Picking up the bass for the first time is exciting, and the truth is you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a genuinely playable instrument. Over the past several months I have been testing, comparing, and playing through ten of the most popular cheap bass guitars aimed squarely at beginners. I unboxed each one, ran them through a 15W practice amp, set the action, and put them through typical first-year material – from simple root-note rock lines to basic funk grooves.
In this guide I will walk you through the best bass guitars for beginners cheap in 2026, from full starter kits that include a practice amp, to compact short-scale options perfect for smaller hands. I will also cover scale length, pickup types, and the accessories you actually need before you plug in for the first time. If you have ever wondered whether a $90 bass can really hold its own, the short answer is yes – with the right setup.
The market has never been friendlier to first-time players. Brands like Ibanez, Squier by Fender, Donner, and Glarry offer genuine value at entry-level prices, and our team tested each one against real beginner scenarios. Whether you are an adult learner, buying for a teenager, or a guitarist curious about adding bass to your setup, there is a solid option below that fits your budget and your playing style.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Bass Guitars for Beginners Cheap (September 2026)
Fender Squier Debut Series Precision Bass
- Fender heritage
- 2-year warranty
- Fender Play lessons included
Ibanez GSRM20 MiKro Short-Scale Bass
- Short-scale 28.6 inch
- PJ pickup config
- Lightweight 6.9 lbs
Glarry Electric Bass Guitar Full Size
- Under 90 dollars
- Basswood body
- Comes with bag and strap
Best Bass Guitars for Beginners Cheap in 2026
1. Glarry Electric Bass Guitar Full Size – Best Sub-$100 Starter
Glarry Electric Bass Guitar Full Size 4 String Rosewood Basswood Fire Style Exquisite Burning Bass (Red)
Basswood body
Rosewood fingerboard
Split single-coil pickup
Comes with bag and strap
Pros
- Excellent value under 90 dollars
- Basswood body with rosewood fingerboard
- Includes bag
- strap
- and amp cable
- Ready to play with minimal setup
Cons
- Neck dive on some units
- Factory strings are basic
- Gig bag is thin
When I first pulled the Glarry Electric Bass out of its box I was honestly skeptical – sub-$100 full-size basses usually mean corners cut everywhere. After a basic setup (tuning up and adjusting the truss rod a quarter turn) I was able to play clean root notes on the E and A strings without any buzz. The basswood body is light enough that an adult beginner can hold it for an hour without shoulder fatigue, and the split single-coil pickup delivers that classic thump you hear on countless recordings.
For under $90 you get the bass itself, a portable gig bag, a strap, a bass pick, an amp cable, and a spanner tool. That is everything except an amp. I tested the action at the 12th fret and it was playable but slightly high – I dropped it about 1mm at the bridge and it felt right. The sound through a Fender Rumble 40 was warm and punchy, exactly what a beginner needs to hear themselves clearly while learning.
The biggest drawback I found was neck dive. Without a strap the headstock wants to dip forward because the body is fairly light. With the included strap adjusted properly the issue goes away completely. I also noticed the stock strings felt a bit dull – swapping them for a fresh set of nickel rounds brightened the tone considerably. Neither of these are deal-breakers at this price.
For a true first bass on a tight budget, this is the entry point I recommend without hesitation. Just budget another $20-30 for new strings and you’ll have a setup that competes with anything three times the price.
Who should buy this bass
This is the right pick if you are buying for a teenager just starting out and you are not sure they will stick with it. It is also a smart backup or travel bass for any player. If you want the absolute cheapest legitimate way to start playing bass in 2026, this is it.
When to skip it
If you already know you are serious about bass and want something that will carry you through your first few years of gigs, step up to the Squier or Ibanez options below. They cost more but the build quality justifies it for committed players.
2. Fender Squier Debut Series Precision Bass – Best Overall Beginner Bass
Fender Squier Debut Series Precision Bass Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Free Lessons, Black with Matte Finish
Fender-designed split-coil
C-shaped neck
2-year warranty
Laurel fingerboard
Pros
- Authentic Fender P-Bass tone
- Comfortable C-shaped neck profile
- Solid 2-year warranty
- Includes Fender Play subscription
Cons
- Stock strings feel stiff
- Some units have sharp fret edges
- Bundled amp is small
I have played countless beginner basses over the years and the Squier Debut Series Precision stands out because it feels like a real instrument, not a compromise. The poplar body has the classic P-Bass contour that sits naturally against your torso, and the C-shaped neck is the most comfortable beginner profile I have held. Fender’s quality control at this price point is genuinely impressive.
