I remember when I first decided to dive into the world of bass, I had hundreds of questions. Nobody I knew was too familiar with the instrument; they all considered it to be just a goofy guitar with four strings. I researched immensely, as one does before making a big purchase and picked up some tips along the way. Now I will share them with you:

Tip #1   Spend some time at the local music shop. Take time playing different basses to get a feeling for what feels the best. A comfortable bass is the easiest to play, and purchasing one shouldn't be an event that is hurried.

Tip #2   Don't underspend. This tip sounds funny, but most of the time you get what you pay for. There are low-price options available to the bassist on a budget, but if you end up shopping solely for the lowest cost, you may end up buying an instrument that you don't like later on down the road. My personal recommendation is the bass that started it all, the Fender P-bass Standard.

Tip #3  Buy a decent amplifier. When you first start playing, wattage shouldn't be your main concern. All a beginner needs is an audible amp with decent tone. 50 to 100 watts should be adequate for the non-performing bassist. You can always fork out the extra money down the road for some serious volume, but a good practice amp is essential. Tone is very important. If your amp sounds terrible, chances are you aren't going to be too motivated to play. Again, go to your music shop and play around with the equipment.

Tip #4  Take Lessons. If at all possible, an instructor is your best bet to make playing bass an enjoyable experience. A teacher can help you understand how the bass works and proper technique for practice. Developing good habits early is key.

Tip #5  Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you  have questions, be sure to get them answered before making any big purchases. Music as a hobby is expensive, and the last thing you want to do is spend hundreds of dollars on equipment you don't know anything about. Musicians, especially bass players, (from my experience, haha) are always willing to help, and love the chance to share their expertise. Don't be bashful.

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