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  4. 10 Best Bass Guitars for Beginners UK 2024 | Yamaha, Fender and More
  • 10 Best Bass Guitars for Beginners UK 2024 | Yamaha, Fender and More 1
  • 10 Best Bass Guitars for Beginners UK 2024 | Yamaha, Fender and More 2
  • 10 Best Bass Guitars for Beginners UK 2024 | Yamaha, Fender and More 3
  • 10 Best Bass Guitars for Beginners UK 2024 | Yamaha, Fender and More 4
  • 10 Best Bass Guitars for Beginners UK 2024 | Yamaha, Fender and More 5

10 Best Bass Guitars for Beginners UK 2024 | Yamaha, Fender and More

Bass guitars are a timeless and almost ubiquitous piece of musical equipment. They're used by musicians across the spectrum, from modern hip hop and RnB to classic rock, jazz funk, soul, disco and everything else. So if you're looking for an electric bass guitar but you've found the huge range of styles and brands on offer to be a bit intimidating, you're not alone. 


That's why we wrote this guide – from beginner-friendly short scale four-string jazz basses to slightly more advanced five string models with bigger fretboards, we guarantee there's an option on this list for every type of soon-to-be bass wizard. And all of them are available at the UK's biggest sites including Amazon, eBay and Gear4Music. Easy!

Last updated 25/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Bass Guitar for Beginners in the UK - Buying Guide

Modern bass guitars, even beginner ones, have extensive lists of features and variations you can pick from. Our buying guide will help you through the main things you need to think about before jumping in and buying a bass. You'll be laying down some sweet licks on your new instrument in no time!

1

Pick the Right Size and Body: Do You Want Powerful Sounds or Accuracy and Technicality?

Broadly speaking, there are three types of bass guitar in the modern day: Precision (P) bass, Jazz (J) bass and Modern basses, which often feature pickups that can do both styles of sound. Consider the styles and genres you intend to play when deciding between these types, as well as the length of the neck.

Pick a Precision Bass for a Loud and Aggressive Sound, or a Jazz Bass for a More Subtle Approach

Pick a Precision Bass for a Loud and Aggressive Sound, or a Jazz Bass for a More Subtle Approach

Precision bass, despite the name, is actually the louder and rawer of the two styles. The smaller body and double pickups on P bass models create a more powerful sound that's perfect for rock and punk. P basses are also often the guitar of choice for heavy styles like metal or reggae.


Jazz bass guitars, on the other hand, have more subtlety. They usually have longer scales and only one pickup. This means J basses can tackle a wider range of sounds with more clarity and definition – despite the opposite being called Precision bass. 


Pick up a J bass if you're looking to play (surprise) jazz or other technical genres like math rock, funk or indie rock.

Size Matters: Lower Scales Are Better for Beginners

Size Matters: Lower Scales Are Better for Beginners

As well as the type of bass, you should consider the scale size itself. That's the length of the strings from the bottom pickup to the top of the neck. This, as well as the number of strings, helps to determine the range of sounds you can get as well as how easy it is to play


A short scale bass starts at about 30 inches, although you will find some at 28" or even less which could be good for a younger or smaller player. Long scale basses go up to about 34", so you can see there's quite a difference in size there. 


Essentially, the higher the scale, the wider the range of sounds – but also the more difficult it will be for beginner players. That's because a higher scale means a longer neck, which adds more positions for your hands to learn and move into. However, for expert bassists, (if you stick with it long enough to get good!) you'll get a wider tonal variety from a longer scale bass.

2

Less Is More: Beginners Should Generally Stick With Fewer Knobs and Pickup Styles

Less Is More: Beginners Should Generally Stick With Fewer Knobs and Pickup Styles

Even the best bass with all the knobs and settings can sound bad if you can't play, and the best musicians could make a £100 instrument sound top-tier too. That's why most bassists will recommend beginners start with as few extra settings as possible, to nail the basics first.


However, if you're comfortable with some experimentation, the extra knobs might make you happy too. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to music!

3

String Along: Four for Most Beginners, Maybe Five for Metal Players

String Along: Four for Most Beginners, Maybe Five for Metal Players

We highly recommend most beginner bass guitar players start with a four string model. 90% of modern pop and rock music can be played on a four string, and it's simply far easier to play. Your hands won't need to stretch as much and there are fewer chords to learn; four strings are easier for many reasons.


The only exception here is if you plan to play some heavy music like dub reggae or modern heavy metal. These genres are built around a deeper sound that you might not be able to get quite right with a four string. 


