How to choose your first bass guitar
4 or 5 strings, Precision or Jazz Bass and how much to spend on your first bass, with the best sellers under £400.
4 or 5 strings
Start with a 4-string bass: it's the standard in almost every style. A 5-string adds a low string, popular in metal and modern funk, but has a wider neck.
- Precision style (P): round, punchy tone, simple and effective.
- Jazz Bass style (J): two pickups and a slimmer neck, with a more defined tone.
- Short scale: frets closer together, more comfortable for small hands.
Between £200 and £400 there are very good basses to start on. A bass needs a bass amp: the low end can damage a guitar amp.
Basses under £400 sold by the most shops (today's prices) See all →
SquierSquier Sonic Precision Bass MN California Blue£169Reidys10
SquierSquier Affinity Precision Bass Olympic White£219James Music10
CortCort Action Junior Short Scale Bass Black£179guitarguitar7
IbanezIbanez GSR185-JB Gio Series 5-String Bass, Jewel Blue£199Absolute Music6
CortCort GB Short Scale Bass Forest Green£299guitarguitar6
IbanezIbanez SR Series SR300E-CUB Bass Guitar, Cerulean Aura Burst£300.50Absolute Music6
GretschGretsch Streamliner Jet Club Bass Single-Cut Vintage White£349Reidys5
GouldGould Princeton Bass Matte Black£119Reidys4
GouldGould Jefferson Bass Natural£149Reidys4
JacksonJackson JS Series Concert Minion JS1X Short Scale Bass Satin Black£189guitarguitar4
PeaveyPeavey Milestone 4 Bass Guitar Black£199Reidys3
JacksonJackson JS3 Concert Bass Guitar in Satin Black with Amaranth Fretboard£349Andertons3
Frequently asked questions
Which bass should a beginner buy?
A 4-string Precision, Jazz Bass or PJ style bass between £200 and £400.
Can I plug a bass into a guitar amp?
It's not recommended: the low frequencies can damage the speaker. You need a bass amp.