Bass Guitar 101: Beginner’s Buying Guide

The bass guitar is an acoustically quiet instrument that requires external amplification like the electric guitar which is why you can also find it under the electric bass guitar name. There’s also an acoustic bass variant that resembles the steel-string acoustic guitar, but in this article we will mainly focus on the electric bass.

Although its not a lead instrument, the bass guitar is responsible for some of the most iconic and memorable songs, like Pink Floyd‘s “Money” and Queen‘s “Under Pressure” – the bass is an irreplaceable component of modern music.

If you are planning to buy your first bass, you probably have a lot of questions in mind such as: What size should you get, What type is best for you style of music, What accessories do I need, Which brands are the best, etc – don’t worry we’ve got you covered

In this bass guitar buying guide we will cover everything a beginner would need to know when looking to buy his first bass so let’s dive in!

Bass Guitar Anatomy

It’s best to start the guide with the basics – these are the parts that make up a bass guitar

The bass guitar can be divided into three main sections: the body, neck, and headstock. Each section includes several important components that contribute to both the instrument’s function and its tone.

Body

The body is the largest part of the bass and comes in a variety of shapes, most commonly falling into three categories: P-Bass, J-Bass, and Modern designs. It can also be made from different materials, which affect tone and weight. It includes:

• Pickguard – A plastic plate that protects the body’s finish from pick scratches and wear
• Bridge – Anchors the strings to the body and helps transfer string vibrations to the instrument
• String Saddles – Adjustable parts of the bridge that control string height (action) and intonation
• Control Knobs – Used to adjust volume and tone settings for the pickups
• Pickups – Magnetic components that capture string vibrations and send the signal to the amp
• Strap Button – A metal pin where you attach a guitar strap for playing while standing
• Output Jack – The socket where you plug in your instrument cable to connect to an amp or interface

Neck

The neck connects the body to the headstock and can come in different shapes, most commonly U, V, or C profiles. It includes:

• Nut – A small strip at the top of the neck that keeps the strings evenly spaced and raised
• Fretboard – The front-facing surface of the neck where your fingers press down on the strings, also known as fingerboard
• Frets – Metal strips embedded in the fretboard that help define pitch when pressing strings
• Fret Markers – Inlays or dots that serve as visual references to help navigate the fretboard

Headstock

The headstock is where tuning happens, and it includes:

• Tuning Pegs (or Machine Heads) – Gears used to tighten or loosen each string, adjusting the pitch
• String Tree – A small bar or post that guides the strings and maintains proper tension and angle over the nut

Bass Guitar Categories and Types

As mentioned in the introduction, bass guitars fall into two main categories – electric and acoustic. However, there are a few other specialized types worth knowing about. Let’s break them down.

Electric Bass Guitar

This is by far the most common type of bass guitar and also the most versatile. Electric basses come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and configurations, making them suitable for nearly every genre, from rock and funk to jazz and metal.

Since they require an amplifier, you can easily shape and experiment with your tone using amp settings, pedals, and EQ (equalization) controls.

Acoustic Bass Guitar

Less common and generally more affordable, acoustic bass guitars feature a hollow body with a soundhole, much like an acoustic guitar. They are best suited for genres like folk, country, acoustic rock, unplugged sessions, and world music, such as traditional Mexican styles.

However, they tend to be harder for beginners due to their thicker necks and limited volume. That’s why many acoustic basses also come in acoustic-electric versions, allowing you to plug into an amp when needed.

Variations of Electric and Acoustic Bass Guitars

Fretless Bass Guitar

This type removes the metal frets from the fretboard, offering a smoother surface for gliding between notes. This allows for more expressive and fluid playing which is perfect for jazz, fusion, prog rock and experimental music in general. But it also requires precise finger placement and ear training. They’re typically recommended for more experienced players.

