TalkingBass vs BassBuzz: Cheapest Way to Start Bass
Quick answer
Both are one-time purchases with lifetime access. TalkingBass ($49) is a short, cheap start - ten lessons, about two hours. BassBuzz ($197) is a full beginner program - 30 hours with songs and jam tracks - and a 180-day money-back guarantee.
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 TalkingBass if
- You want the cheapest structured start: $49.
- You want a short course you can finish in a few weeks: ten lessons, just over two hours.
- You might add more later: TalkingBass sells further one-time courses.
Choose BassBuzz if
- You want one course that takes you much further: 30 hours of video.
- You want songs to play: a 100-song pack and jam tracks at three speeds.
- You want a long guarantee: 180 days.
Side by side
| TalkingBass | BassBuzz | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49 one-time | $197 one-time (pay plan shown at $39.97) |
| Length | 10 lessons, 2+ hours, 34-page workbook | 30 hours of video plus extras |
| Access | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Guarantee | Not stated on the course page | 180-day money-back |
| Teacher | Mark J Smith | Josh Fossgreen |
Cost over two years
Neither has a subscription, so two-year cost equals the purchase price: TalkingBass $49, BassBuzz $197. If you start with TalkingBass and later add its Groove Trainer ($160), the total is $209.
Not sure either fits? See all six options in best online bass lessons, and tune up with the free bass tuner.
Questions
Is $49 enough to learn bass?
It is enough for a structured start: ten lessons, just over two hours, and a 34-page workbook. You will want songs or a next course after it.
Do either have a free trial?
No. TalkingBass has free lessons on its site; BassBuzz has free beginner lessons and a 180-day guarantee.
Sources checked
- TalkingBass (checked 2026-10-22): www.talkingbass.net/ - members.talkingbass.net/product/beginner-bass-guitar/
- BassBuzz (checked 2026-10-22): www.bassbuzz.com/beginner-to-badass - www.bassbuzz.com/lessons/beginner
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.