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Bass is one of the most rewarding instruments you can learn. You can play along with real songs within a few weeks, you hold the band together, and every local band in the country is looking for a bassist. Listen closely to almost any song you love and you will find the bass quietly shaping how it feels. The trouble for beginners is that basses are big, heavy instruments, and a poor first choice can feel like a plank with strings on.

I am a songwriter, and I build FencyGuitar, a guitar learning app, so I care about instruments that help people make music quickly, and I think the bass is one of the best examples. This list covers nine basses that suit beginners in the UK, with prices checked on 31 October 2026, mostly at guitarguitar. I have not played every bass here, so the notes draw on specifications, owner reports and long standing reputation, and I will be clear about what each one gets wrong.

Top 3: Bass Guitars for Beginners

Below are all nine picks, followed by a guide to choosing a first bass, what else you need and how to get started.

9 Best Bass Guitars for Beginners Right Now

1. Ibanez GSR180

The Ibanez GSR180 is the bass I would suggest to most beginners. It was £189 to £209 at guitarguitar depending on finish. It has a full 34 inch scale, two passive single coil pickups and a slim neck in the Ibanez SR tradition. The body is smaller and lighter than a classic Fender style bass, which makes a real difference when you stand up for the first time.

The slim neck is the main reason it suits beginners. Bass necks can feel huge, and a thin profile makes it easier to reach the lower frets and to play for longer without your hand tiring. The two pickups, with a volume and balance style control layout, give you a useful range of sounds from round to punchy.

Ibanez also sells the GSR180 in a pack with a Laney DBF30 bass amp, which was £349. That is a tidy way to get everything at once.

Who should skip this: players who love the look and thick neck of a vintage Precision Bass.

Models Worth Checking Out

2. Squier Sonic Bronco Short Scale

The Squier Sonic Bronco is the easiest bass on this list to get your hands around. It was £159 to £179 at guitarguitar. It has a 30 inch short scale, compared with 34 inches on a standard bass, so the frets sit closer together and the strings are softer to press. It also has a single pickup and a small, light body.

For children, teenagers, smaller adults and guitarists who want a second instrument, a short scale changes everything. The stretch between frets is one of the biggest physical challenges for new bassists, and this removes most of it.

With only one pickup and 19 frets, it is a simple instrument, and that simplicity is part of its charm. It has a warm, slightly vintage sound that works well for indie and punk.

Who should skip this: taller players, and anyone who wants the tight, bright sound of a long scale bass.

3. Yamaha TRBX174

The Yamaha TRBX174 was £229 at guitarguitar, with the Exotic Wood TRBX174EW at £249 to £259. It has a 34 inch scale and a PJ style pickup layout, which pairs a split coil pickup with a single coil. That gives you the fat sound of a Precision Bass and the sharper sound of a Jazz Bass in one instrument.

As with its Pacifica guitars, Yamaha's reputation here rests on consistency. The TRBX range is widely recommended as a first bass that feels well made for the money. The body is contoured and balanced, and it stays comfortable on a strap.

Who should skip this: players who want a classic Fender look.

Models Worth Checking Out

4. Squier Sonic Precision Bass

The Squier Sonic Precision Bass was £169 to £209 at guitarguitar. The Precision Bass is the most famous bass design ever made, and its simple sound has appeared on an enormous number of records. If you want the classic shape at a low price, this is it.

A single split coil pickup and simple controls make it hard to get a bad sound. Just play. The neck is wider than the Ibanez, which some players like and others find tiring at first.

Who should skip this: players with small hands, who may prefer the GSR180 or a short scale.

5. Squier Affinity Precision Bass PJ

The Squier Affinity Precision Bass PJ started at £249 at guitarguitar. It adds a Jazz style bridge pickup to the Precision design, so you get a wider range of sounds. It is a step up in hardware and finish from the Sonic range.

For many players, this is the sensible middle ground: a proper P style bass that can also sound brighter when a song needs it, and a bass that will last well beyond the beginner stage.

Who should skip this: anyone happy with the simplicity of a single pickup.

6. Squier Affinity Jazz Bass

The Squier Affinity Jazz Bass was £249 at guitarguitar. Jazz Basses have a slimmer neck than Precision Basses, and two single coil pickups give a bright, punchy sound with plenty of definition. Despite the name, they are used in all styles of music.

The slim neck makes it comfortable for beginners who want the Fender shape without the bigger P Bass neck. The two pickups give you more tonal choice, though single coils do pick up a little hum.

Who should skip this: players who want the simplest possible controls.

Models Worth Checking Out

7. Cort Action Junior Short Scale

The Cort Action Junior Short Scale was on offer at £179 at guitarguitar, down from £229. Cort's Action series has a strong reputation for value, and this smaller version brings it to a short scale format. It suits younger players and smaller adults, and is a worthwhile alternative to the Squier Sonic Bronco.

The Cort guitarguitar Action PJ Bass Pack, at £349, is a full scale alternative with accessories.

Who should skip this: adults with larger hands.