Double Bass

Also known as the upright bass, it’s the grandfather of all bass guitars. This large, bowed or plucked instrument is mainly used in classical, jazz, and bluegrass music. The double bass has a steep learning curve due to its size, fretless nature, and different playing posture, making it better suited for advanced or dedicated players. There’s also an electric version with a “skeleton” body.

Headless Bass Guitar

Headless bass guitars remove the traditional headstock, placing the tuners at the bridge instead. This design reduces weight, improves balance, and helps prevent neck dive. They’re popular among advanced and touring players for their ergonomic feel and sleek, compact, even futuristic look. This type is versatile and can be used to play a variety of genres – from progressive metal to jazz fusion.

Why Bass Size Matters

Would you use an item every day that’s uncomfortable or even painful to hold? Definitely not. The same logic applies to the bass guitar – if you want to pick up and play the instrument regularly, you will need to choose the right size.

Bass guitar size depends on a few factors, mainly the type of bass and who it’s intended for (adults or kids). The key measurement to pay attention to is the scale length i.e. the distance between the nut and the bridge which is the part of the instrument you’ll be interacting with the most.

While 34 inches is the most common scale length, bass guitars can range from 30″ to over 36″. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Short Scale Length (30″–32″) – Great for beginners, kids, or players with smaller hands. Easier to handle but may offer a slightly different tone
• Medium Scale Length (32″–34″) – A solid middle ground, balancing comfort with standard tone. Less common but a good alternative for those who find full-scale basses too large
• Long Scale Length (34″–36″) – The industry standard for most bass guitars, offering fuller tone and string tension – best for adult players
• Very Long Scale Length (36″+) – These are specialized basses for extended range or lower tunings, usually aimed at advanced or niche players

Number of Strings on a Bass

Another key part of understanding bass guitars is the number of strings. The string count affects not only how the instrument feels but also what kind of music it’s best suited for. Bass guitars typically come in four, five, or six-string versions, each with its own purpose and learning curve.

• 4-String Bass Guitar – The most common and beginner-friendly option. Ideal for learning the basics of rhythm, finger positioning, and foundational technique, it’s perfect for most styles of music
• 5-String Bass Guitar – Adds a low B string, giving you an extended range that’s useful in genres like heavy metal, hard rock, and jazz. While still fairly common, it’s better suited for intermediate or advanced players
• 6-String Bass Guitar – Includes both a low B and a high C string, offering a full extended range. These are the most challenging to play due to the wider neck and complex fretboard, and they’re typically used by pro players, especially in jazz, fusion, and progressive rock/metal

Bass Guitar Tonewoods

Although tonewoods play a much bigger role in the sound of acoustic guitars, they still shape the voice of the bass and shouldn’t be overlooked.

Tonewoods are used to build the bass body, neck, and fretboard. Sometimes only one type of wood is used for all sections but there are also basses where different types of woods are used for each part and all of these combos give different sounds

• Ash – Known for its bright, snappy tone with plenty of sustain and pronounced highs and mids
• Alder – Offers a balanced sound with a clear low end and good midrange presence, making it a popular choice for classic bass tones
• Walnut – Delivers a warm and focused sound with strong mids and a slightly darker character
• Mahogany – A heavier wood that produces a deep, rich tone with smooth lows and a warm, rounded feel
• Basswood – Lightweight and affordable, this wood has a softer tone with good midrange but less definition in the highs and lows
• Maple – Bright and articulate with a strong upper-end response; often used in necks and fretboards for extra snap
• Bubinga – A dense and exotic wood that offers great sustain and a punchy, tight low end. Often found in high-end basses
• Rosewood – Commonly used for fretboards, it adds warmth and a slightly mellow touch to the instrument’s tone

Bass Guitar Pickups

Pickups are located directly beneath the strings and are easy to spot because they’re usually rectangular with visible magnetic metal circles. Their job is to capture the string vibrations and convert them into an electrical signal that gets sent to your amp.

The placement of the pickup matters because a pickup near the bridge will sound tighter and brighter, while one near the neck will sound deeper and rounder.

