Best Electric Bass for Beginners
How to choose your first bass guitar
Choosing your first bass guitar can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Focus on comfort, build quality and style. Look for a model with a slim neck, lightweight body, and versatile sound to make the learning process enjoyable. Reliability and brand reputation also matter when selecting the best electric bass for beginners.
Best bass guitars for beginners
Ibanez GSR180 GIO
Ibanez GSR180 GIO (front)
Ibanez GSR180 GIO (back)
The Ibanez GSR180 GIO is a standout choice for newcomers. It features a lightweight poplar body and a smooth maple neck with a 22-fret jatoba fingerboard, offering excellent playability. The dual single-coil pickups provide a clear, punchy tone that suits rock, pop and funk styles. Weighing in at just over 3 kg, it is easy on the shoulders, making it ideal for long practice sessions. Ibanez's reputation for building quality, affordable instruments makes this a reliable first bass. Its sleek design and slim neck encourage faster learning and better technique. Available in a classic black finish, the GSR180 looks as good as it sounds. Overall, it is an excellent balance of performance and value.
Squier Affinity Jaguar
Squier Affinity Jaguar (front)
Squier Affinity Jaguar (back)
The Squier Affinity Jaguar is a stylish and versatile beginner bass. Featuring a PJ pickup configuration, it delivers a wide tonal range from warm lows to sharp highs. The poplar body, maple neck, and laurel fingerboard feel comfortable and responsive. It has a slightly shorter 32-inch scale length, making it easier for beginners to navigate the fretboard. Weighing around 4kg, it remains manageable for most players. Squier, a Fender-owned brand, is known for offering excellent entry-level instruments that retain classic Fender vibes. The Affinity Jaguar’s retro aesthetic, paired with reliable build quality, makes it one of the best bass guitars for beginners. It comes in eye-catching colours like Charcoal Frost Metallic.
Jackson JS Series Concert Bass JS2
Jackson JS Series Concert Bass JS2 (front)
Jackson JS Series Concert Bass JS2 (back)
The Jackson JS2 offers something a little edgier for beginners who love rock and metal. It features a poplar body, a bolt-on maple neck, and an amaranth fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets. Dual Jackson high-output humbuckers ensure a deep, powerful sound that punches through the mix. The aggressive styling, with its sharp body contours and black hardware, appeals to players with heavier tastes. Despite its bold looks, it remains very playable, with a fast, slim neck profile. Jackson's reputation for high-performance instruments is well-received in this starter bass, which delivers excellent tone and feel at an accessible price.
Epiphone SG Bass E1
Epiphone SG Bass E1 (front)
Epiphone SG Bass E1 (back)
The Epiphone SG Bass E1 is a brilliant beginner option for those who love vintage styling. Inspired by the classic Gibson SG design, it features a mahogany body, mahogany neck, and rosewood fingerboard. Its shorter 30.5-inch scale length makes it highly playable for beginners, particularly those with smaller hands. The single Sidewinder humbucking pickup delivers a thick, warm tone perfect for blues, rock and classic pop. The set-neck construction gives excellent sustain, while the lightweight body ensures comfortable play. Epiphone's strong brand heritage adds confidence in the build and sound quality. Its distinctive cherry red finish and retro vibe make it a real standout on stage or in lessons.
Cort Action Plus
Cort Action Plus (black)
Cort Action Plus (red)
The Cort Action Plus is a versatile and affordable entry-level bass ideal for all musical styles. It features a lightweight poplar body, Canadian hard maple neck, and a jatoba fingerboard. The PJ pickup configuration, along with an active two-band EQ, provides an impressive range of tones from deep lows to crisp highs.
The slim, ergonomic design helps beginners build good technique with ease. Cort is known for producing high-quality instruments at competitive prices, and the Action Plus is no exception. Its reliability, smooth playability and stylish appearance make it one of the best entry-level bass guitars available today.
Bass guitar FAQs
Is a bass guitar fun to play?
Absolutely. Bass provides the groove that holds songs together, and many players find its rhythmic role very rewarding.
How much does a beginner bass cost?
Most good-quality beginner bass guitars in the UK range from £150 to £300, depending on the brand and features.
How many frets does a bass guitar have?
Standard bass guitars usually have between 20 and 24 frets, giving a wide range of notes.
How many strings does a bass guitar have?
Most beginner bass guitars have four strings, though five- and six-string models are also available.
Learn more about bass guitar with Bryan
Ready to dive deeper into bass playing? Bryan offers personalised bass guitar lessons alongside six-string guitar tuition. Whether you want to lay down grooves in a band or just play for fun, Bryan can help you build solid skills from day one. Get in touch with Bryan to start your musical journey.
