You finally committed to learning an instrument, but there are so many cool options, and you are not sure which one to pick. Do you picture yourself playing chords, learning riffs, locking in with a drummer, or helping a song feel steady and full?
Many musicians find themselves staring down this common crossroad. Students often ask, “Should I learn guitar or bass?” and the honest answer is that both can be great beginner instruments. However, the better choice depends on your musical taste, personality, goals, and learning style.
Although these two instruments belong to the same family, they’re not quite the same. Learning about their similarities and differences and recognizing your preferences can make this difficult decision feel intuitive.
In this guide, you will learn all about the bass and the guitar, plus four key differences to help you choose the right instrument for you. You will also learn how in-person guitar and bass lessons can help you try the instrument, ask questions, and build confidence before committing fully.
Table of Contents
- 4 Differences To Help You Choose Between Bass and Guitar
- Is Bass Easier Than Guitar?
- What Should I Ask Myself If I’m Still Unsure Whether To Play Bass or Guitar?
- Still Can’t Decide? The Experienced Teachers at Northwest School of Music Can Help You Pick and Learn To Play Whichever You Choose
4 Differences To Help You Choose Between Bass and Guitar
To a new musician, the bass and the guitar may look like the same instrument.
The bass and the guitar belong to the same family of string instruments, so you will find a few similarities. However, there are some clear distinctions between the two instruments.
#1: The Difference in Sound
Bass and guitar can both shape a song, but they usually do it in different ways.
- The guitar often stands out more because it plays chords, riffs, melodies, and solos that many listeners notice right away.
- The bass has a lower, deeper sound that supports the rhythm and helps the music feel steady, full, and grounded.
If you are choosing between bass or guitar, think about what you naturally listen for in a song. If your ear goes straight to catchy melodies and recognizable riffs, guitar may feel more exciting. If you feel pulled toward the groove, beat, and low notes that make a song move, bass may be the better fit.
#2: The Difference in Roles
Another key difference you might want to consider is the roles the bass and the guitar play in a band and how that may or may not speak to your personality:
- Role of the Bass: The bass supplies the foundation that holds up the music. Bassists tend to stand further in the background to keep rhythm with the drums. If you like being the steady musical anchor, bass may be a great fit. Bass players help songs feel complete, even when listeners do not always realize exactly what the bass is doing.
- Role of the Guitar: This instrument is often front-and-center of the band, so if you enjoy the limelight, the guitar might be for you. Whether you’re playing lead or rhythm guitar, there won’t be much of a place for you to hide. Lead guitarists are more likely to play solos and other melody lines in the music, while the rhythm guitarist will play mostly chords.
At Northwest School of Music, we teach over 200 students in both private lessons and group classes at our studio in Salem, with age-appropriate instruction for children, teens, and adults. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend music classes, which can be especially helpful for younger students who are building practice habits at home.
#3: The Difference in Strings
One of the biggest differences between bass and guitar is the difference in strings, which can vary in:
- Material
- Size
- Gauge
- Number
The differences in strings on each instrument can make playing easier or harder depending on the size of the instrument, your dexterity, and how sensitive your fingers are.
Comparatively, the majority of guitars have six strings while most basses only have four strings.
#4: The Difference in Size
It may be hard for new musicians to tell a bass from a guitar, but if you place them next to each other, you’ll definitely see a difference in size. The total height of a guitar or bass can vary, but the scale length of the bass is longer than that of the guitar:
- A standard bass or long-scale bass is 34 inches long, and a short-scale bass is 30 inches.
- The scale length of most six-string guitars ranges between 24 and 25.5 inches, with some even reaching 30 inches.
Because guitars are often available in smaller student-friendly sizes, they may feel more physically approachable for some younger beginners. That does not mean every child should start with guitar, but it is one reason an instructor’s guidance can be helpful when choosing between bass and guitar.
Is Bass Easier Than Guitar?
If you’re still undecided about which instrument is right for you, you may be wondering, “Is it easier to learn bass or guitar?”
Bass can feel easier in the beginning because many beginner bass lines use single notes instead of full chord shapes. Guitar can feel easier for some students because the instrument is often smaller, familiar, and useful for singing along with favorite songs.
While it’s true that many musicians start off playing one of these instruments and transition into playing the other, which one you will find easiest may also depend on your:
- Dexterity
- Rhythm
- Finger tenderness
The best beginner instrument is usually the one that keeps you excited enough to practice. A good teacher can help make either choice feel less intimidating.
What Should I Ask Myself If I’m Still Unsure Whether To Play Bass or Guitar?
A good way to open your ears to which instrument is calling your name is to pay attention to how you listen to music.
When a good song comes on, ask yourself:
- Do you feel the groove and nod your head to the beat?
- Do your ears perk up when you hear a guitar solo?
- Do you hear the low melody notes that support the chord changes?
- Do you find it easy to hear or sing harmonies in the music?
- Do you imagine yourself playing the melody people notice right away?
- Do you enjoy being part of the rhythm that makes everyone else sound better?
If you feel the groove and hear the lows, you might be a bassist at heart.
If you love guitar solos and can pick out harmonies in the music, the guitar could be a better choice.
The best way to find out whether you’re a guitar hero or a bass god is to get to know the instruments a little and feel it out first. The experienced teachers at Northwest School of Music can introduce you to each instrument to help you make the right decision for you.
Still Can’t Decide? The Experienced Teachers at Northwest School of Music Can Help You Pick and Learn To Play Whichever You Choose
There’s no need to wonder if it’s easier to learn bass or guitar when you’re just starting out; any instrument will probably seem challenging. But at Northwest School of Music, you will find caring teachers to support you along the way.
Founded in 2006, Northwest School of Music provides quality musical education to both children and adults.
With private and group lessons available, Northwest School of Music has just the right program to help you reach the next level.
Our Salem music school offers qualified instruction from trained and experienced teachers, convenient class schedules, and performance opportunities in a low-pressure setting. Students can explore piano, guitar, voice, strings, woodwinds, and more in one place.
If you are still asking, “Should I learn guitar or bass?” the best next step may be trying a lesson. During a free trial learning experience, students can meet an instructor, ask questions, and get a feel for the instrument before officially enrolling.
Whether you’re new to learning the “bass-ics” or perfecting your sweep-picking, your inner rock star is waiting; schedule a free trial with Northwest School of Music today and discover whether guitar or bass is the right fit for you.