Based on how they operate, bass pickups fall into two main types: passive and active.

• Passive Pickups – This is the traditional type that uses larger magnets that produce a warm, natural tone. However, they can pick up more interference and lack advanced tone-shaping controls
• Active Pickups – These are powered by a 9V battery and offer cleaner output, higher signal strength, and more tonal control. Just remember to keep spare batteries on hand

In terms of design, bass pickups usually come in one of three common forms:

• Single-Coil Pickups – Bright and articulate but more prone to electrical hum and noise
• Humbucker (Double-Coil) Pickups – Designed to cancel out noise, they offer a thicker, punchier tone
• Split-Coil Pickups – A type of hum-canceling pickup often found on P-style basses. They provide a balanced and clear tone with good low-end response

Essential Bass Guitar Accessories

Having the right accessories is almost as important as having the right bass guitar. Accessories help with everything from practicing quietly and keeping your instrument in tune, to making sure your gear stays protected and in good shape.

• Amplifier – A must-have for electric bass players, an amp brings your sound to life and allows you to adjust your tone and volume
• Headphones – Perfect for silent practice or late-night playing, especially if your amp has a headphone jack
• Picks – While many bassists use their fingers, picks offer a sharper, more aggressive attack that suits certain styles
• Straps – A comfortable strap lets you play standing up without straining your shoulders or back
• Cables – You’ll need a good instrument cable to connect your bass to your amp. Find a durable and noise-free one
• Tuner – Keeping your bass in tune is essential, and a clip-on or pedal tuner makes it fast and easy. These days there are also great tuning apps
• Spare Strings – Strings can break or wear out, so it’s always smart to keep a fresh set on hand
• Gig Case or Bag – Whether hard or soft, a case or gig bag protects your bass during transport and storage
• Stand – A stand keeps your bass safe and accessible when you’re not playing, helping to prevent accidental damage, especially to the headstock
• Maintenance Kit – Basic tools and cleaning supplies will help you keep your bass in top condition and extend its lifespan. Make sure to wipe down your strings after each session

Of course you don’t need every accessory right away, but most of these will improve your playing experience and help maintain your instrument.

Trusted Brands vs. No-Name Bass Guitars

When it comes to guitars, whether it’s a bass or something else – it’s always smarter to go with a trusted brand rather than a no-name manufacturer. Reputable brands offer reliable build quality, better components, and consistent sound, which is exactly what beginners need to stay motivated.

A bass guitar from brands like Fender, Ibanez, Gibson, Rickenbacker, Yamaha, Schecter, Warwick, Music Man, or ESP will serve you well and last for years.

On the other hand, no-name bass guitars are often plagued by technical issues, poor hardware, and low-quality electronics. This can lead to more maintenance, bad tone, and frustration, things that could easily make you lose interest in playing altogether.

Budget – How Much Should You Spend on Your First Bass?

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned player looking for a new instrument, choosing a bass guitar can feel overwhelming due to the sheer number of options out there.

But once you’ve figured out the tonewood you like, found the right size for your needs, and identified the genres you want to play, the process becomes much simpler because then it’s just about staying within your budget.

There’s no need to overspend on your first bass unless you have the means and desire to do so. For most beginners, a bass in the $200–$600 range will work just fine and provide great value for the price. If you’re on a tighter budget, a second-hand bass from a trusted brand can be a smart alternative – just make sure it’s in good condition and has been properly maintained.

May interest you: 10 Best Budget Bass Guitars for Beginners

Conclusion

Buying your first bass guitar doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Once you understand the different types, sizes, tonewoods, and pickups, it becomes much easier to make a confident decision that fits your style, needs, and budget.

Whether you’re drawn to the classic 4-string or curious about exploring extended-range models, there’s a perfect bass out there waiting for you. Stick with trusted brands, prioritize comfort and playability, and don’t forget the essential accessories that complete the experience.

The bass guitar may not always take center stage, but it’s the heartbeat of every great band and is a very fun instrument to play!