There's never been a better time to start playing bass!

These days, entry-level basses are leagues ahead of what we had when I started. Gone are the days when "beginner bass" meant putting up with shoddy craftsmanship and dodgy electronics. Many "starter" basses now offer serious quality without a huge investment.

I've picked these 12 basses based on hundreds of hours playing, recording, gigging, and teaching. Each one has earned its spot for different reasons. Some are incredible all-rounders, others shine in specific genres, and a few are perfect for players with particular needs.

Quick heads up: while price is obviously a factor for beginners, I didn't just pick the cheapest options. Instead, I looked for basses that offer the best value. These are instruments that'll grow with you as you progress, rather than hold you back six months down the line.

Ready to find your perfect first bass? Let's get started!

1. Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ -  Best Electric Bass Guitar Overall

• Body Material: Poplar
• Neck Wood & Style: Maple, "C" Shape
• Scale Length: 34" (Full Scale)
• Fingerboard Material: Indian Laurel or Maple (depending on finish)
• Number of Frets: 20
• Fret Size: Medium Jumbo
• Pickups: P/J Configuration (1x Split Single-Coil Precision Bass, 1x Single-Coil Jazz Bass)
• Controls: 2x Volume, 1x Tone
• Hardware: Chrome
• Finish: Black, Olympic White, Lake Placid Blue, Brown Sunburst, Race Red
• Left-Handed Option: Yes

Let's kick things off with what I consider the ultimate starter bass - the Squier Affinity PJ. After testing countless entry-level basses over a decade and a half of playing, this one consistently stands out as the best bang for your buck.

You might be thinking, "Isn't Squier just Fender's budget brand?" Well, yes - but don't let that fool you. This bass delivers way above its price point, and here's why:

First off, the PJ pickup configuration is pure gold for beginners. You've got both Precision and Jazz Bass pickups, which means you can shape your sound in tons of different ways. Want that thick, punchy P-Bass thump? Roll back the J pickup. Need some more definition for slap or fingerstyle? Blend in that Jazz pickup, and you're golden.

The "C" shaped maple neck feels just right, and the 34" scale length is a standard issue, so when you eventually upgrade, the transition will be easy as pie.

Something I particularly love about this bass is how versatile it is. The dual volume controls and the tone knob give you plenty of room to experiment with different sounds, whether you're playing rock, funk, jazz, or anything in between. Plus, the poplar body keeps it lightweight enough for long practice sessions or gigs, which your shoulders will thank you for later.

While Squier offers everything from classic Black and Olympic White to the gorgeous Lake Placid Blue, my personal favorite is the Brown Sunburst (I'm a sucker for vintage). Plus, lefties aren't left out in the cold since Squier offers this model for our southpaw friends too.

Sure, the hardware isn't top-shelf stuff, but it's solid and reliable, and the bass is ready to rock straight out of the box.

2. Yamaha TRBX174 - Best Runner-Up

• Body Material: Mahogany
• Neck Wood & Style: Maple, Bolt-on
• Scale Length: 34" (Full Scale)
• Fingerboard Material: Rosewood or Sonokeling
• Number of Frets: 24
• Fret Size: Medium
• Pickups: 2x Single-Coil
• Controls: 2x Volume, 1x Tone
• Hardware: Chrome
• Finish: Black, Metallic Red, Dark Blue Metallic, Old Violin Sunburst
• Left-Handed Option: Yes

Coming in hot at number two is the Yamaha TRBX174, and in all honesty, calling this bass a "runner-up" feels almost unfair.

The first thing you'll notice about the TRBX174 is its mahogany body, which is where it gets its warm, rich tone that really fills out the low end. Combined with the maple neck, you get this perfect balance of warmth and snap that works for pretty much any style of music you throw at it.

One thing that sets this bass apart from other beginner models is the 24-fret fingerboard. Those extra four frets might not seem like a big deal, but once you start exploring the upper register for solos or melodic lines, you'll be glad they're there. The rosewood (or sonokeling) fingerboard feels smooth under your fingers, which makes those early practice sessions much more comfortable.

The dual single-coil pickup setup might look simple, but with two volume controls and a tone knob, you can play just as easily in your doom metal garage band as you can at your church gig.

One thing I will say about Yamaha compared to Squier is that their quality control is consistently fantastic, even at this price point. I've had Yamaha basses survive years of abuse without losing their playability or tone.

3. Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Bass - Best Electric Bass Guitar for Smaller Hands

• Body Material: Poplar
• Neck Wood & Style: Maple, GSRM4
• Scale Length: 28.6" (Short Scale)
• Fingerboard Material: Jatoba
• Number of Frets: 22
• Fret Size: Medium
• Pickups: 2x Ibanez Dynamix P/J
• Controls: 2x Volume, 1x Tone
• Hardware: Chrome
• Finish: Various gloss finishes
• Left-Handed Option: No

Next, we have the Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro - the little bass that could! As someone who's tried to help quite a few younger students and players with smaller hands, this bass has become a standard recommendation.

It has a 28.6" scale length (compared to the standard 34"), which makes everything more manageable, whether you're getting your basic fretting down or learning more complex runs.

What's really cool about this bass, however, is that Ibanez didn't just shrink everything down and call it a day. They actually thought about playability. The maple neck has this super comfortable profile that feels great, and the poplar body keeps things lightweight while still offering solid tone and sustain.

The P/J pickup configuration (Dynamix P and J) is a smart choice for a beginner instrument, as you get the Precision Bass thump and the Jazz Bass bite. In terms of hardware, the bass actually stays in tune quite nicely!

While it's marketed as a bass for smaller players, I know a few adults who love this thing too. It's perfect for practice, travel, or just when you want something more comfortable to play while lounging on the couch. The only real downside is the lack of a left-handed option!

4. Jackson JS Series JS2 Spectra Bass - Best Electric Bass Guitar for Metal

• Body Material: Poplar
• Neck Wood & Style: Maple, Bolt-on, Thin "C"
• Scale Length: 34" (Full Scale)
• Fingerboard Material: Amaranth
• Number of Frets: 24
• Fret Size: Jumbo
• Pickups: Jackson P/J
• Controls: 1x Volume, 1x Tone, Blend
• Hardware: Black
• Finish: Gloss Black, Metallic Blue, Satin Black
• Left-Handed Option: No

The Jackson JS2 Spectra is an active bass and one of my favorite beginner bass guitars for metalheads.

The first thing you'll notice about the JS2 Spectra active bass guitar is its no-nonsense attitude. That Jackson pointed headstock offers a visual statement that screams, "I'm here to blow minds!" But beyond the looks, this bass has some serious muscle under the hood.

One of my favorite features is how incredibly easy it is to play. The neck has a speedy profile that's perfect for fast-paced riffs and quick position changes. In terms of tone, you get active electronics and a 3-band EQ that lets you sculpt your tone exactly how you want it.

In metal, we often need a bit more mid-range punch to cut through walls of distorted guitars. With the JS2 active bass, there's no problem. Plus, with the active/passive switch, you can quickly switch between modern, aggressive tones and more classic, thumpy tones.

The high-mass bridge design gives you amazing sustain. As you'd want with a metal guitar, the JS2 allows you to hold a note and feel it ring out forever. It also has a string-through-body design, which is the icing on the cake for better resonance.

Now, I will say that while it's marketed for metal, don't pigeonhole it. You can just as easily roll back the active EQ, switch to passive mode, and get a surprisingly versatile instrument.

5. Epiphone EB-3 - Best Electric Bass for Rock

• Body Material: Mahogany
• Neck Wood & Style: Mahogany, SlimTaper "D"
• Scale Length: 34" (Full Scale)
• Fingerboard Material: Laurel
• Number of Frets: 20
• Fret Size: Medium Jumbo
• Pickups: 1x Sidewinder Humbucker (Neck), 1x Mini Humbucker (Bridge)
• Controls: 2x Volume, 2x Tone
• Hardware: Nickel
• Finish: Cherry, Ebony
• Left-Handed Option: No

The Epiphone EB-3 is the bass for anyone who wants to channel rock 'n' roll, or dreams of being the next Cream-era Jack Bruce or Sabbath's Geezer Butler, as it takes its design cues from the legendary Gibson SG bass.

The combination of mahogany body and neck gives you this warm, rich tone that's absolutely perfect for rock. It's got serious sustain too. Play a note and you'll feel it resonate through the whole instrument. The SlimTaper "D" neck profile is a joy to play as well, making it easy to play quick rock runs or hold down solid root notes.

The pickup configuration is where things get really interesting. That massive Sidewinder humbucker in the neck position gives you this thick, woolly tone that's straight out of the late '60s. However, you can also switch to the mini-humbucker at the bridge to get a punchier, more focused sound that cuts through any mix. Having four control knobs (two volume, two tone) means you can really dial in your sound.

