need an amp to play.

Bass guitar accessories you’ll need

Once you find a bass guitar that suits you, you’ll need to start investing in different bass guitar accessories.

Here’s a list to help you get started:

  • An amplifier and instrument cable
  • Bass guitar strap
  • High-quality pair of headphones
  • Tuner
  • Guitar picks
  • Extra strings
  • Bass guitar case

Don’t feel like you need all of these items all at once. As you take on the journey of playing the bass guitar, you’ll see what accessories are necessary.

Take your passions to the next level with MI

Learning how to play the bass guitar takes time and dedication. However, it can be a rewarding experience. If you find that the bass guitar is an instrument you want to pursue professionally, consider enrolling in an online or in-person bass guitar class at MI.

At MI, we are passionate about helping bassists learn the ins and outs of the bass guitar. Our instructors are here to help you take your skills to new heights, find your groove and master the art of playing the bass guitar.

Request more information today to learn more.

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