What are the standard tuning notes for a 4-string bass guitar?

Standard 4-string bass tuning, from lowest to highest string, is E, A, D, and G.

Which chords are used in a beginner 12-bar blues bass progression?

A basic 12-bar blues uses the I, IV, and V chords, such as A, D, and E in the key of A.

What should bass players know when creating walking bass lines over major and dominant 7 chords?

Learn the chord tones, especially the root, third, fifth, and seventh, to outline each chord clearly.

Free online course Beginner Bass Guitar

Duration of the online course: 1 hours and 12 minutes

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Build solid bass skills fast with a free online course—tuning, groove, walking lines and slap basics, plus iconic riffs to play with confidence.

In this free course, learn about

How to hold the bass, basic posture, and plucking technique for your first lesson
Standard 4-string bass tuning notes: E-A-D-G (open strings)
12-bar blues structure and how to play a basic bass part over the form
The I-IV-V chords used in 12-bar blues (typical example: E7-A7-B7 or A7-D7-E7)
How to build and play simple walking bass lines over major and dominant 7 chords
Importance of knowing chord tones (root, 3rd, 5th, b7) when walking bass lines
Core slap bass mechanics: thumb slaps, pop technique, and timing
Key to effective slap: clean muting/ghost notes and consistent rhythmic feel
How to play the main bass riff and turnaround from Pink Floyd’s "Money"
How to play the bass line from Beastie Boys’ "Sabotage" with accurate rhythm/attack
Using fretting-hand index to mute adjacent strings while playing (left-hand muting)
String-muting technique to reduce noise when moving between E and A strings

About the free online course

Pick up a bass and start sounding like a bass player from day one. This free online course is designed for absolute beginners who want clear, practical guidance and a fast path to real music. You will learn how to get set up correctly, tune a standard 4-string bass with confidence, and develop the habits that make practice feel productive instead of frustrating. Whether you are switching from guitar, returning to music after a break, or starting fresh, the lessons focus on the essentials that help you lock in with a band, a backing track, or your favorite songs.

As you progress, you will train your ears and hands to recognize the role of the bass in different styles: supporting harmony, creating momentum, and driving the groove. You will build rhythmic control and clean technique so notes sound intentional, not accidental. The course guides you through foundational ideas like blues progressions and how bass lines connect chord changes, helping you move beyond isolated exercises into musical playing that makes sense. You will also strengthen the coordination needed for common bass approaches, including walking patterns, while learning to think about the sounds you are outlining as you play.

To keep learning engaging, the course blends fundamentals with recognizable, motivating song-based material. Working through classic riffs helps you apply timing, articulation, and muting in a real context—skills that often separate beginners from confident players. You will also get an introduction to slap technique in a way that emphasizes control, accuracy, and consistent practice, so it feels achievable rather than intimidating.

By the end, you will have a stronger sense of the fretboard, tighter timing, and a practical toolkit for learning new songs on your own. This course is a great starting point if your goal is to join a jam, support a group, record simple bass parts, or simply enjoy playing music at home with more confidence and better tone.

Course content

Video class: Beginner Bass Lesson 1 - Your Very First Bass Lesson 20m
Exercise: What are the open strings tuning notes for a standard 4-string bass guitar?
Video class: Beginner Bass Lesson 12 Bar Blues 10m
Exercise: What are the three chords used in the 12-bar blues progression discussed in the lesson?
Video class: Beginner Bass Lesson 3: Walking the bass 12m
Exercise: What is a crucial element to know as a beginner bass player when playing walking bass lines over major and dominant 7 chords?

Video class: Beginner Slap Bass Lesson w/ Phillip McKnight 10m
Exercise: What is a crucial aspect of learning to play slap bass effectively?
Video class: Pink Floyd Money Bass Lesson Tutorial 10m
Exercise: What is the sequence of frets to play the turnaround in the bass riff discussed in this lesson?
Video class: Beastie Boys Sabotage Guitar (AND BASS) Lesson Tutorial 08m
Exercise: What technique is being described when using the index finger to mute the E string while playing a note on the A string in the bass line?

Learn aboutBeginner Bass

Explore free online Beginner Bass courses designed to help new players master essential bass guitar skills, from tuning and finger placement to rhythm, scales, grooves, and simple songs. Learn at your own pace with beginner-friendly lessons, practical exercises, and expert guidance. Enroll for free and earn a certificate upon completion.