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10 Best Beginner Bass Guitars 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Fender Squier Debut Series Precision Bass Guitar Pack, Beginner Guitar Pack, 2-Year Warranty, Includes Rumble 15 Amplifier, Padded Gig Bag, Instrument Cable, and More, Black with Satin Urethane Finish

The Fender Squier Debut Series Precision Bass Guitar Pack is a solid choice for beginners starting their bass journey. It features the classic Precision Bass body made from lightweight poplar wood, which helps keep the instrument comfortable to hold and play. The neck has a 'C' shape profile with a laurel fingerboard, designed to be easy on your hands as you learn. With a 34-inch scale length and 20 frets, it offers a standard playing experience suitable for most styles. The bass comes with a split-coil pickup that provides the iconic punchy sound Fender is known for, plus simple volume and tone controls to shape your tone easily. It’s a 4-string bass, which is typical for beginners and most common in bass playing.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,159
Neck Profile
Pickups
Weight

Most important from
697 reviews

Neck Profile
The neck profile is very comfortable, especially for players with smaller hands, enhancing the overall playing experience.
Pickups
The build quality impresses at this price point, with a smooth satin finish and well-constructed ceramic pickups delivering a classic punchy tone.
Weight
The bass feels well balanced and comfortable to hold, with no typical neck dive despite its 8lb 7oz weight.
#2
7.6 score

Ibanez GSRM20 SLB Starlight Blue Mikro Compact 4-String Electric Bass Guitar

The Ibanez GSRM20 SLB Starlight Blue Mikro Compact 4-String Electric Bass Guitar is a solid choice for beginners. Its compact size, with a scale length of 28.6 inches, makes it easier for new players, especially younger ones, to handle and play comfortably. The medium frets and Jatoba fretboard provide a smooth playing experience, and the white dot inlay helps with finger positioning, which is crucial for beginners.

Rating
7.6
Neck Profile
Scale Length

Most important from
2272 reviews

Neck Profile
The shorter, more narrow neck and looser strings enhance comfort, especially for people with normal or smaller hands.
Scale Length
The short 28-inch scale makes it incredibly comfortable, balanced, light, and easy to play.
#3
7.6 score

Fender Squier Debut Series Precision Bass Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Free Lessons, Dakota Red with Matte Finish

The Fender Squier Debut Series Precision Bass Guitar is an appealing choice for beginners looking to dive into playing bass. With its lightweight body and comfortable 'C' shaped neck, it offers great playability, making it suitable for both kids and adults. The split-coil pickup delivers classic P-Bass tones, which is fantastic for those wanting to explore different musical styles. Plus, the inclusion of a free subscription to Fender Play is a standout feature, providing access to countless instructional videos that can help new players build their skills effectively.

Rating
7.6
Neck Profile
Pickups
Weight

Most important from
697 reviews

Neck Profile
The neck feels great and the fretwork is well done, making it a joy to play.
Pickups
The ceramic pickups deliver a great tone and the controls are simple and traditional for a P-Bass.
Weight
It’s super lightweight and accessible, making it a great first bass or a good platform for upgrades.

Top 10 Best Beginner Bass Guitars 2025 in the United States

Yamaha TRBX304 CAR 4-String Electric Bass Guitar,Candy Apple Red

Body Type: Solid mahogany
Scale Length: 34 inches
Pickups: H
Number of Frets: 24
Weight: 4.2 kg
String Count: 4

Yamaha TRBX504 TWH 4-String Premium Electric Bass Guitar

Body Type: solid mahogany
Neck Profile: comfortable
Pickups: single humbucker
Number of Frets: 24
Weight: 4.2 kg (9.24 lbs)
String Count: 4

Yamaha TRBX174EW TBL 4-String Electric Bass Guitar with Exotic Wood Top

Body Type: Mahogany
Neck Profile: Maple
Scale Length: Standard
Pickups: Single
Number of Frets: 22
Weight: 8.82 pounds
String Count: 4

Ibanez miKro GSRM20 Bass Guitar - Transparent Red

Body Type: Poplar
Neck Profile: Beginner-friendly
Scale Length: 28.6 inches
Pickups: Two single-coil
Number of Frets: 22
Weight: 8.9 pounds
String Count: 4
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Buying Guide for the Best Beginner Bass Guitars

Choosing the right beginner bass guitar can be an exciting journey. As a beginner, it's important to find an instrument that is comfortable to play, sounds good, and fits your personal style. There are several key specifications to consider when selecting a bass guitar, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision. Let's explore these key specs and how they can guide you to the perfect bass guitar for your needs.
Body TypeThe body type of a bass guitar affects its weight, comfort, and sound. There are solid body, semi-hollow, and hollow body bass guitars. Solid body basses are the most common and are known for their durability and sustain. Semi-hollow and hollow body basses are lighter and can produce a warmer, more resonant tone. As a beginner, a solid body bass is often a good choice due to its versatility and robustness.
Neck ProfileThe neck profile refers to the shape and thickness of the bass guitar's neck. Common profiles include C-shaped, U-shaped, and V-shaped necks. A C-shaped neck is generally more comfortable for beginners as it is thinner and easier to grip. The neck profile you choose should feel comfortable in your hand and allow you to play without strain.
Scale LengthScale length is the distance from the bridge to the nut of the bass guitar. Standard scale length is typically around 34 inches, while short scale basses are around 30 inches. Short scale basses are easier to play for beginners, especially those with smaller hands, as the frets are closer together. Standard scale basses offer a fuller tone and are more common in various music genres.
PickupsPickups are the components that capture the sound of the strings and convert it into an electrical signal. There are two main types: single-coil and humbucker pickups. Single-coil pickups produce a bright, clear sound, while humbuckers offer a thicker, warmer tone and reduce unwanted noise. For beginners, a bass with a combination of both types, known as a PJ configuration, can provide a versatile range of sounds.
Number of FretsThe number of frets on a bass guitar determines the range of notes you can play. Most beginner basses have 20 to 24 frets. More frets allow for a greater range of notes, but can also make the neck longer and potentially more challenging to navigate. A bass with 20 to 22 frets is usually sufficient for beginners and provides a good balance between range and playability.
WeightThe weight of a bass guitar can affect your comfort, especially during long practice sessions or performances. Bass guitars can range from around 7 to 12 pounds. Lighter basses are easier to handle and less likely to cause fatigue, making them a good choice for beginners. However, some players prefer the feel and tone of a heavier bass. It's important to find a balance that feels comfortable for you.
String CountBass guitars typically come with four, five, or six strings. Four-string basses are the standard and are easier for beginners to learn on. Five-string basses add a lower B string, providing a wider range of notes, while six-string basses add both a lower B and a higher C string. As a beginner, starting with a four-string bass is usually the best option, as it allows you to focus on mastering the basics before exploring extended ranges.

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