The split-coil pickup configuration delivers the iconic P-Bass tone that has powered everything from Motown to modern rock. I ran it through both my practice amp and recorded a few tracks through an audio interface – the tone was balanced, punchy, and quiet (no hum or buzz). Volume and tone controls are simple and intuitive, perfect for a first-time player who doesn’t want to fuss with active EQ.
What I appreciate most is the 2-year warranty. Most beginner basses offer 90 days or none at all. Fender standing behind this instrument for two years tells me they expect it to last. The included 30-day Fender Play subscription is a nice bonus if you are starting from zero – structured lessons that actually teach proper bass technique, not just tabs.
Setup out of the box was minimal. I raised the pickups slightly to balance the strings and that was it. Some users report sharp fret edges on certain units – I would inspect yours carefully in the first week and contact Fender if you find any issues. The stock strings are functional but I would replace them within a month for better tone and feel.
Why this is my top pick
If I had to recommend a single bass to a friend asking where to start, this is it. The combination of Fender heritage, solid warranty, comfortable playability, and authentic tone makes it the smartest long-term investment for any beginner in 2026. It also holds its resale value better than most budget brands.
Why it might not be for you
If you want an amp included in the same purchase, you need a starter kit instead. The Debut Series is bass-only. Also if you have very small hands or are buying for a younger player, the full 34-inch scale might feel stretched – consider the Ibanez MiKro further down.
3. Glarry Full Size Electric Bass Beginner Kit – Best Complete Starter Package
GLARRY Full Size Electric Bass Guitar Beginner Kit 4 String Exquisite Basswood Bass with 20W AMP, Cable, Strap, Bag and Accessories (Dark Blue, 39″Right Handed)
20W amplifier included
Basswood body
Split single-coil
5-band EQ on amp
Pros
- Complete kit with 20W amp
- Everything needed to start playing
- 5-band EQ for tone shaping
- Basswood body with rosewood fingerboard
Cons
- Strap quality is poor
- Action may need adjustment
- Basic amp is loud enough for practice only
The hidden cost of buying a bass is everything else you need – amp, cable, tuner, strap, picks. This Glarry kit solves that problem by bundling all of it for around $117. I tested the bass, the included 20W amp, and the accessories together as a complete system and the experience was turnkey out of the box.
The bass itself uses the same proven formula as the standalone Glarry: basswood body, rosewood fingerboard, split single-coil pickup. The tone through the included 20W amp was genuinely surprising – I got usable clean tone for practice, and the 5-band EQ on the amp (Treble, Mid, Bass, plus volume and phones) lets you shape your sound. It will not keep up with a drummer, but for bedroom practice it is plenty.
What I appreciated was that nothing critical was missing. You get the bass, amp, cable, strap, bag, and pick. The one thing I would add is a clip-on tuner – the amp doesn’t have a built-in tuner and the cheapest one is around $10. With that small addition you have a complete beginner setup that would have cost twice as much a decade ago.
The included strap is genuinely the weak link – thin, slippery, and uncomfortable after 30 minutes. I replaced it with a $15 padded strap and the playing experience improved dramatically. The amp is basic but functional; once you progress to playing with other musicians, plan on upgrading to a 40W or higher practice amp.
Who this kit is perfect for
Complete beginners who want one purchase that gets them playing immediately. Parents buying a gift and unsure what else to get. Anyone on a tight budget who needs an amp but doesn’t want to research separate purchases.
When to look elsewhere
If you already have an amp and don’t need the bundled one, the standalone Glarry above saves you money. If you want a higher-quality amp included, look at bundles from Fender or Yamaha at higher price points.
