Bass: the beating heart of music! For beginners, this fun course teaches absolute basics, scale patterns, famous songs and much more. From super cool Walking Bass to driving Rock, toe-tapping Rockabilly and Classic Country, there's something for everyone. NB you will play with a pick, not finger-style bass.
Intro to Bass Guitar
Course Description
Bass: the heartbeat of every band!
This fun and beginner-friendly course introduces you to the world of bass guitar, even if you’ve never played an instrument before.
You’ll learn how the bass works, discover essential scale patterns, and explore famous riffs and songs across genres from Blues and Rockabilly to Country and Classic Rock.
Designed for complete beginners, this hands-on course focuses on practical playing with just enough theory to support your progress.
You’ll learn by ear and through tablature (TAB), the simple notation system unique to bass and guitar.
By the end, you’ll understand how to create your own bass lines and play along with confidence whether at home, an open mic night, or with friends.
Please note: This course teaches playing with a pick, not finger-style.
Course Structure
Across five lively sessions, you’ll move from the basics to playing full songs.
You’ll begin by exploring the history and role of the bass guitar, tuning up, and learning your first riffs.
Then you’ll dive into the Blues, mastering the 12-bar progression and walking bass rhythms.
Later sessions explore Rock’n’Roll, Country, and Reggae styles, introducing new grooves and chord progressions each week.
The final session focuses on jamming, revision, and playing with others, finishing with confidence and groove to spare.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will:
- Understand the parts and workings of the bass guitar and amplifier
- Recognise the role of the bass across musical genres including Blues, Rock, and Country
- Learn about iconic bass players and their influence
- Play simple riffs, scales, and chord progressions using TAB
- Develop rhythm, timing, and performance confidence
- Create basic bass lines and play along to well-known songs.
Course Requirements
Students are required to bring:
- Four-string electric bass guitar
- Pick (plectrum)
- Small practice bass amplifier with power cord
- Guitar lead with ¼-inch (6.3 mm) jack plugs
- Clip-on instrument tuner
- Notebook and pen
Tip: Entry-level beginner packs with a bass, amp, lead, and tuner are affordable and ideal for new players. These can be purchased from local music stores or online. Prices can vary so it is worth shopping around.
Your Tutor is Karl Zander
Karl Zander is our new songwriting tutor, starting in 2025.
Karl is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and tutor.
He is one half of the country music duo, The Southern Byways.
He teaches songwriting, guitar, bass, ukulele and basic piano to a range of students of all ages and abilities.
Karl has a Certificate III in Music Therapy and Diplomas in Music Theory and Songwriting.
His songs are full of authentic characters, unique storylines and memorable hooks.
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