Bass or Guitar First? How to Choose Which to Learn
Quick answer
Pick the instrument whose part you hum along to. If you hear the low, steady line that locks with the drums, start on bass. If you want to strum chords and sing, start on guitar. Neither is a dead end: a bass's four strings are tuned to the same notes as a guitar's four lowest strings, one octave lower, so a lot of what you learn carries over.
What is actually different
| Bass | Guitar | |
|---|---|---|
| Strings | Usually 4 (E A D G); 5-string adds a low B | 6 (E A D G B E) |
| What you play first | Mostly one note at a time, in time with the drums | Chords (several strings at once) and strumming |
| Neck | Longer: a standard bass is 34" scale, short-scale 30" (Fender) | Shorter, with frets closer together |
| Strings feel | Thicker strings, plucked with the fingers | Thinner strings; steel-string acoustics can feel sore at first |
| Gear to start | Bass plus a bass amp (or headphones) | An acoustic needs nothing else; an electric needs an amp |
| Playing alone | Sounds best with a song or backing track | Sounds complete on its own |
Choose bass if
- You like the groove of a song more than the melody.
- You want to play along with recordings or a band soon - simple bass lines can work with real songs early.
- Chord shapes on guitar frustrated you before.
Choose guitar if
- You want to sing and play on your own, at home or with friends.
- You want one instrument that sounds full without a backing track.
- You want the most beginner material to choose from.
Try both in ten minutes
- Put on a song you love and listen only to the lowest instrument. Hum it.
- Now hum the chords or the guitar part.
- Which one did you enjoy humming? That is usually the answer.
- If a shop lets you, hold a bass and a guitar. Check that your hand reaches the first fret with your elbow relaxed.
Next steps
- Bass: compare courses in best online bass lessons, see what to buy in beginner bass gear, and tune with the free bass tuner.
- Guitar: start with best lessons for beginners or lessons for adults, and follow the first 30 days plan.
Safety notes
- Stop and rest if your hand, wrist or forearm aches; tension is the usual cause.
- Keep amp and headphone volume low to protect your hearing.
FAQ
Is bass easier than guitar?
It is different rather than easier. Most beginners play single notes on bass before chords, which can make the first weeks feel simpler, but steady timing matters more.
Can I switch from bass to guitar later?
Yes. The four lowest guitar strings use the same note names as bass strings, so the fretboard map carries over.
Do I need an amp for bass?
For an electric bass, yes, or a headphone option. A bass is quiet unplugged.
Sources checked
- Fender: How to buy a bass guitar (scale lengths) (checked Oct 22, 2026): fender.com/articles/instruments/how-to-buy-a-bass-guitar
Not hands-on testing: FretCompare explains standard technique in its own words and links official pages for prices and terms.