In this lesson, we are going to learn how long it takes to learn the bass guitar. A beginner's guide. That’s the question on everyone’s mind: who wants to learn an instrument? How long should it take to learn to play bass guitar?
It is going to take time.
When it comes to being good at playing the bass guitar, it is going to take some time. There is absolutely no doubt about it. The bass strings are thicker than regular guitar strings, and the neck is longer. So it will take some time to get used to.
Get the most out of your time
It would be best to start with some kind of training method. That way, you get the most out of your time playing the instrument. If you’d like to go on to YouTube to get started, that’s great. This will help you to get your fingers on the fretboard and get used to the feel of the strings.
Once you get started, I recommend you practice at least 15–20 minutes a day to get your fingers, wrists, and hands in shape. Learning an instrument, any instrument, is all in the wrists. The better shape you are in, the easier it will be to play your chosen instrument. In this case, the bass guitar.
Get your fingers in shape
You will also need to get your fingers in shape and build calluses on them. This will come from holding down the strings on the fretboard. This is not easy initially and will require you to go through growing pains. No need to worry, though, as everyone goes through it. Think of it as a rite of passage.
I also recommend that you practice daily, as this will allow you to get the best results in the quickest time possible. Practicing daily is essential in the very beginning. The reason for this is that you are learning music, and music is a new language. Like any other language, it will take time to master.
Be open to new concepts
You will be exposed to new ways of thinking with unfamiliar concepts and techniques that only music and learning instruments present. You will be learning to develop eye-hand coordination and motor skills, and doing things with your fingers that you only do when learning a musical instrument.
All this affects the brain as well as the body. That is why you must practice daily. Keep all these new things in front of you at all times. Get down to the fundamentals and form the foundation for your learning. Especially if you plan on getting to the advanced level of the instrument.
If you take some form of method training, private instruction, online course, or a method book, you will get the most out of your practice time. The reason for this is that you are following a system. A blueprint, so to speak. A path that leads you to your result.
Develop a practice routine
You start with 15 minutes per day (that’s about what the fingers can handle at first), then you progress to 20–30 minutes, then you progress to 1–2 hours a day and beyond. How much you should practice daily to become an advanced player of the instrument is up to you. As it is different for everyone.
Some students will progress slowly, like a turtle (which is completely fine), and others will progress a bit quickly. It all depends on the individual student. The main thing in each case is consistency. Persistence and dedication to consistency are everything. No matter what your progression rate is.
Step-by-step method
Now, if you are serious about learning to play the bass guitar and are serious about getting to the advanced level, get yourself involved in a method of some sort. Private bass lessons will get you there the fastest. If you find the right teacher.
If you like DIY, you can go the YouTube route. Or an online course. Or you can try the method book route. If you decide to do that, you can check out the method book I authored and self-published.
Learn To Play Bass Guitar
Learn To Play Bass Guitar will lead you on a path to bass guitar mastery. It will show you how to get started playing the bass guitar in a simple step-by-step method. Learn parts of the bass guitar, how to properly hold it, what kind of amp is needed, and concepts necessary to create music.
Learn bass guitar techniques such as 12-bar bass riffs, chord formulas, arpeggios, proper timing, creating rhythm, and practice habits. In addition to all that, you’ll also get introduced to the basics of music theory and the fun of using bass guitar pedals.
Private Instruction is also available
If you'd like to make learning to play the Bass guitar more enjoyable, you can look into my service of private instruction, with over 20 years of teaching experience. Both online and in-person. I specialize in crafting customized lessons that cater to your musical journey. Even if you have no formal training.
With your interest and availability, I can tailor our lessons to suit your pace and schedule. Whether you want to dive into the basics or explore different musical styles, I can guide you every step of the way. To get your first lesson scheduled, just contact me at my website. I look forward to helping you embark on this new and exciting adventure.
Thanks for reading, and best of luck with your learning.
Until our next lesson, take care.
Sincerely, Dwayne Jenkins