4. Ktaxon Electric Bass Guitar PJ Kit – Best PJ Pickup Configuration
Ktaxon Electric Bass Guitar 4 String Bass Guitar Kit-Black
PJ pickup configuration
20W amp included
Maple neck
No assembly required
Pros
- PJ pickup offers versatile tones
- Air-dried maple neck
- No assembly required
- Complete kit with 20W amp
Cons
- Limited 30-day warranty
- Basic amplifier quality
- Some units report wiring issues
Most beginner basses use a single split-coil pickup, but the Ktaxon steps up with a PJ configuration – that is one Precision-style pickup plus one Jazz-style pickup. This gives you more tonal flexibility than a basic P-Bass, which I noticed immediately when blending the two pickups together. The result is a tighter, more articulate sound that works well for funk and slap styles.
The naturally air-dried maple neck feels smoother than most budget basses. I measured the action at the 12th fret and it was slightly higher than ideal – a quick bridge adjustment brought it down to a comfortable level. The fretwork was clean, no sharp edges on my unit, and the basswood body is lightweight enough for long practice sessions.
The kit comes with a 20W amplifier, padded bag, strap, cable, spanner tool, and a pick. Out of the box, no assembly required – I just tuned it up, plugged it in, and started playing. That ease of use is worth something for true beginners who don’t want to deal with setup hassles.
The 30-day warranty is the weakest part of this package. Most competitors offer at least a year. If you are concerned about long-term protection, this might give you pause. However, the build quality felt solid in my testing and the issues I saw mentioned in user reviews seem to be isolated quality control cases rather than systemic problems.
Who this is great for
Players who want tonal flexibility beyond a basic P-Bass sound. Anyone interested in learning slap bass or funk techniques will appreciate the PJ pickup configuration. Beginners who want a complete kit with no setup required.
What to watch out for
Check the unit carefully when it arrives – some users have reported wiring issues and the short warranty means you want to test everything in the first 30 days. Also, replace the strings within the first month for noticeably better tone.
5. Goplus Electric Bass Guitar Full Size – Highest Review Count Budget Option
Goplus Electric Bass Guitar, Full Size 4 string with Strap Guiter Kit/w Carrying Bag, 2 Pickup, Perfect Bass for Beginners (Blue Bass 4 Straps)
Dual pickup configuration
Paulownia body
Polished finish
Includes bag and accessories
Pros
- Excellent value around 100 dollars
- Dual pickups for tonal variety
- Attractive glossy finish
- 1
- 691 user reviews to learn from
Cons
- May need truss rod adjustment
- Tuning pegs can wear over time
- Light body causes neck dive
The Goplus bass stands out for one simple reason: with over 1,600 user reviews and a 4.4-star average, you have a huge community of owners who can answer questions and confirm what works. That social proof matters when you are spending money on a brand you may not have heard of. In my own testing the bass performed above its price point.
The dual pickup setup gives you more tonal options than a basic single-pickup bass. I found the bridge pickup alone delivered a tighter, more focused sound for rock, while the neck pickup was warmer and rounder for jazzier styles. Blending them produced a versatile all-purpose tone that worked for everything I threw at it.
Setup was straightforward. I adjusted the truss rod slightly to reduce neck bow, set the intonation at the 12th fret, and dropped the action at the bridge. Total time: about 20 minutes. After setup the bass played cleanly up the neck with no buzz. The paulownia body is very light, which can cause neck dive, but a proper strap fixes that immediately.
The biggest long-term concern from user reviews is tuning peg durability. Some owners report the pegs stripping after a year or two of regular use. This is a common issue at this price point and not unique to Goplus. If you treat the tuning pegs gently and avoid over-tightening, they should last several years.
Why this is worth considering
The 1,691 reviews give you a wealth of real-world feedback. Many users report buying multiples for family members or bandmates. If you want a bass that has been thoroughly tested by thousands of beginners and still maintains a 4.4-star average, this is a safe bet.
What gives me pause
The paulownia body is very lightweight, which some players love and others find unbalanced. The tuning hardware durability is the main long-term risk. For the same money, the Donner PB-Style below offers slightly better build quality.
6. Stedman Beginner Series Bass Guitar Bundle – Best for Self-Practice
Stedman Beginner Series Bass Guitar Bundle with 15-Watt Amp, Gig Bag, Instrument Cable, Strap, Strings, Picks, and Polishing Cloth – Metallic Blue
15W amplifier included
Basswood body
Adjustable truss rod
Complete accessory bundle
Pros
- Complete practice bundle in one box
- Adjustable truss rod for proper setup
- Decent action out of the box
Cons
- Cheap body material
- Included amp is basic
- Frets may need lowering
- Extra string is single G only
The Stedman bundle is purpose-built for beginners who plan to practice at home, alone, without needing to play with other musicians yet. The 15W amp is enough for bedroom practice, the included chromatic tuner saves you a separate purchase, and the gig bag means you can store everything in one place. It is a sensible all-in-one package.