One thing I love about teaching with the EB-3 is how it inspires confidence. There's something about strapping on that SG-style body that makes you want to own the stage. The cherry finish especially looks killer under stage lights.

Fair warning though, this isn't the lightest bass out there. That mahogany construction means business, but your shoulders will definitely know you've been playing after a long practice session. I recommend getting yourself a wide, padded strap if you're planning on long rehearsals.

6. Squier Sonic Bronco Bass - Best Electric Bass for Younger Players

• Body Material: Poplar
• Neck Wood & Style: Maple, "C" Shape
• Scale Length: 30" (Short Scale)
• Fingerboard Material: Maple
• Number of Frets: 19
• Fret Size: Narrow Tall
• Pickups: 1x Single-Coil
• Controls: 1x Volume, 1x Tone
• Hardware: Chrome
• Finish: Black, Torino Red, Arctic White
• Left-Handed Option: No

If you're buying a bass for a younger player, I recommend checking out the Squier Bronco Short Scale Bass. After teaching countless young rockers, I can't tell you how many times kids complain about not being able to play certain bass guitars because they're too big.

The 30" short-scale bass design is its superpower. Compared to standard beginner bass guitars, those smaller stretches between frets make all the difference for young players or anyone with smaller hands. The maple neck has this super comfortable "C" shape that feels just right, and the narrow-tall frets make it easier for beginners to get clean notes without too much finger strength.

What really makes me love recommending the Bronco electric bass guitar, however, is that it's built like a little tank. The poplar body keeps it lightweight enough for younger players, but it can handle being bumped, dropped, or dragged to and from lessons. The simple chrome hardware might not be fancy, but it's reliable and gets the job done for a beginner bass guitar.

The single pickup might seem basic, but sometimes less is more when you're starting on your bass playing journey. One volume and one tone control means less fiddling with knobs and more time actually playing. And don't let that simplicity fool you - this bass can growl when it needs to!

One cool thing about the Bronco is how it grows with young beginner bass players. Start with the basics, and as their playing develops, they can experiment with different sounds using that tone control.

I also recommend throwing some light gauge strings on there, and it becomes even more finger-friendly for beginners.

7. Orange O Bass - Best Electric Bass Guitar Vintage Sound

• Body Material: Okoume
• Neck Wood & Style: Maple, "C" Shape
• Scale Length: 34" (Full Scale)
• Fingerboard Material: Purpleheart
• Number of Frets: 20
• Fret Size: Medium
• Pickups: Custom-Wound Split-Coil Humbucker
• Controls: 1x Volume, 1x Tone
• Hardware: Nickle top-loading 4-saddle bridge, Open-Gear Tuners
• Finish: Orange (classic Orange brand color), Purple, Black
• Left-Handed Option: No

If you're chasing that old-school thump and vintage vibe, the Orange O Bass might just be the best beginner bass guitar for you. The team at Orange bottled up the best parts of the '60s and shaped them into a beautiful electric bass guitar.

Let's start with that custom-wound split-coil humbucker. This pickup is the heart and soul of the O Bass, delivering this warm, rich tone that sounds like it was pulled straight from a classic vinyl record. Combined with the Okoume body and maple neck, you get this incredible warmth that just begs for some classic R&B or soul lines.

The simplicity of the controls (just one volume and one tone knob) make playing easy, and you don't have any fancy electronics or active circuitry to get in the way of that pure, organic sound. The open-gear tuners and top-loading bridge contribute to that authentic vintage feel while keeping your tuning rock-solid.

Of course, what's most noticeable about this beginner bass guitar is the iconic orange finish. The purple and black options are gorgeous too, but there's something special about that signature orange.

Here's a fun trick I discovered: roll the tone back about halfway, play with your fingers near the neck pickup, and you'll swear you're listening to a Motown record.

Word of warning, however - if you're looking for modern, aggressive electric bass guitar tones, this might not be your jam.

8. Sterling by Music Man SUB StingRay Ray4 - Best Electric Bass Guitar for Funk

• Body Material: Basswood
• Neck Wood & Style: Maple
• Scale Length: 34" (Full Scale)
• Fingerboard Material: Rosewood or Laurel
• Number of Frets: 21
• Fret Size: Medium
• Pickups: 1x Sterling by Music Man Humbucker
• Controls: 1x Volume, 2-Band EQ
• Hardware: Chrome
• Finish: Black, Vintage Sunburst, Mint Green, Trans Blue Satin
• Left-Handed Option: Yes

The Sterling SUB Ray4 is like that friend who can light up any party and is one of my most highly recommended beginner bass guitars for those who want to play classic soul and funk. You get classic Music Man bass guitar magic at an affordable price.

