So, you’ve just bought your first bass guitar. Picking out all the accessories can seem quite daunting. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of top bass guitar accessories for beginners to help you start learning.

Let’s get going…

Tuner

A tuner is absolutely crucial at ensuring your bass sounds pitch-perfect – it’s probably one of the most important accessories to own. An out-of-tune instrument is not only cringing to hear, but it can also ruin a song or even a performance.

What is a tuner? Simply put – a tuner is an external device with a screen that shows if you’re in tune or out of tune. It ensures that the pitch of your strings is precise and makes it easy for you to adjust them by simply turning the tuning machines. Tightening the strings will send the pitch higher, whilst loosening them will deepen it.

Most tuners usually feature an LED display screen with clear visuals to help you.

What tuning is the bass in? Assuming you’re starting out on a standard 4-string bass guitar, the tuning is E, A, D, and G. You should get into the habit of tuning your bass every time you play it, as it probably won’t stay in tune between practising.

We have a whole range of tuners to help you get in tune, including:

Clip-on tuners

One of the easiest types of tuners and great for beginners. This simply attaches to the headstock of your bass and gauges vibration.

Handheld tuners

Another basic tuner and perfect for beginners. These pocket-sized chromatic tuners usually feature a jack input so you can plug your bass in.

Automatic tuners

Attaches to the tuning machines and automatically tunes your bass at the touch of a button.

Pedal tuners

A pedal tuner is operated by your feet and powered via a battery or power cable. This is really useful if you’re planning on performing live or joining a band. Simply connect your bass with a cable.

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Strap

Every bassist needs a strap. This handy accessory is great if you’re sat down as it keeps your bass close to your body and ensures it’s in the same position every time you play.

If you’re planning on playing stood up, a wider strap is often more comfortable as its weight-relieving design puts less pressure on your shoulder.

They come in a variety of materials, styles, and lengths – so make sure you choose one that is appropriate.

We have a huge selection of straps available in a range of prices to suit every budget. So, strap in – we’ve got you covered.

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Spare strings

Strings are often overlooked by beginners. It’s always worth investing in a spare set of strings – you never know when one might break!

Strings help you determine your sound and really influence the tone and feel of your bass. They come in a range of different materials such as bronze, chrome, cobalt, nickel, and nylon. Check out our guide to bass strings for an in-depth run-down.

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Gig bag

If you’re going to be travelling to bass lessons, or maybe you’ve joined a band or orchestra – you’ll need something to transport your beloved instrument. Luckily, we have a range of bags and cases to keep your bass guitar safe.

Gig bags are great for beginners as they’re lightweight and often have backpack straps and pockets – making them super portable. Their padded lining will ensure your bass stays as good as new. What’s more, they’re usually more affordable than cases.

Hard cases on the other hand are perfect for touring musicians and are often heavier than gig bags. They’re usually made from plywood or sturdy ABS plastic and come in a range of shapes such as square, fitted, and even coffin-shaped!  If a hard case is what you’re after, we also have lots of affordable options.

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Picks (plectrums)

Picks are ideal for fast-paced styles such as rock, heavy metal, or punk. So if you’re wanting to be the next Mike Dirnt (Green Day) you might want to opt to use a pick. There’s a variety of different materials and thicknesses out there – see what works for you! Bassists typically use thicker picks with densities in the medium to heavy range.

Not only do we stock a full range of colourful picks, but some of them also feature gripped textures – so they won’t slip out of your fingers during sweaty performances! However, you don’t need a pick to play the bass, many bassists (including me) prefer fingerpicking and slap styles. Decide what’s right for you.

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Stand

There’s nothing worse than precariously propping your bass against an amp only for someone to knock it over. Not only can this damage the aesthetics, but it can also harm the components and sound. So, a guitar stand is worth the investment!

It keeps your instrument safe when not in use and you’ll feel more motivated to practise if your bass is accessible and within reach.

Stands come in a variety of different forms, including small folding ones that you can carry in your gig bag, stands that can be mounted to a wall, and more professional ones. Most have a protective coating and padding that won’t damage the finish of your instrument.

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Amplifier

If you’re new to the bass world, you probably have no idea what amplifier to choose. Fortunately, we have also put together a bass amp guide to help you get started.

An amplifier is essentially the speaker. They come in a variety of sizes and configurations to suit your needs, such as heads, cabs, and combos (don’t worry, we cover all of this in our amp guide). Some more recent amplifiers also feature Bluetooth connectivity – so you can connect your smartphone and play along to your favourite tracks.

All amplifiers come with a headphone input as standard, allowing you to connect a pair of headphones and play without upsetting the neighbours. A great choice for beginners is a headphone amp – they’re an ideal way of listening to your bass without using a full-sized amp. These types of amps are pocket-sized and let you connect a pair of headphones directly into your bass for silent practice. Plus, they’re an excellent choice for anyone on a budget.

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Cable

If you’re going to be using an amplifier – you’ll definitely need a cable. A cable (or lead) plugs into the rear of your bass and connects it to an amplifier.

They come in a range of lengths. So, if you’re planning on sitting close to your amp, a smaller size such as one to four meters will probably do. If you’re planning to walk around on stage, you should probably opt for a much longer cable.

As well as length, cables also come in a range of colours and finishes. Some even offer tangle-free options too, which are ideal when you have to pack up quickly.

One thing to look out for with cables are the configurations of the end pieces known as ‘jacks’ (the bit that goes into your bass and amp). There are three configurations for jacks, including both straight, one straight and one 90-degree angle, and both 90-degree angles.

But what are the benefits? It depends on the location of your jack input – whether it’s on the side of your bass or the front.

Angled cables are low profile and safer for most types of guitar inputs as they’re less likely to cause damage by being accidentally ripped out, knocked, or bent.

However, straight jacks are ideal for face-mounted input jacks (such as the Ibanez Talman) as they also offer a lower profile.

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Cleaning gear

Maybe not as fun as the above – but cleaning gear is essential for keeping your strings and bass clean. It’s definitely worth investing in a few cleaning products to keep in your gig bag. A micro fibre cloth will remove dirt, dust, grease, and grime without scratching your finish. And when used with guitar polish – it will have your bass looking as good as new!

Always get into the habit of cleaning your bass after practising as dirt and dust will eventually build up on the strings and reduce their sound over time. Whether you’re polishing the body or conditioning the fingerboard, we have plenty of cleaning products to choose from.

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Hand exercisers

Last but not least, hand exercisers are great for building the strength of your fingers.

When first learning the bass guitar, it can be difficult to improve and toughen the muscles in your fingers.

These affordable, pocket-sized gadgets are perfect if you’re going away and don’t have the space to take your bass.

You can still build on your finger strength whilst away. So, there’s no excuse not to practise!

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Find out more

We’ve given you a quick run-down of must-have accessories for beginner bassists. Now that you have a better idea of what you need, why not explore our full range? And check out our beginners’ guide to the bass guitar!

If you need any more advice, feel free to comment below. Or tell us your go-to accessories that we may have missed!