8. EastCoast PJ4 Bass Pack

The EastCoast PJ4 Bass Pack was on offer at £199 at guitarguitar, down from £216.35. It combines a PJ style bass with the basics you need to start. EastCoast is the shop's own brand.

It is a low risk way to find out whether bass is for you, particularly as a gift. As with most packs, the amp and accessories are the weakest parts, and you may want to replace them first.

Who should skip this: anyone who is confident they want to learn, and can buy a better bass and amp separately.

9. Squier Classic Vibe '60s Precision Bass

The Squier Classic Vibe '60s Precision Bass, at £409 at guitarguitar, is the step up for older beginners who want a bass they will keep for years. Classic Vibe basses are widely regarded as excellent value, with vintage looks, better pickups and a more refined feel than cheaper models.

It is more than a beginner needs, but it is also a bass many working players are happy to gig with. If you are an adult learner and know you are serious, it could be the only bass you ever need.

Who should skip this: anyone unsure whether they will stick with bass.

Honourable Mentions

Squier Mini Precision Bass. A very small bass, from around £149, for young children.

Ibanez GSRM20 miKro. An even shorter scale bass at about £219 to £229, though out of stock when I checked.

Squier Paranormal Rascal Short Scale Bass HH. A striking short scale bass at £419 for players who want something different.

Squier Classic Vibe '60s Mustang Short Scale Bass. A classy short scale at £409.

Used basses. Basses often sell for good prices second hand, because many people try them and stop. Our guide to buying a used guitar in the UK explains how to check one.

How to Choose Your First Bass

Short scale or long scale

Standard basses have a 34 inch scale. Short scale basses have about 30 inches. A short scale makes the frets closer together and the strings softer, which helps smaller players and beginners. A long scale has a tighter, clearer sound and is the most common format, so strings and accessories are easy to find. If you are under about five foot five, or your hands are small, try a short scale first.

Four strings or five

Four strings are the right choice for almost every beginner. A five string adds a low B, which is useful for modern metal and some pop, but the neck is wider and the extra string is one more thing to control. Learn on four strings, and add a fifth later if you need it.

Neck width

This is the biggest comfort factor. Precision Basses have a wider neck, Jazz Basses are slimmer, and Ibanez SR models are slimmer still. If you can try a few, spend some time on each.

Weight and balance

Basses are bigger than guitars and can be heavy on your shoulder. Lighter bodies and smaller shapes help a lot. Watch out for "neck dive", where the neck drops when you let go of it. A good wide strap reduces this.

Pickups

A Precision pickup is simple and fat. A Jazz pair is bright and punchy. A PJ layout gives you both. Active electronics add a battery and more tone control; passive basses are simpler and need no power.

What Else Do You Need?

A bass amp. Regular guitar amps can struggle with low notes, so a small bass combo is the better choice. The Laney DBF30 comes bundled with the GSR180 pack.

Headphones and a headphone amp. Bass travels through walls and floors, so quiet practice matters. Our guide to soundproofing a practice room explains why low frequencies are so hard to contain. Our best guitar headphones guide covers pairs that handle low end well.

A multi effects unit. One unit can give you amp sounds, effects, a tuner and headphone practice in a single box. Fency Music, our sister store, carries the M-VAVE TANK-PRO, a floor unit built for guitar and bass, with a drum machine and looper for practice. Our best multi effects pedals roundup covers other options.

Pedals, eventually. You do not need effects to start, but a compressor or overdrive can be fun later. Our guide on how to build a pedalboard explains order and power, and it applies to bass as well as guitar.

A tuner. Clip on tuners work well, though some struggle with very low notes. Pedal tuners are more reliable.

A strap and a good cable. A wide padded strap makes a heavy bass much more comfortable.

A setup. Many budget basses feel much better after a small adjustment. Our guide on how to set up a cheap guitar covers the basics, and most of it applies to bass.

Learning Bass: Your First Three Months

Use your fingers first. Most bassists alternate the index and middle fingers, resting the thumb on a pickup. A pick is fine too, especially for punk and rock.

Lock in with the drums. A bass player's main job is timing. Play along with a metronome or drum track from the start.

Learn root notes. Playing the root note of each chord in time gets you through many real songs within a few weeks.

Keep your left hand relaxed. Use one finger per fret, keep your thumb loose, and stop if your hand hurts. Tension causes most beginner injuries.

Mute the strings you are not playing. Bass strings ring loudly. Learning to keep them quiet is a big step towards sounding good.

Play along with songs. Choose simple songs with clear bass lines. From my work on FencyGuitar, I think playing with real music is what keeps most people going.

Record yourself. A short recording is the fastest way to hear your timing. Our guide to recording guitar at home covers simple setups.

Matching a Bass to Your Music

Rock and pop. A Precision or PJ style bass is the safe choice. The Squier Sonic Precision and Yamaha TRBX174 both suit this music.

Punk and indie. A short scale or P style bass with a pick sounds great. The Squier Sonic Bronco suits this well.

Funk and slap. A Jazz Bass or an Ibanez SR style bass with a slim neck makes slapping easier, and two pickups help you get that bright, punchy sound.

Metal. Slim necks and a clear attack help. A five string can be useful later for low tunings.