The bass itself uses a basswood body with a maple neck and adjustable truss rod – the truss rod is critical because humidity changes will require occasional adjustments, especially in your first year of ownership. I tested the action and it was playable but on the high side; a quick bridge adjustment brought it down nicely.
The metallic blue finish looks great in person, much better than the photos suggest. The split neck and bridge pickup configuration gives you two distinct voices to experiment with. The included strap, cable, picks, polishing cloth, and extra string cover all the basics – though the extra string is a single G string rather than a full set, which is a strange inclusion.
The biggest limitation is the amp. At 15W it is loud enough for personal practice but will not keep up with a drummer or full band. That is fine for beginners in their first year, but plan an amp upgrade when you start playing with others. The body material is also on the cheap side – light weight, which helps playability but feels less substantial than higher-end instruments.
Best use case
Solo practice at home in your first year of learning. The bundle eliminates decision fatigue – everything you need is in one box. Ideal for adults who want a quiet, contained practice setup.
When to upgrade
When you start playing with other musicians, you will need at least a 40W amp. When you gig or record, you will want a bass with better electronics. The Stedman is a launching pad, not a forever instrument – and that is okay.
7. Donner Electric Bass PB-Style Beginner Kit – Best Build Quality Under $200
Donner Electric Bass 4 Strings Full-Size Guitar Kit PB-Style (Sunburst)
AAA Canadian maple neck
Purpleheart fingerboard
Modern C-shape profile
365-day warranty
Pros
- Build quality rivals higher-end Fenders
- Classic P-Bass tone with crisp sound
- Smooth C-shaped neck profile
- Strong 365-day warranty
Cons
- Only 20 units left in stock
- Some fret sprout reported
- Neck dive without strap
The Donner PB-Style surprised me more than any other bass in this roundup. The fit and finish genuinely competes with basses costing two to three times as much. The AAA Canadian maple neck has a smooth satin back that feels great in the hand, the purpleheart fingerboard is a nice touch at this price, and the modern C-shape profile is comfortable for extended playing sessions.
The classic P-Bass pickup configuration delivers that warm, thumpy tone you hear on countless rock and Motown recordings. I tested it through both clean and slightly overdriven amp settings and it responded beautifully. The 4-saddle bridge with independent string adjustment made intonation setup precise and easy – a feature usually reserved for more expensive instruments.
The 21 copper-nickel frets were well-finished on my unit with no sharp edges. Tuning stability was solid thanks to the open-gear tuning machines. The included gig bag, strap, and cable are basic but functional, and Donner throws in free online lessons which is a thoughtful addition for absolute beginners.
Stock is genuinely limited – only 20 units available as of writing. If you are interested, don’t wait. Some users have reported slight fret sprout on a few frets (where the fret ends extend slightly past the fingerboard edge), which is a normal wood movement issue that a quick file can fix. The 365-day warranty gives you a full year of protection.
Who needs this bass
Beginners who want something that will last into intermediate territory. Players who appreciate quality construction and are willing to spend a bit more upfront for a longer-lasting instrument. Anyone who has played guitar before and wants a familiar-feeling C-shaped neck.
Honest drawbacks
Low stock is the main issue. Some units have fret sprout requiring minor maintenance. Neck dive without a proper strap. Otherwise this is hard to beat for the money.
8. Costzon Full Size Electric Bass Starter Kit – Best Complete Budget Kit
Costzon Full Size Electric 4 String Bass Guitar for Beginner Starter Complete Kit, Rose Fingerboard and Bridge, w/Two Pickups & Two Tone Control, Guitar Bag, Strap, Guitar Pick, Amp Cord (Blue Bass)
Paulownia body
Rose fingerboard
Two pickups with tone controls
Comes with bag and strap
Pros
- Excellent value around 110 dollars
- Rich bass tone for rock and blues
- Solid paulownia construction
- Comfortable rose fingerboard
Cons
- Fretboard may arrive dry
- Pickups lack depth at high volumes
- Limited 3-month warranty
The Costzon kit offers a complete bass-and-accessories package at one of the lowest price points in this roundup. The paulownia body is lightweight and resonant, the rose fingerboard feels smooth under the fingers, and the two-pickup configuration gives you tonal options for different musical styles.
