The Internet is full of resources for bass learning and it can be tricky to pick the course that meets all your needs and preferences. That’s why our list of the best online bass lessons includes websites and apps that each excel at something different. So if you want to explore the world of bass guitar online courses, you are at the right place.
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Jamplay and Truefire are well-known educational platforms for learning mostly guitar and bass. By combining the two platforms, their users have access to various courses for different skill levels and genres at a discounted price. Other reasons why we have chosen this twin website as the best online place to learn bass guitar include the following:
Whether you’re starting from scratch or already have experience, virtually every bass player will find their way here. Whether you want to learn how to play grooves, bass lines of well-known songs, or different playing techniques from hammer-ons, pull-offs, glissandos, chords, slaps, and harmonics, while improving your music theory and sheet and tab reading, you’ll find practically everything at Jamplay and Truefire. When you don’t know how to get started, the platforms offer a step-by-step program for beginners as well as intermediate bassists.
If you play acoustic or electric guitar and want to start learning to play bass, check out Pickupmusic. The course by Johnatan Colman offers a 3-month beginner’s curriculum and is ideal for those who already have some guitar experience. Johnatan’s lessons are easy to follow and will teach you how to play bass lines in a relatively short amount of time, even from such greats as Pino Palladino, James Jamerson, and Joe Dart. Interactive tabs and a track your progress system help you practice easily.
Although bass lessons are primarily designed for guitar players, according to several user reviews, they are also suitable for those who have never played an instrument before.
If you want to try Pickupmusic, you can submit for a 14-day free trial.
Scott Devine is not only a great bass player, but also a skilled educator and the founder of one of the best and most comprehensive internet platforms for learning bass guitar. Whether you are a complete beginner, intermediate, or experienced player, Scott’s bass lessons (SBL) will take your bass playing to the next level.
The so-called Players path is a great place to start. You simply choose one of the nine levels according to your previous experience and skills. Beginners will appreciate the free lessons in the beginner journey, as well as the Groove trainer tool with metronome, tuner, and drum loops.
In addition to video lessons focused on soloing, scales, improvisation, rhythm developing, or feeling, you will find courses dedicated to ear training, sight reading as well as the specifics of different styles (blues, jazz, RnB, metal, and others). These can be filtered and selected on the website according to different criteria. Advanced players will appreciate master courses from bass legends like John Patitucci, Gary Willis, or Rufus Philpot.
If you want to discover SBL universum check his YouTube channel with tons of inspirational videos.
“How to learn bass guitar online” is the title of the Fender program for bass guitar enthusiasts. The website and mobile app (iOs, Android) offer a fresh way to learn bass and step by step curriculum for every learner, who wants to discover the “base of music”.
You can learn the basics of bass guitar with great tutorial videos and interactive features while having a lot of fun. The Fender app also includes bassless play-along tracks and a big song library.
If you want to master your skills and learn from world-class bass guitarists, you should check the Artistworks courses from Stu Hamm and Nathan East. Both musicians excel at selling the experience understandably and in a logical order.
Although both courses include lessons for beginners, we recommend them for intermediate and advanced players preferring rock, pop, and funk basslines and tunes.
When looking for free bass guitar lessons, most YouTube channels and websites contain hundreds of lessons, but they miss a logical structure and system.
The website founded by Andrew Pouska is a bit different since it promises a fair amount of free online bass guitar lessons organized for beginners. Although the site looks old-fashioned and can’t compete with multiple paid platforms, you’ll find plenty of interesting lessons that can motivate you and help you get to grips with the bass fundamentals.
In addition to the monthly membership with which you get access to all the courses offered on this website, you can buy the courses you are interested in on a one-time basis. Here you will find a Bass beginner guitar course, Groove trainer, Technique builder for bass, Ultimate music theory for bass, and more.
The lessons are prepared by Talking Bass founder Mark J Smith, who has played with several major artists after dropping out of the Leeds College of Music Academy.
In the practice room section, you will find groove challenges, drum backing tracks for practicing, and E-books for download. Talking Bass members can chat amongst themselves and share their knowledge and experience. In the beginning, you can take advantage of the free membership to test if this platform will resonate with your needs and ideas.
On Bassbuzz you can choose free bass guitar lessons or a “beginner to badass” program for newbies promising a step-by-step easy no-fail learning system. The bite-sized video lessons with Josh Fosgreen are prepared in a simple and easy-to-understand way and will teach you harmony and rhythm, how to play the bass riffs of many well-known songs, set a bass gear, master a technique, jam, and improvise.
With Bassbuzz it is easy to set your tempo of progress and learn to play several genres like pop, rock, country, funk, soul, or metal. With affordable lifetime access and positive user feedback, it belongs to one of the best websites where you can learn the bass from scratch.
Yousician is an interesting learning app that offers a gamified approach to mastering the musical instrument. With its bass interactive lessons, real-time feedback, and a vast song library, it provides a flexible and engaging learning experience mostly for younger players.
The app excels at teaching the fundamentals, from basic chords and scales to rhythm and technique. Its ability to listen to your playing and provide instant feedback is invaluable for improving accuracy and timing.
Yousician is particularly well-suited for self-motivated learners who enjoy a structured learning path. The app’s gamification elements, such as rewards and achievements, help keep you engaged and motivated. However, while Yousician is an excellent tool for building a solid foundation, it may not replace the personalized guidance of a live teacher for those seeking in-depth theory or advanced playing techniques.
All of the websites and apps mentioned in this article are based on pre-recorded video lessons, supplemented by additional materials in the form of backing tracks, sheet music, notation, and access to a community of other students. However, learning this way lacks the personalized approach and guidance tailored to your personality and abilities. If you prefer face-to-face contact with an instructor, we recommend checking out a list of platforms where you can find online lessons with a real teacher. This method can be a bit more expensive, but a tutor can help you create a learning plan directly for you and guide you better towards the goal you want to achieve.
We hope this article has helped you navigate the best online bass guitar lessons currently available. The good news is that all the platforms mentioned offer either sample lessons or free trials, so you can test them out and see if they’re right for you. In conclusion, we wish you lots of patience and motivation when practicing and lots of fun playing this great instrument with your band or just at home or in the practice room.
