Best Beginner Bass Guitars

The best beginner bass guitars featured here were chosen based on my own experience and feedback from others. These are not just for new players however. These instruments are all more than adequate for veteran players that might be on a budget or are interested in checking out something less expensive or that have a different feel.


I played the classic Fender Precision for years and loved it. As i got older, my back and shoulder started rebelling. That rebellion got really bad if I was playing a three or four hour gig. I started looking around for something lighter that still had a good tone and was easy to play.

Those I've listed tend to be somewhat lighter than a Precision, for example. The instrument I'm playing now is a Squier Jaguar. I love it because it's light, easy to play, nice looking and is solid. It rarely goes out of tune and I feel better after a gig. I would have included it in the group below, but I already had two Squiers and wanted to make sure there was some variety.

If I hadn't played any of the instruments listed below before, I checked them out at my local music store. Not all of them are those I would buy, but that's personal preference rather than how well they sound or play. For example, I don't play metal, but I wanted to include an instrument that meets the need of metal players. I hope the list below helps you make a buying decision whether you're new to playing or a guy like me that's been around. One more reason to check out these guitars is the price. I know that many younger players are not sure where they want to go in music, and paying $1000 for an instrument is out of the question.

Best Beginner Jazz Bass Guitar

This Squier is designed after the classic Fender Jazz bass. However the price tag is much less than the $900 and up for the real deal. The guitar looks great, the pickups supply plenty of power and the tones are varied and sound good.

I also like the fact that this guitar is light. If you're looking for a lighter guitar, but still want to retain a great sound, this one might be the answer.

Best Beginner Bass Guitar and Amp

This Squier PJ bass has the Fender Precision look and sounds pretty close to the original. Actually, if you start fooling around with the knobs, this guitar can attain some pretty cool tones, including a Jazz bass grrrr. This also includes a Fender Rumble 15 bass amp. I inherited one of these when my son moved out and it's just fine for a beginning practice amp.

If you're small or very young, the weight of this instrument might be an issue. Overall a very nice instrument.

Good Beginner Bass Guitar For Metal

If you're looking for a raw sound, you've got it with the Dean ML Metalman. The look is agressive. This one is all about metal!

I grabbed one of these at my local music store and played around with it. Thanks to the Humbucker pickup, it roared like a lion. Only negative on this one was it's a little heavy, but I'm used to a very light guitar, so it's all relative. Badass instrument!

Best Value Beginner Bass Guitar

I have to admit this one surprised me. When I played the Yamaha TRBX304 at the shop, I wasn't expecting much. It turned my head around and I have to say it's my favorite of this group. I was able to adjust it to get a nice beefy, warm tone and also a tone that had some punch for a sound on the funky side.

It's full size but not too heavy or uncomfortable. It would work for a smaller boy, a petite woman or most any man. I like the look of it and this Yamaha is definitely gig worthy.

The price is a little higher, but this instrument merits that and especially considering you also get a gig bag and stand. A very good deal.

Decent Beginner Bass Guitar With Gig Bag

I liked the Ibanez GSR200BK before I sat down to play it. I heard one of the guys in the shop playing it and right off I thought, nice tone. I'll admit I'm taken by pretty girls and pretty guitars and this one is very pretty. It sports a maple neck and a poplar body. All of that and the fret board with its white dots caught my eye.

The neck is slim which is a plus for smaller players that might not have large hands. The slimmer necks are easier for me to play fast too. I was able to adjust it to get a fat tone out of it and I liked that. This is a sweet instrument and for less than $200 you get a gig bag and tuner too. This might be the best deal of the group.