Learning the bass guitar is a journey, and every step forward can be a reason to celebrate. Sometimes, small achievements can be the most impactful in building momentum and boosting confidence. Here are some small wins to inspire and motivate you to practice, play, and enjoy your bass playing.
I have resources for many of these tips so scroll down for links to those.
14 Small Wins to Inspire and Motivate Bass Students
1. Learn a Recognisable Bass Line
There’s nothing more satisfying than playing a bass line everyone recognises. Start with simple classics like "Another One Bites The Dust" by Queen or "Under Pressure" by Queen and David Bowie. Mastering these will give you an instant sense of achievement and impress your friends!
2. Play a Song All the Way Through
Choose a song you love and play it from start to finish. Tracks like "Chelsea Rodgers" by Prince or "Praying For Time" by George Michael are great options. Playing a complete song helps build stamina, timing, and confidence. It's the reason most of us play bass - to play songs and have fun!
3. Memorise the Notes on One String
Understanding the fretboard is a crucial skill for any bassist. Start small by memorizing the notes on one string, such as the E or A string. This foundational knowledge will make learning scales, chords, and improvisation much easier down the road.
4. Create a Mini Groove
Get creative by writing and playing a short two-bar groove. It doesn’t have to be complex—just something that feels fun and makes you want to play it over and over. If you play E to E on the E string, you end up with an E Phrygian mode:
E Phrygian mode across one string
Use this shape (or any other you know) to make up a one or two bar groove.
5. Tighten Your Timing with a Drum Loop
Timing is everything for a bassist. Practice a groove with a metronome or drum loop at a slow tempo, and gradually increase the speed. For example, start with a simple rock beat and focus on locking in perfectly with the rhythm.
I have loads of free drum loops dotted around this site. Here's the one from the lesson for you to play to:
6. Use a Drone to Improve Your Ear
Practice playing over a drone note—an E drone works perfectly. This helps you focus on your intonation, tone, and melodic ideas while building your ear for harmony.
I have 12 free drum loops for you to use for practice. They're amazing for working on your ear and making practice more fun.
7. Experiment with Effects
Adding effects can make practice sessions exciting. Try using distortion or fuzz (even in post-production) to explore how it changes your tone and inspires new ideas. I love using atmospheric effects for chordal practice and fuzz or overdrive for rock riffs.
- 12 Famous Bass Tones, 1 Cheap Bass Effects Pedal (Zoom B3N)
- How To Put Together a Bass Guitar Pedalboard
8. Learn a New Scale Shape
Mastering scale shapes is a key skill for bass players. Start with the minor pentatonic scale, then try something different, like the Phrygian dominant mode. Use the new shape to create a small groove or riff.
E Phrygian dominant mode across one string
9. Play in a New Time Signature
Most bass lines are in 4/4 time, but trying a new time signature can challenge and inspire you. Start with 12/8 time, which is common in blues and ballads, and see how it opens up your creativity.
- 6 Time Signatures & Meter
- The Most Common Rhythms & How To Make Bass Lines With Them (Also How To Play In Time)
10. Understand One Piece of Theory
Music theory doesn’t have to be intimidating. For example, learn how arpeggios are created from a set of notes in a scale. Try using the D Mixolydian scale to find the notes of a D major triad. Then, play these triads across the fretboard without any jargon or overcomplication.
Learn everything you could possible need to know about bass guitar music theory in my course Music Theory For Bass Players.
11. Try a New Technique
Expand your playing by trying something new, like chords. Start with simple two-note chords and experiment with adding these to your grooves.
I have two technique books if you're looking to improve on yours.
Creative Bass Technique Exercises: 70 Melodic Exercises to Develop Great Feel & Technique on Bass Guitar
Complete Fingerstyle Bass Technique: The Complete Guide to Mastering Essential Modern Bass Fingerstyle Technique
12. Record Yourself
Recording a short bass groove or riff and listening back can be incredibly motivating. You’ll hear your progress over time, which builds confidence and helps you identify areas for improvement.
13. & 14. Set Up a Practice Zone & Use a Journal
Create a dedicated practice space that’s inviting and free from distractions. Start using a practice journal to track your progress, set goals, and celebrate your achievements. Seeing your improvement on paper can be a powerful motivator.
Here's a journal and a notebook with some useful practice tips and specialised blank paper for your bass ideas.
The Bass Guitar Practice Journal: Plan Your Way to Musical Mastery
Final Thoughts
Each of these small wins is a stepping stone on your bass journey. By focusing on these achievable goals, you’ll not only build your skills but also stay inspired and motivated. Hopefully these will opene some creative doors for you and force you to think of more of your own.
Hi Dan, thanks for what you do. I have just today, finished a dedicated practice area in our basement. I have added a computer desk, a new music stand and a comfortable office chair. So, I now have a place to practice and watch video lessons without moving much at all.
That’s great – that will help you no end!