However, there's also no point buying a five or six string instrument as a beginner only to find out your hands are too small or it's too complicated for you to play properly. Especially with metal, which can be a very technical genre for beginners to get into.  

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Top 10 Best Bass Guitars for Beginners in the UK

So, now we've run you through what specs will be important during your selection process – here's our list of the top 10 beginner's bass guitars in the UK today. We've incorporated a range of styles and brands, to suit all kinds of budding bass players, from funk and hip hop to punk or metal. Your musical journey starts here!
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Ibanez

GSRM20B GIO miKro Bass

Ibanez GSRM20B GIO miKro Bass 1

£174.25

Low Mid

An Unrivalled Super-Short Scale Beginner's Bass

2

Gretsch

G2220 Electromatic Jr Jet II Bass

Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Jr Jet II Bass 1

£299.00

High Mid

A Great Lightweight Option for Small Hands With a Versatile Sound

3

Fender

Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazz Bass

Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazz Bass 1

£339.00

High Mid

Lovely Retro Design With a Wide Neck for Ease of Play

4

Sterling

SUB Ray5 Bass MN

Sterling SUB Ray5 Bass MN 1

£384.00

High Mid

Smooth-Looking, Low-Noise, and Perfect for Beginner Gigs

5

Fender

Squier Affinity Precision Bass PJ

Fender Squier Affinity Precision Bass PJ 1

£235.13

Mid

Versatile Bass for Beginners With Eclectic Taste

6

Yamaha

BB 434 4-String Bass Guitar

Yamaha BB 434 4-String Bass Guitar 1

£549.00

High

An Absolute Classic for Beginners and Experienced Players Alike

7

Epiphone

EB-0 SG Bass

Epiphone EB-0 SG Bass 1

£227.00

Mid

Simple but Finely-Crafted Bass With Old-School Rock Sound

8

Gear4music

LA Left Handed Bass Guitar + 35W Amp Pack

Gear4music  LA Left Handed Bass Guitar + 35W Amp Pack 1

£169.99

Low Mid

Perfect Beginner Package for Left Handers

9

Cort Action

Junior Bass

Cort Action Junior Bass 1

£169.00

Low Mid

The Basic-but-Solid Budget Jazz Model

10

RockJam

Full Size Bass Guitar KitRJBG01-SK-BK

RockJam Full Size Bass Guitar Kit 1

£150.00

Low Mid

A Super Basic but Very Affordable Starter Kit With Accessories

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

IbanezGSRM20B GIO miKro Bass

GSRM20B GIO miKro Bass 1
Source:gear4music.com
Reference price
£174.25
Low Mid
Reference price
£174.25
Low Mid

An Unrivalled Super-Short Scale Beginner's Bass

Ibanez are one of the most famous bass guitar manufacturers in the world, and this amazing micro short scale bass is no exception. Just look at it – even holding one of these just makes you feel like you could shred any stage, and it's less than £200!


One of Ibanez's trademarks is a lower tension on the bottom two strings, which adds a smooth tone to your play. The quality pickups can still add some aggression and distortion into the mix as well, giving the GSRM20 Mikro a surprisingly adaptable sound.

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No.2

GretschG2220 Electromatic Jr Jet II Bass

Reference price
£299.00
High Mid

A Great Lightweight Option for Small Hands With a Versatile Sound

This short scale bass also has a smaller body, which in turn makes it more lightweight and easier for beginner players or those with smaller hands. However, don't think that means it's lacking in the sound department.


For the price, this lovely bass guitar has crazy versatility. Considering there are only two knobs for tone and volume, and such a short scale as well, the range of sounds you can get from the Gretsch Jr. Jet is actually amazing. Perfect for a beginner who's not yet sure what sound they want to play. 

No.3

FenderSquier Classic Vibe 60s Jazz Bass

Reference price
£339.00
High Mid

Lovely Retro Design With a Wide Neck for Ease of Play

This gorgeous 60s-inspired retro jazz bass has a chunky neck and narrow frets for complete ease of play for beginners. While it may not roar out of the gate like some of the rockier basses above, it's great for technical or slappy licks by aspiring jazz or funk players. 


Three dials (two volume and one tone) and a single pickup mean it's not too complicated for beginners, but it keeps some versatility to the sound. The Squier Classic 60s Vibe is perfect for a jazz cat getting into playing bass

No.4

SterlingSUB Ray5 Bass MN

Reference price
£384.00
High Mid

Smooth-Looking, Low-Noise, and Perfect for Beginner Gigs

Although we said four strings is the best bet for beginners (and they are), we'd be amiss if we didn't include one five string option on the list. The Sub Ray5 is a the lower-price cousin of the hugely popular Stingray 5 series, one of which could cost you up to £1500 or more. 