The chunky Music Man-designed humbucker is voiced just right to give you that classic StingRay growl,  which has been the secret weapon of funk players since the '70s. Slap it, pop it, or play with your fingers - this pickup handles it all with attitude.

The active 2-band EQ is a game-changer at this price point. Need that mid-range punch for slap parts? Want to scoop the mids for some smooth fingerstyle lines? Just twist those tone controls, and you're there. The active preamp on this bass guitar gives you plenty of output too, so you'll never struggle to be heard in the mix.

The maple neck feels fantastic, and combined with the basswood body, you get a super balanced instrument that's comfortable for long practice sessions or gigs. Speaking of comfort, the contoured body is a nice touch that you don't always find at this price point.

Of course, this beginner bass guitar isn't just for funk. The active electronics mean it can handle any genre you get into on your bass-playing journey.

9. Ibanez GSR200 - Most Versatile

• Body Material: Poplar
• Neck Wood & Style: Maple, GSR4
• Scale Length: 34" (Full Scale)
• Fingerboard Material: Jatoba
• Number of Frets: 22
• Fret Size: Medium
• Pickups: 2x Ibanez Dynamix P/J
• Controls: 2x Volume, 1x Tone
• Hardware: Chrome
• Finish: Black, Walnut Flat, Candy Apple Red
• Left-Handed Option: Yes

If there's one beginner bass guitar that refuses to be boxed into a single style, it's the Ibanez GSR200.

The magic starts with that P/J pickup configuration. With both Precision and Jazz-style pickups (Ibanez Dynamix) you open up a world of tonal possibilities. For example, if you're playing rock bass guitar, you can turn up that P pickup for classic punch, though if you want a better funk tone, you can blend in the J pickup for extra clarity.

The GSR4 maple neck is another standout feature. It's got this comfortable profile that works for pretty much any playing style or hand size. Whether you're a pick player, finger player, or slapper, everything just feels natural. Plus, the poplar body keeps things lightweight and resonant.

Something I really appreciate about the GSR200 is how forgiving it is for beginners while still having enough juice for more advanced players. The controls are simple enough to be conducive to a "first bass guitar," but they give you plenty of room to shape your tone as your ears develop.

While the stock strings are decent, I'd try a set of half-rounds on this beginner bass guitar. You'll get that perfect middle ground between bright and warm.

10. Harley Benton RB-414 -  Best Rick-Style Bass Guitar Choice

• Body Material: Okoume
• Neck Wood & Style: Okoume, "C" Shape
• Scale Length: 34" (Full Scale)
• Fingerboard Material: Amaranth
• Number of Frets: 22
• Fret Size: Medium
• Pickups: Artec Mini humbucker (neck) and single coil (bridge)
• Controls: 3-Way switch; 2 Volume and 2 tone controls
• Hardware: Chrome hardware, DLX machine heads
• Finish: Black, Cherry Sunburst
• Left-Handed Option: No

If you're looking to channel that classic Rick sound and style without selling a kidney, The Harley Benton RB-414 is my go-to recommendation. After putting this bass through its paces, I can tell you, it brings way more to the table than its modest price tag suggests.

First up, let's talk about that unmistakable double-cutaway body shape. Made from Okoume (both body and neck), this bass has this surprisingly rich, balanced tone that really captures the essence of those more expensive 4001-style basses. The combination of a mini humbucker in the neck and a single coil in the bridge gives you that characteristic bright, cutting sound that put those original basses on countless records.

The control layout on this bass guitar is particularly sweet. Having two volume and two tone controls plus a 3-way switch means you can really dial in your sound, whether you're looking for a McCartney-style thump or Chris Squire bite.

The playability of this beginner bass guitar is what really impressed me. That "C" shape neck feels just as comfortable as the neck you'd find on a Squier Mini Precision Bass, and the 22 frets give you plenty of room to explore. The DLX machine heads hold their tuning surprisingly well, which isn't always a given at this price point.

While the stock setup is good, I'd personally spend a few bucks on a professional setup to make this bass really sing. And if you really want to nail that vintage tone, try flatwound strings.