The rich bass tone works particularly well for rock and blues – I played some classic blues lines and the warmth was impressive for the price. The two volume and two tone controls let you dial in sounds from clean and tight to warm and round. The polished finish looks attractive in person and feels comfortable against your forearm.
Out of the box the bass needed some conditioning – the fretboard arrived dry, which is common with new instruments. A few minutes with lemon oil fixed that. The ergonomic body cut makes long practice sessions more comfortable, and the included bag, strap, picks, and amp cord cover the basics. No amp is included, so you will need to buy one separately.
The 3-month warranty is the shortest in this roundup. The pickups can sound thin at higher volumes, which limits this bass for louder playing situations. For practice and learning at moderate volumes, it performs well. For gigging or recording, plan on upgrading electronics eventually.
Best fit for this bass
Absolute beginners who want a complete starter package at the lowest possible price. Players who want to experiment with different pickup configurations to find their tone. Anyone who plans to upgrade components over time.
Realistic limitations
The short warranty means you want to test everything immediately. The pickups lack the depth of more expensive instruments. Plan on buying an amp separately since this kit doesn’t include one.
9. Ibanez GSRM20 MiKro Short-Scale Bass – Best for Small Hands and Young Players
Ibanez GSRM20BWNF MiKro – Walnut Flat
Short-scale 28.6 inch
PJ pickup configuration
Mahogany body
Only 6.9 pounds
Pros
- Short-scale ideal for smaller hands
- Lightweight at just 6.9 pounds
- Punchy passive PJ pickups
- Excellent value for Ibanez quality
Cons
- Very low stock - only 6 left
- Stock strings sound metallic
- No pickup selector switch
The Ibanez MiKro is the bass I recommend most often for teenagers, smaller adults, and guitar players transitioning to bass. The 28.6-inch scale length is significantly shorter than a standard 34-inch bass, which means the frets are closer together and the body is more compact. For anyone who has struggled with the reach of a full-size bass, this is a game-changer.
The PJ pickup configuration (Precision plus Jazz style) gives you the tonal versatility of the Ktaxon above but in a more refined package. I found the tone punchy and clear, with the passive electronics delivering reliable performance without battery concerns. The mahogany body adds warmth to the fundamental, and the maple neck provides stability.
At just 6.9 pounds, the MiKro is one of the lightest full-featured basses on the market. Long practice sessions don’t cause shoulder fatigue, and younger players can handle it without strain. The B10 fixed bridge provides tuning stability, and the die-cast tuning machines hold tune well throughout a practice session.
Stock is critically low – only 6 units left as of writing. If you have been considering this bass, move quickly. The stock strings sound a bit metallic and scratchy, so plan on replacing them within the first month. There is no pickup selector switch – you blend the two pickups using the volume knobs, which is a minor learning curve for beginners.
Who this bass is perfect for
Teenagers and younger players who find full-size basses too big. Adult beginners with smaller hands. Guitarists who want to add bass to their skill set without learning a new instrument size. Anyone with physical limitations that make a heavy bass uncomfortable.
Who should skip it
If you have larger hands or plan to play with other musicians who use standard-scale basses, the short scale will feel different from what you encounter elsewhere. The limited stock also makes this a now-or-never decision.
10. Davison Guitars Full Size Electric Bass with 15W Amp – Best for Budget-Conscious Beginners
Davison Guitars Full Size Electric Bass Guitar with 15-Watt Amp, Black – 4 String Right Handed Beginner Kit with Gig Bag and Accessories
Dual P-style pickups
15W amplifier included
Maple neck
Hardwood body
Pros
- Complete beginner bundle at low price
- Lightweight 6.4-pound body
- Decent sound with proper setup
- Includes gig bag and accessories
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Quality control inconsistencies
- Basic 15W amp
- Shorter 90-day warranty
The Davison bundle is one of the cheapest complete beginner setups you can buy, with a bass, 15W amp, gig bag, strap, cable, and three picks all in one box. For absolute beginners on the tightest possible budget, it gets you playing for less than almost any other option. My testing experience was more mixed than with other basses in this roundup.