For about a fifth of the price, a Sub Ray5 gives you very similar features and a signature punchy, low-end heavy sound. For the price it's also extremely well-built and durable, making it a good choice for your first few gigs

No.5

FenderSquier Affinity Precision Bass PJ

Reference price
£235.13
Mid

Versatile Bass for Beginners With Eclectic Taste

Fender's Squier offshoot is all about creating entry to intermediate level basses – and they hardly ever put a foot wrong. The jumbo-sized frets and reasonably solid neck make for easy playing, and the dual pickup set-up means you can switch between styles with ease.


The sound is versatile and has a good range. It will play most kinds of bass a beginner might try, from harsh aggressive metal to subtle R&B or jazz. Just don't expect it push the envelope too much, with only four strings and three knobs. 

No.6

YamahaBB 434 4-String Bass Guitar

Reference price
£549.00
High

An Absolute Classic for Beginners and Experienced Players Alike

Yes, this one is slightly more expensive, but it's very worth the money if you can afford it. Yamaha is a legendary company to start with, with enough instruments in their range to outfit a rock orchestra.


The BB series is a cult classic among bassists, and the 434 is from the 2017 update collection. For the price, the material and electronic quality on offer here is unmatched. You can switch between pick ups for different styles, and the neck is wide enough to make it easier to play than some comparable models. 

No.7

EpiphoneEB-0 SG Bass

Reference price
£227.00
Mid

Simple but Finely-Crafted Bass With Old-School Rock Sound

The EB0 SG from Epiphone is a modern update on a classic a precision bass design that was massive in the 1960s. It has a medium scale, which shouldn't be too much for beginners, and there's only one pickup to worry about. 


Sound-wise, the EB0 really kicks on the fuzzy low end. For this reason, it has been beloved by performers of psychedelic rock and other genres that want rich, deep bass. It will work for a beginner playing metal or jazz too, but if you're serious about your genre, maybe consider another bass model. 

No.8

Gear4music LA Left Handed Bass Guitar + 35W Amp Pack

Reference price
£169.99
Low Mid

Perfect Beginner Package for Left Handers

For aspiring left-handed bassists out there, this package might just do the trick. Although LA basses aren't the most storied instrument makers out there, for a very reasonable price you also get a 35 watt amplifier, a strap, a carry case and a tuner.


Although most left-handed people can easily learn to use a standard right-handed bass guitar, some may find it easier on an adapted design. If you think that might apply to you, this relatively budget-friendly package could be the right choice to start you off.

No.9

Cort ActionJunior Bass

Reference price
£169.00
Low Mid

The Basic-but-Solid Budget Jazz Model

Cort Action are another lesser-known brand. But those who are in the know agree that they make very good bass guitars at an extremely reasonable price point.


This one is specifically made for beginners, with a super short scale and only two control knobs for adjusting the single pickup. It's also very lightweight and has a lovely and simple design with no extra bits to get in the way while you learn. Easy as that!

No.10

RockJamFull Size Bass Guitar KitRJBG01-SK-BK

Full Size Bass Guitar Kit 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Full Size Bass Guitar Kit 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Full Size Bass Guitar Kit 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£150.00
Low Mid
Reference price
£150.00
Low Mid

A Super Basic but Very Affordable Starter Kit With Accessories

OK, so RockJam isn't as prestigious as your Fenders or your Epiphones further down this list. But this lovely little beginner's kit is centred around a surprisingly solid bass guitar – and it comes with everything else you need to start playing.


Not only does the RockJam full-size kit come with an (admittedly budget) amplifier, but also a travel bag for your bass, a strap, a tuner and a free pick. Amazon even throws in a teach-yourself book to get you going. For that price, you won't get much more anywhere else!

More Recommendations for Budding Musicians

More Recommendations for Budding Musicians

Now you've got a bass, you're going to need an amp! Check out our bass amp recommendations below, as well as a couple of other related products which you (or your potential new bandmates) might want to start looking into. 

Top 5 Bass Guitars for Beginners

No. 1: IbanezGSRM20B GIO miKro Bass

No. 2: GretschG2220 Electromatic Jr Jet II Bass

No. 3: FenderSquier Classic Vibe 60s Jazz Bass

No. 4: SterlingSUB Ray5 Bass MN

No. 5: FenderSquier Affinity Precision Bass PJ

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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