Now, I will say, don't expect this beginner bass guitar to fool any hardcore Rick fanatics up close, on stage, or in recordings. However, it can provide those classic tones we all know and love pretty convincingly.

11. Sire Marcus Miller V3 - Best Bass Guitar for a Warm Sound

• Body Material: Mahogany
• Neck Wood & Style: Canadian Hard Maple
• Scale Length: 34" (Full Scale)
• Fingerboard Material: Rosewood Fingerboard
• Number of Frets: 20
• Fret Size: Medium
• Pickups: Marcus Miller Standard J-Style
• Controls: 1 x stacked volume/tone, 1 x blend, 3-band Active EQ
• Hardware: Chrome
• Finish: Tobacco Sunburst, Natural, Black, White Blonde, Sonic Blue, etc.
• Left-Handed Option: Yes (in some configurations)

The Sire Marcus Miller V3 is what you get when one of the world's greatest bassists decides to create what is one of the best beginner basses on the market.

You get a mahogany body paired with a Canadian hard maple neck, which is pure tonal gold. It provides this deep, smooth sound that just flows out of the bass guitar. The Marcus Miller-designed J-style pickups are voiced perfectly to capture all that warmth while still maintaining clarity. I've played this on a few jazz records, and I love that you can almost get upright-like thump tones when you want them.

The active preamp is where things get really interesting. That 3-band EQ gives you tons of control over your sound. If you need more bottom end midway through a song, you can simply boost those lows on your bass guitar without having to walk over to your amp. The stacked volume/tone control and blend knob layout are super intuitive, too, as you don't have to fumble around during gigs trying to find the right control.

One thing I really love about the V3 bass guitar is how it encourages dynamic playing. Play soft, and it responds with this lovely, subtle warmth. Dig in harder, and it growls without losing that fundamental warmth. The rosewood fingerboard adds another layer of smoothness to the tone that makes playing feel almost effortless.

It's almost hard to put it on a list of best electric bass for beginners, as it feels like it could thrive just as much in the intermediate or expert realm.

12. Ibanez AEB5E Acoustic-Electric Bass - Best Acoustic Bass

• Body Material: Agathis
• Neck Wood & Style: Mahogany
• Scale Length: 32" (Medium Scale)
• Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
• Number of Frets: 22
• Fret Size: Standard
• Pickups: Ibanez Piezo Pickup
• Controls: Ibanez AEQ-202T Preamp with Volume, Bass, and Treble controls
• Hardware: Chrome
• Finish: Natural High Gloss, Black High Gloss
• Left-Handed Option: No

The Ibanez AEB5E is the perfect gateway into acoustic bass. I've used Ibanez acoustic bass guitars throughout my life, and for the price, they really excel in terms of playability.

The 32" medium scale length is a smart choice for an acoustic, as it keeps string tension comfortable while giving you enough punch. The Agathis body produces this warm, balanced tone that works beautifully for both fingerstyle and pick playing.

That onboard Ibanez AEQ-202T4 acoustic bass guitar preamp is simple yet solid overall. You have Volume, Bass, and Treble controls that give you just enough control to dial in your sound without overwhelming you with options. The piezo pickup captures the natural acoustic character faithfully when you need amplification. I'm a huge fan of this beginner bass for coffee shop gigs or acoustic jams.

What really sets this bass apart, however, is how comfortable it is to play. The mahogany neck feels sleek and fast, while the body size strikes a great balance between being big enough for proper acoustic projection but not so large that it's unwieldy. The 22 frets give you plenty of range to explore melodic lines too.

I recommend using phosphor bronze strings instead of regular electric bass strings, as they'll bring out more of that natural acoustic warmth. And while the built-in tuner is handy, I'd also consider keeping a clip-on tuner as a backup for dimly lit acoustic sessions.

Just remember that acoustic basses naturally have less volume than acoustic guitars, so managing expectations about unplugged volume is important. But plug this into an acoustic amp, and you've got all the volume you need while maintaining that sweet acoustic character.

The Bottom Line on Bottom End

After spending time with these 12 basses, it's clear that beginner bass guitars have come a long way.

Remember, your first bass is the start of a long musical journey. While budget matters, focus on finding an instrument that feels right and inspires you to play. Any bass from this list will give you a solid foundation to build your skills on.

Also, try to get your hands on these basses before buying if possible. Each has its own personality, and sometimes that perfect match isn't what you'd expect. If you can't try before buying, don't worry, these picks are all road-tested and beginner-approved.

Now stop reading and start playing! Your future bandmates are waiting.