The dual P-style pickups give you tonal flexibility, and the adjustable truss rod allows for proper setup. The maple neck and maple fretboard feel solid under the fingers. At 6.4 pounds the bass is lightweight and easy to handle, which helps younger players and those with smaller body frames.
Sound quality through the included 15W amp was functional for practice. When I plugged the Davison into my own higher-quality amp, the tone improved significantly – the pickups are decent, the included amp is just basic. This is a common pattern with budget bundles.
The biggest issue I found was quality control inconsistency. Some units arrive perfectly set up, while others have fret sharpness, loose hardware, or buzzing from poor grounding. The 90-day warranty is shorter than most competitors. Not being Prime eligible means slower shipping. If you buy this, inspect it carefully in the first week.
Who should consider this bass
Absolute beginners on the tightest possible budget who can’t afford the other kits. Players willing to do basic setup work themselves. Anyone who wants a complete starter package at the lowest price and doesn’t mind potential quality control variability.
Why you might want to spend more
The quality control issues are real, even if not universal. The shorter warranty and slower shipping mean less protection if something goes wrong. For an extra $20-30 the Glarry kit or Ktaxon kit offer more reliability and better warranty coverage.
How to Choose the Best Cheap Bass Guitar for Beginners
Buying your first bass involves more decisions than just picking the cheapest option. Scale length, pickup type, body material, and included accessories all affect your playing experience. Let me walk you through the factors that actually matter when you are starting out.
Scale length: 30-inch vs 34-inch
Scale length is the distance from the nut to the bridge, and it determines how far apart the frets are. A 34-inch scale (full size) is the standard for most adult players. A 30-inch short scale (like the Squier Bronco) is more comfortable for smaller hands. The 28.6-inch Ibanez MiKro goes even shorter. For most adult beginners, a 34-inch scale is the right choice – it matches what you will encounter in bands, lessons, and jam sessions. For younger players or those with smaller hands, a short-scale bass prevents the frustration of stretching for notes.
Pickup types: passive vs active, P vs J
Passive pickups (no battery required) are simpler and more reliable for beginners. Active pickups (battery-powered) offer more tonal shaping but add complexity. Within passive pickups, the split-coil P-Bass configuration delivers that classic warm, punchy tone. The PJ configuration adds a Jazz-style bridge pickup for more versatility. For most beginners, a passive split-coil pickup is the right starting point.
Body material and weight
Basswood and paulownia are common in budget basses – both are lightweight, which helps with comfort during long practice sessions. Heavier bodies (hardwood, ash) can cause neck dive without a proper strap but often produce a more resonant tone. As a beginner, prioritize comfort over tone – you will be playing for hours, and a heavy bass leads to fatigue and frustration.
Complete kit vs bass only
If you don’t already own an amp, a complete kit saves money and ensures compatibility between components. If you have an amp or plan to buy a higher-quality one separately, a bass-only purchase gives you more flexibility. For absolute beginners, I usually recommend a kit to eliminate decision paralysis.
Warranty length matters
Beginner basses should have at least a 1-year warranty. The Glarry, Goplus, and Costzon offer limited or short warranties. The Squier Debut Series offers 2 years. The Donner offers 365 days. A longer warranty signals the manufacturer’s confidence and protects your investment.
What Accessories Do You Need to Start Playing Bass?
The bass itself is just the beginning. Here is a realistic starter accessories list based on what beginners actually need:
Bass amplifier: A 15-40W practice amp is enough for bedroom learning. The Fender Rumble 40 and Ampeg BA-108 are popular choices. If you buy a kit, the included amp works for the first 6-12 months.
Instrument cable: A 10-15 foot quality cable (like Mogami or Planet Waves) prevents signal loss and hum. Budget $15-25.
Clip-on tuner: Essential for tuning your bass every time you play. The Snark SN-1 is the most popular choice for beginners at around $10.
Strap: A padded strap prevents shoulder fatigue. The Levy Leather MSS40 is a classic choice but costs more; any padded strap from a reputable brand works.
Extra strings: Budget a fresh set of strings (D’Addario EXL165 or similar) for replacement every 3-6 months. Stock strings are functional but not inspiring.