Jazz and soul. A Jazz or Precision Bass with fingers is the classic sound. Flatwound strings can give a warmer vintage tone.

Songwriting. As a songwriter, I like how a simple bass line can suggest a whole song. A short scale bass by the sofa is an easy way to try writing from the low end up.

Guitarists Moving to Bass

If you already play guitar, you have a head start. The four strings are tuned like the lowest four strings of a guitar, one octave lower, and your knowledge of chords and scales transfers directly. The main changes are physical: longer stretches, thicker strings and a stronger focus on timing. A short scale bass feels closest to a guitar, and many guitarists enjoy having one around for recording. If you want a single sound for demos, a short scale PJ or one pickup bass through an amp model works well.

Choosing a Bass Amp

Bass amps need larger speakers and more power than guitar amps, because low notes take more energy to reproduce. You do not need much for home practice, but the speaker size matters.

For home practice. A small combo of around 15 to 30 watts is plenty. Look for a headphone output, an aux input for playing along with songs, and a simple tone control.

For rehearsals with a drummer. You will want much more, often 100 watts or above, with a speaker of 12 inches or larger. Bass is hard to hear in a loud room if the amp is too small.

For quiet flats. Skip the speaker and use headphones. Low notes travel through floors and shared walls, and it is far easier to practise late at night without a speaker at all. Our best practice amps roundup is written for guitarists, but its advice on low volume and headphone practice applies equally to bass.

Placement. Keep any amp off the floor and away from party walls, and turn down the bass control a little before you turn down the overall volume.

Buying in a Shop or Online

If you can get to a shop, try a few basses standing up as well as sitting down. A bass that feels fine on your knee can feel very different on a strap, so ask to use one. Pay attention to how far you have to reach for the first fret, because that is usually where beginners struggle.

If you buy online, use a UK retailer with a clear returns policy. When the bass arrives, check the action, look for sharp fret ends and plug it in to test each pickup and control. Keep the packaging until you are sure.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Buying a bass that is too big or too heavy. If it hurts after twenty minutes, you will stop playing it. Try a short scale before you commit to a full size bass.

Playing too loud. Heavy plucking does not make the bass louder or better. A lighter touch with a little more amp sounds cleaner and tires your hands less.

Ignoring timing. Lots of notes played slightly out of time will sound worse than a few in the right place.

Practising without a beat. Always use a metronome or a backing track, because bass only makes sense in relation to a rhythm.

Bass Strings and Maintenance

New bass strings are expensive compared with guitar strings, but they last longer. Many players change them only when the sound goes dull, which can be many months. Wipe them after playing, and wash your hands first. If you want a brighter sound, try roundwound strings. If you want a warm, thumpy tone, try flatwounds. Keep the bass away from radiators and windows, because dry UK winters can make frets feel sharp.

What I Don't Like About Beginner Basses

Weight. Even budget basses can be heavy, and the shoulder strain is real for smaller players.

Neck dive. Some cheap basses have heavy tuners that pull the neck down.

Thin pickups at the lowest prices. Budget passive pickups can sound weak, though a good amp or a set of fresh strings helps.

Variable setups. Action and intonation vary between basses of the same model. A setup is usually worth paying for.

Limited left handed choice. Left handed options are thinner on the ground at this price, so check stock.

Expensive strings. A new set of bass strings costs far more than a guitar set, so keep them clean.

Who Should Skip This List

FAQ

What is the best bass guitar for a beginner?

The best bass guitar for most beginners is the Ibanez GSR180, at around £189 to £209. It has a slim neck, a light body and two pickups. Smaller players should consider the Squier Sonic Bronco, which has a 30 inch short scale, and the Yamaha TRBX174 is a reliable alternative at £229.

Is bass easier to learn than guitar?

Bass is often easier to get started on, because you usually play one note at a time rather than chords. You can play along with real songs within weeks. It is physically bigger, though, and good timing takes real practice, so it is easy to begin and hard to master.

Should a beginner buy a short scale bass?

A beginner should buy a short scale bass if they are a child, have small hands or find a full size bass uncomfortable. The frets are closer together and the strings feel softer. Adults with average or large hands will usually be happy on a standard 34 inch bass.

Do I need a bass amp, or can I use a guitar amp?

You should use a bass amp if you can. Guitar amps can sound thin with low notes, and loud bass can damage a small guitar speaker. At low volumes, a guitar amp will work for a while. Headphones through a multi effects unit are another good, quiet option.

Should I start on a four string or five string bass?

You should start on a four string bass. It is the standard, it has a narrower neck, and nearly all beginner lessons use it. A five string adds a low B that is useful for some styles, and you can move to one later once your technique is settled.

The Bottom End

Bass is one of the quickest ways to start playing real music with other people. For most beginners, the Ibanez GSR180 is the best place to start: slim, light and fair value. If you are smaller or want the easiest possible reach, the Squier Sonic Bronco makes the instrument far more welcoming. And if you want Yamaha's steady build quality, the TRBX174 is a very safe buy. Choose a bass that feels comfortable, get it set up, and play along with songs from the first week. It will not be long before someone asks if you want to join their band.