Have you always wanted to play bass but wondered if it’s “too late” to start?
Here’s the truth — it’s never too late.
Whether you’re 50, 60, 70, or beyond, picking up the bass is one of the most rewarding things you can do. You don’t need to be fast, flashy, or technical. You just need the right approach, a bit of consistency, and a love for the groove.
This lesson walks you through five simple, practical steps to start playing real songs right away — taken directly from my book, The Bass Guitar Foundations Guide.
Step 1: Choose the Right Bass Guitar for You
If you’re new to playing or returning after a break, comfort is everything.
Most basses have a 34-inch scale length — that’s the distance from the nut to the bridge. For many adults, especially those with smaller hands or a touch of stiffness or arthritis, that can feel like quite a stretch.
The good news? Short-scale basses (usually around 30 inches) make things much easier. The frets are closer together, meaning less reach and a more relaxed playing experience.
Some reliable short-scale options include models from Fender, Squier, and Ibanez. They feel great, sound great, and make playing fun from day one.
Step 2: Start Playing Right Away
You don’t need to learn endless scales or drills before making real music.
Start simple — one long note per bar. Try this chord sequence (inspired by Runaway Train by Soul Asylum):
- C (3rd fret, A string)
- B (2nd fret, A string – E minor/B)
- A (open A string)
- G (3rd fret, E string)
Play each note for four beats, two bars per chord. You’ll be amazed how musical this already sounds — a perfect foundation for your first bass line.
Step 3: Find the Groove
Once you’ve got the notes down, it’s time to lock in with the drummer’s kick.
Listen for the rhythmic pulse of the bass drum — that’s your guide. Try matching your note placement with that rhythm to create a tight, groovy feel.
It’s not about how many notes you play, but how well you place them. A single note played with great timing can make an entire song feel right.
Step 4: Use Comfortable Technique
Traditional bass instruction often promotes the “one finger per fret” method, which can feel awkward or painful for some players.
Instead, try the 4-over-3 technique (also called the Simandl method). Use your index finger for fret 1, middle for fret 2, and let your ring and pinky work together for fret 3.
Pair that with a short-scale bass, and you’ll instantly reduce strain — letting you play longer, cleaner, and more comfortably.
To put this into action, try this riff inspired by Ray Charles’ "What’d I Say":
G → D → F → G (octave).
Play it slowly at 80 bpm and focus on clean, even tone.
Step 5: Make It Real
The final step is to take what you’ve learned and put it into real music.
Try playing your new riff over two simple chords:
- Four bars of G minor
- Four bars of C7
You’ll start to hear how these shapes and patterns fit into real songs — the kind you might play in a band or jam session. This is where your playing begins to feel real-world, not just like a practice exercise.
Final Thoughts
And that’s it — five simple steps to get you up and running on the bass, even if you’re starting later in life.
Every player’s journey is different, but the key is to start small, stay consistent, and focus on the groove. You don’t need to master everything overnight. Just enjoy the process and celebrate each bit of progress.
If you’d like to dive deeper, check out my book The Bass Guitar Foundations Guide — the source of all the concepts in this lesson.
You can also download the free PDF that goes with this post, with everything written out in notation and TAB so you can follow along at home.
And remember — you’re never too old to start something new.
Cheers,
James
eBassGuitar.com