Lessons: In-person or online lessons accelerate your progress dramatically. Fender Play, ArtistWorks, and YouTube channels like Scott’s Bass Lessons offer structured learning paths.
Total additional budget beyond the bass: approximately $150-250 for a quality starter setup. If your bass purchase includes a kit, you can start playing for $100-150 total.
Left-Handed Beginner Bass Options
About 10% of the population is left-handed, and finding a proper left-handed bass matters more than just flipping a right-handed instrument. The string tension, nut slots, and bridge saddles are designed for a specific hand orientation. Most budget bass brands offer left-handed versions of their popular models – Squier, Ibanez, and Yamaha all have lefty options in their beginner lines.
Budget an extra $20-50 for a left-handed version of the same bass. The Ibanez GSRM20 left-handed and Squier Affinity Precision Bass left-handed are reliable choices if they are in stock. If a left-handed version of your preferred bass is unavailable, avoid the temptation to flip a right-handed bass – the intonation and playability will suffer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cheap bass guitar for a beginner?
Based on our testing, the Fender Squier Debut Series Precision Bass offers the best overall combination of build quality, tone, warranty (2 years), and authentic P-Bass sound at around $170. For the absolute lowest budget, the Glarry Electric Bass at under $90 delivers playable tone and includes a bag and strap.
What is the best bass guitar to start on for a beginner?
The best starter bass is one with a comfortable neck profile, reliable tuning machines, and passive pickups. Most adult beginners should start with a full-size 34-inch scale bass with a split-coil P-Bass pickup. Younger players or those with smaller hands should consider a 30-inch or 28.6-inch short-scale option like the Ibanez GSRM20.
What type of bass guitar is best for beginners?
Four-string bass guitars are the standard for beginners because most learning material, teachers, and other musicians use them. A 34-inch full-size scale suits most adult players. A short-scale (30-inch or 28.6-inch) is better for younger players, smaller hands, or guitarists transitioning to bass. Passive pickups are simpler and more reliable for beginners than active electronics.
What is the best bass guitar on a budget?
On a tight budget, the Glarry Electric Bass at under $90 delivers playable tone and includes the basics (bag, strap, cable). For around $110-140, complete kits from Glarry or Ktaxon include a 20W amp and all necessary accessories. For under $200, the Fender Squier Debut Series offers the best long-term value with a 2-year warranty and authentic Fender tone.
How much should a beginner spend on a bass guitar?
Plan to spend $150-250 total for a complete beginner setup including bass, amp, cable, tuner, and strap. A bass alone runs $90-200 for quality beginner options. Complete starter kits run $110-170 and include everything except a tuner. Spending more than $250 as a beginner is usually unnecessary until you know you will stick with the instrument.
Do I need a bass amp or can I use a guitar amp?
You need a bass amp, not a guitar amp. Guitar amps cannot handle the low frequencies a bass produces and may damage the speakers. Even a small 15W bass amp like the ones included in the Glarry or Stedman starter kits is appropriate. For practice at home, a 15-40W bass amp works well. For playing with a drummer, you need at least 100W.
Final Verdict: Our Top Recommendations for 2026
After testing all ten of these beginner basses, here is where I land. For most adults starting out, the Fender Squier Debut Series Precision Bass remains my top pick – the combination of Fender heritage, comfortable C-shaped neck, 2-year warranty, and authentic P-Bass tone is hard to beat at the price. For players on a tighter budget, the Glarry Electric Bass at under $90 is the most affordable legitimate way to start playing.
For younger players or anyone with smaller hands, the Ibanez GSRM20 MiKro short-scale bass solves the reach problem that frustrates many beginners. The 28.6-inch scale and 6.9-pound weight make it accessible without sacrificing tone or quality.
If you want a complete package that includes an amp, the Glarry Full Size Electric Bass Beginner Kit or Ktaxon PJ Kit offer turnkey solutions that get you playing immediately. Add a clip-on tuner for around $10 and you have everything you need.
The most important thing is to actually start playing. Any of the basses in this guide will serve you well for your first year of learning. Pick the one that fits your budget and your body, set it up properly, and commit to regular practice. Six months from now you will be amazed at how much progress you have made. Welcome to the bass – it is one of the most rewarding instruments to learn.