The instrument
An electric bass with four thicker strings tuned an octave below the lowest four strings of a guitar, played through a bass amp with your fingers or a pick.
Bass guitar · Northamptonshire, Bozeat (near olney) & online
Bass guitar lessons
One-to-one bass guitar lessons in Northamptonshire, Bozeat (near olney) and online. Learn to lock in with a drummer, drive a band and know exactly which notes to play – the skills every band is looking for.
Explained
What are bass guitar lessons?
Bass guitar lessons are one-to-one lessons on the four-string electric bass – the instrument that links the drums to the rest of the band and gives music its groove. The bass plays lower, mostly single notes, locking in with the drummer. Lessons teach you to play bass lines from the songs you love, keep rock-solid time and understand how bass lines are built.
What lessons cover
Fingerstyle and pick technique, timing and groove with a metronome and drum tracks, reading tab and bass notation, root notes, scales and arpeggios, and building your own bass lines.
How it differs
Bass is about rhythm and feel more than chords: you are the bridge between the drums and the harmony. It's a great choice for players who want to be the backbone of a band.
Where it can take you
Playing along to records, joining a band (bassists are always in demand), funk, rock, pop and jazz styles, RSL bass grades, and the Skills section of your DofE.
Styles covered
Rock Pop Funk Soul Motown Reggae Metal Jazz basics
Who it's for
Bass guitar lessons for every level
Complete beginners
Start with a solid plucking technique, simple grooves and playing in time from the very first lesson.
Guitarists switching to bass
Already play guitar? Learn the bass mindset: groove, feel and supporting the band.
Band & exam players
Joining a band or working towards a grade? Lessons focus on timing, reading and the parts you need.
What you'll learn Beginner Intermediate Advanced
Your bass guitar journey
- Two-finger plucking and muting technique
- Root notes and simple grooves
- Playing in time with a metronome and drums
- Reading tab and simple rhythms
- Root-fifth-octave patterns and arpeggios
- Major and minor scales across the neck
- Walking bass lines
- Locking in with a drummer
- Slap and pop, ghost notes and funk grooves
- Reading bass clef notation
- Fills, improvising and creating your own lines
- Playing with a pick and a range of tones
GradesDebut to Grade 8 Initial to Grade 8
Bass guitar exams
Exams are optional, but they give you a clear goal and a certificate to show for it. Grades 6–8 carry UCAS points.
RSL Bass
The current Rockschool bass syllabus from 2024, with pieces, technical work and supporting tests.
Buy the grade books on AmazonTrinity Rock & Pop Bass
Real songs with backing tracks, plus session skills.
Book links go to Amazon UK. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the edition matches your exam before you buy. Compare all exam boards →
Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Bass guitar for your DofE Skills section
Bronze, Silver or Gold, for 14–24 year olds. Goals set together at your first lesson, regular one-to-one lessons, and your Assessor's Report written for eDofE at the end. Beginners very welcome.
DofE lessons Online or in person
Learn wherever suits you
Lessons in person in Northamptonshire, Bozeat (near olney), live online over Zoom, or a mix of both. Choose 30, 45 or 60 minutes – we'll find the right length at your intro lesson.
Book an intro Getting set up
What you'll need
- A bass guitar (a short-scale bass suits smaller hands)
- A small bass amp or headphone amp
- A lead and a clip-on tuner
- Ask before you buy – I am happy to recommend starter basses
Questions
Is bass easier than guitar?
Bass is often quicker to get started on because you play one note at a time, but great bass playing takes real skill in timing and feel.
Do I need to know guitar first?
No. Bass is an instrument in its own right and you can start from scratch.
Will learning bass help me join a band?
Very much so. Good bass players are always in demand, and lessons cover the skills bands look for.
Can bass guitar count for my DofE?
Yes. Learning bass guitar is a great Skills section activity at Bronze, Silver and Gold.
Start bass guitar lessons
Tell me your experience so far and whether you're aiming for grades, DofE or just want to play.
- 07746139814
- alex@mkguitartuition.com
- In person in Bozeat (NN29) & online via Zoom