Scott's Bass Lessons vs TalkingBass: Which for a Beginner?
Quick answer
Want to pay once and keep it? TalkingBass: Beginner Bass Guitar is $49, and later courses are one-time too. Want a big library with a free trial? Scott's Bass Lessons: 14 days free, then $34/mo or $199/yr.
Prices & terms last checked Oct 22, 2026 - confirm at checkout. Editorial from published facts, not hands-on testing: How we rate.
Buttons go to each official site, not an affiliate link.
Choose Scott's Bass Lessons if
- You want a large library: 100+ courses.
- You want to try free: 14-day trial, then a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- You are happy with a subscription ($34/mo or $199/yr).
Choose TalkingBass if
- You want to pay once: $49 for Beginner Bass Guitar, lifetime access.
- You like a short, focused start: ten lessons, just over two hours, 34-page workbook.
- You want to add courses one at a time (Groove Trainer $160, Simple Steps to Sight Reading $260).
Side by side
| Scott's Bass Lessons | TalkingBass | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $34/mo, $199/yr or $1,997 lifetime | $49 one-time (beginner course) |
| Free trial | 14 days | None on the course page |
| Guarantee | 30-day money-back | Not stated on the course page |
| Access | While subscribed (or lifetime plan) | Lifetime |
| Size | 100+ courses | 16 courses on the site (per TalkingBass) |
Cost over two years
| Option | Year 1 | Two years |
|---|---|---|
| SBL annual | $199 | $398 |
| SBL monthly | $408 | $816 |
| TalkingBass beginner course | $49 | $49 |
| TalkingBass beginner + Groove Trainer | $209 | $209 |
Not sure either fits? See all six options in best online bass lessons, and tune up with the free bass tuner.
Questions
Which is cheaper?
TalkingBass, if you buy only a course or two. SBL costs more each year but includes its whole library.
Can I try either free?
SBL has a 14-day free trial. TalkingBass has free lessons on its site and YouTube channel.
Why do I see $39/$249 for SBL?
SBL's terms page still lists older prices; its join page shows $34/$199.
Sources checked
- Scott's Bass Lessons (checked 2026-10-22): join.scottsbasslessons.com/academy/main - scottsbasslessonshelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/articles/50803495 - scottsbasslessons.com/terms-of-service
- TalkingBass (checked 2026-10-22): www.talkingbass.net/ - members.talkingbass.net/product/beginner-bass-guitar/
Prices are US-dollar list prices as shown on each official page on the date above. Prices, trials and guarantees change; confirm them at checkout.
How this page was made
An editorial guide built from each platform's own published prices, course descriptions, trials and guarantee terms - 2 sources checked (listed above), last verified Oct 22, 2026. Not based on hands-on testing. How we rate.