Upright bass lessons: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What upright bass lessons is

An upright bass teacher covers posture, fingering and bowing, in styles such as jazz, classical or bluegrass, on a large standing instrument. People book upright bass lessons when they join an orchestra or jazz group, play in a bluegrass band, or want to learn walking lines.

Signs you need it

  • You are playing an upright bass for a band and do not know how to walk a bass line
  • Your fingers buzz or slip on the higher positions of the fingerboard
  • You want to play pizzicato in jazz and cannot get a clear, punchy tone
  • You are moving from electric bass and need to learn the upright feel
  • Your back or shoulder hurts after you play standing up

What the pro does

  • Checks your stance, the height of the bass and how you stand or sit to play
  • Teaches pizzicato with a steady right hand and a clear, punchy tone
  • Shows fingering and intonation in the first few positions
  • Introduces walking bass lines for jazz or root-based lines for bluegrass
  • Adjusts your posture and hand position when strain shows up

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Teacher experience with jazz, classical or bluegrass styles
  • Lesson length and how many lessons you book each week
  • Private lessons compared with group or ensemble classes
  • Whether the teacher comes to your home or you travel to a studio
  • Upright bass size, bow, rosin, method books or a rental instrument
  • Whether lessons include playing with a band or ensemble

What a written quote should spell out

  • The number and length of lessons and whether they are private or shared
  • The style and repertoire the plan covers
  • The cancellation and makeup policy for missed lessons
  • Whether lessons are in person, at your home or online
  • Which bass, bow and accessories you must buy or rent yourself

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Do you teach jazz, classical, bluegrass or several styles?
  • Can you show me how to walk a bass line for a song I know?
  • Do you teach pizzicato, arco or both?
  • If the student is a minor, do you run background checks, and what is your policy on parents in the room?
  • How do you help with posture and back comfort on a large bass?
  • Can you help me play in a band or jam with other musicians?

Red flags

  • Says walking bass is unnecessary and teaches only root notes
  • Pushes you to buy an expensive bass before any lesson
  • Ignores back or shoulder pain while you play
  • Does not explain how they check your timing or your intonation

What you can do yourself

You can keep the bass in a stable spot away from heat, practice open strings with a tuner, and play simple root notes with a metronome. Do not adjust the bridge, neck or soundpost yourself, since a shop should handle those. Hire a teacher for walking lines, pizzicato technique, posture or intonation.

Licenses and permits

No license is usually required to teach upright bass lessons. Check with your state or local licensing agency if you are unsure whether a teaching business needs a registration.

Upright bass lessons questions

Can I learn upright bass if I play electric bass?

Yes. Rhythm and note reading carry over. Tell the teacher about your electric bass background so they can plan the switch to the upright.

Do I need my own upright bass to take lessons?

Usually, yes, or a rental. Ask the teacher whether they have an instrument for lessons if you do not own one yet.

How do I book an upright bass teacher on infinibell?

Describe the lessons you want, including the style, your level and whether you own a bass. Pick the teachers you want by name. Only the teachers you pick see your request, and it is free for you.

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