The electric bass is the backbone of many musical genres, providing rhythm and depth to a wide variety of sounds. Whether you're playing rock, jazz, funk, blues, or pop, the bass guitar is a crucial instrument in any band. If you’re drawn to groove, rhythm, and creating a strong musical foundation, the electric bass is a perfect choice.
Why Learn the Electric Bass?
-
Rhythm and foundation: The bass helps define the rhythm and groove of a song, connecting the percussion and harmony sections
-
Versatile and essential: Used in nearly every genre, from rock and jazz to funk and reggae
-
Lower range: The bass has a deep, rich sound that adds warmth and body to a band’s overall sound
-
Band dynamics: Playing bass gives you a strong role in a group, often holding the rhythm together while adding musical complexity
If you’re ready to explore rhythm, groove, and musicality in a band setting, the electric bass is the ideal instrument for you.
Lessons at the Australian Academy of Music
We offer individual and group lessons suitable for all levels:
-
Beginner lessons: Learn the basics of tuning, finger placement, simple grooves, and basic songs
-
Intermediate lessons: Focus on more advanced techniques such as slap bass, fingerstyle, and complex rhythms
-
Band program: Ideal for students who want to play as part of a group or ensemble
Our instructors will guide you through every step of your musical journey on the electric bass.
Location:
26/302 South Pine Road, Brendale QLD 4500
Enquire about an electric bass lesson today
Buying Your First Electric Bass
When purchasing an electric bass, you’ll want to consider the following:
Types of electric bass guitars:
-
4-string bass: The most common, suitable for all genres, with a simple, traditional setup
-
5-string bass: Offers an additional low B string, extending your range and versatility
-
Active vs. Passive pickups: Active pickups provide a more powerful, modern sound, while passive pickups offer a more traditional tone
-
Scale length: Shorter scales are easier to play and great for beginners, while longer scales offer deeper tones
In addition to the bass, you'll also need a bass amplifier to get the full sound. Make sure to buy a tuner, extra strings, and picks for best results.
Renting vs Buying
If you’re new to bass and unsure whether it’s the right fit for you, renting can be a great option:
-
Affordable rental plans: Rent a bass guitar at a low cost to test it out before committing to buying
-
All rental bass guitars are carefully maintained to ensure top quality for new players
Renting gives you a risk-free way to start playing bass without the commitment of a full purchase.
Must-Have Electric Bass Accessories
Here are some essential accessories to help you get the most out of your bass-playing experience:
-
Bass amplifier: A bass amp is necessary to get the full sound of your instrument
-
Cables: High-quality instrument cables ensure clear, noise-free sound
-
Bass picks: Specially designed for bass, these picks are often thicker to handle the heavier strings
-
Strap: A comfortable strap is important if you plan to stand while playing
-
Extra strings: Always keep spare strings on hand, as bass strings can snap or wear out with heavy use
-
Tuner: An essential tool for keeping your bass in tune
These accessories will help ensure you're ready to play and maintain your bass guitar.
Cases
It’s important to protect your bass guitar:
-
Gig bags: These are lightweight and convenient for carrying your bass around
-
Hard cases: Offer maximum protection, especially if you’re traveling or storing your bass for long periods
A high-quality case will protect your instrument from bumps and scratches.
Performance & Band Gear
As you start performing, either solo or with a band, you’ll need additional gear:
-
Bass amplifier: Choose an amp that matches the size of the venues where you’ll be performing
-
Effects pedals: Bass players often use distortion, chorus, and compression pedals to enhance their tone
-
Music stand: A stand will help you keep your sheet music or tabs organized during rehearsals or performances
These items will help you feel ready to hit the stage and perform with confidence.
Electric Bass Maintenance Basics
Maintaining your electric bass is important to keep it sounding great:
-
Change your strings: Bass strings can wear out or break over time, so it’s essential to replace them as needed
-
Clean your bass: Wipe down the fretboard, body, and hardware regularly to remove dirt and oils
-
Tune your bass: Always check your tuning before playing to ensure your bass sounds its best
-
Check the action: If the strings are too high or too low, it might be time for an adjustment from a technician
Regular maintenance will keep your bass guitar in top shape.
Servicing and Repairs
We offer professional servicing and repairs for electric bass guitars:
-
String replacement: We can help replace your bass strings when they start to wear out
-
Neck adjustments: If your bass neck is warped or out of alignment, we can fix it for smoother playability
-
Pickup repairs or replacements: If your pickups aren’t working properly, we can help restore the sound
-
Setup and fretwork: Our expert technicians can fine-tune your bass to ensure it plays perfectly
Keeping your bass guitar well-maintained ensures it will last for years.
Easy Songs to Start With
Here are a few beginner-friendly bass songs to get you started:
-
“Another One Bites the Dust” – Queen
-
“Come Together” – The Beatles
-
“Smoke on the Water” – Deep Purple
-
“I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor
-
“Seven Nation Army” – The White Stripes
These songs will help you practice basic basslines, rhythm, and coordination.
AMEB Electric Bass Exams
AMEB (Australian Music Examination Board) exams are a great way to measure your progress on the electric bass.
First exam (Preliminary or Grade 1):
-
Perform two pieces from the AMEB bass repertoire
-
Technical exercises: Learn basic scales, arpeggios, and chord progressions
-
Sight reading and aural tests: These tests assess your ability to read music and recognize musical patterns
AMEB exams are an excellent way to set goals and track your progress as a bassist.
Ready to Start?
The electric bass is an incredibly fun and rewarding instrument to learn. Whether you want to lay down a groove in a band or develop your skills as a solo performer, the bass guitar offers endless possibilities for musical expression.
Visit us at:
26/302 South Pine Road, Brendale QLD 4500
Enquire about an electric bass lesson today
