The bass guitar, also known as the electric bass, is the backbone of a band, providing depth, groove, and rhythm. Unlike the lead guitar, which often takes center stage, the bass works subtly yet powerfully, connecting the melody to the rhythm and providing a solid foundation for the music. The bass guitar has fewer strings than a guitar and can play single notes. It is tuned lower than a standard guitar, creating rich and resonant tones. Whether thumping out punchy lines in a funk groove, walking through smooth jazz progressions, or roaring in heavy metal riffs, the bass guitar is an unsung hero that holds everything together.
Bass Guitar Lessons for Kids
Kids love bass guitar lessons! The learning process is engaging and interactive, with backing tracks and jam sessions to keep young minds motivated. The rhythmic, groovy nature and bass lines from famous songs are constantly engaging. Bass is usually played with other musicians, giving students a sense of teamwork, and it’s where they can make new friends.
They can start lessons at 7 years old, when their fingers and hands have enough dexterity to reach and press the strings. Most kids take a half-hour lesson on the same day and at the same time each week. As they progress, the teacher might recommend longer lesson lengths.
Bass Lessons for Adults
We offer bass lessons for adults with flexible lesson packages to accommodate busy schedules. We can help beginners as well as those looking to brush up their skills with jam sessions. To maximize the benefit of each lesson, we recommend booking weekly or bi-weekly 45-minute sessions.
Starting Bass Lessons
Starting with a trial lesson package will allow you to try different teachers. Once you find a match, you can enroll for the regular term.
Our Bass Guitar Studios
We provide bass amps and cables in all our Bass Guitar studios, so you can attend class with the instrument only.
Bass Guitar Teachers
We have several guitar instructors who also teach bass. We strive to find one that aligns with your personality, musical style, and personal goals. This is a good option if you want to transition to guitar and continue with the same teacher. We also offer instructions on playing the upright double bass for those who are interested.
Our instructors have at least one postgraduate music degree and are professional musicians who perform around the city. They will help you learn the basics and proper technique of playing the bass, along with note reading, basic rhythm and theory skills. Students can also learn to play their favourite songs by ear. We teach all the popular styles, including punk, rock, pop, jazz and even improvisation!
Bass Lesson Books
Once your teacher has assessed your level, they will recommend a suitable music book, which you can purchase from our online music bookstore. Your book will be available for you at your next lesson. As you master the technical aspects of drumming, your teacher will introduce you to various musical styles to help you develop a deeper love of music.
How Long Does It Take To Learn The Bass Guitar?
That all depends on you! If you put in the time to practice at home, you will be surprised at how much you can learn, and your love of music will grow with your advancing skills. Our music teachers work at the students’ pace to keep them engaged and enthusiastic.
Developing a regular routine to review what you learn during your lessons will help you progress steadily through the levels. Here’s a fun fact about practice: According to forward-thinking Canadian journalist Malcolm Gladwell, it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert on anything! Playing music is about training your mind and establishing muscle memory; daily practice is the key to becoming proficient. Making time every day to revise what you learn in school will help knock down those 10,000 hours quickly so you can become a world-class bass player!
Renting or Owning A Bass Guitar
You will need to purchase or rent a bass guitar to practice at home. We recommend Long and McQuade for instrument rentals or purchases.
Performances and Recitals
Performing is an essential element of musical learning, and our students have many opportunities to perform at our Spring and Winter recitals, community events, and our “Music and Munchies” mini recitals. These opportunities help keep students motivated and build their confidence.
Bass students can also join our rock bands, which gives them a chance to make new friends and play in a group setting.
If you have any questions we have not answered above,
If you have questions that we haven’t answered above, we’d love to hear from you! Contact Us.