Bass Lessons in Edinburgh
Our bass lessons in Edinburgh at Morningside School of Music are rewarding and fun. Our skilled teachers aim to equip first-time students with a solid grounding in the technical and theoretical sides of becoming an accomplished bass player.
New to music as an adult, or booking for your child? Explore our adult music lessons and children’s music lessons in Edinburgh.
More than 60% of our bass clients are adults. We offer a modern, structured route through the Rockschool and Trinity College London graded methods, or a more relaxed approach built around your own musical interests. Lessons run until 10pm, with the 5, 11 and 16 buses stopping right at our door for an evening lesson after work.
For children aged six and up, lessons can take place after school or early evening, using the same well-known Rockschool and Trinity 'Rock and Pop' syllabi, with parents and guardians welcome to sit in or even join the lesson. For teenagers, Rockschool grades are recognised by the SQA from National 5 to Advanced Higher, and grades 6–8 are recognised by UCAS for university applications.
The electric bass guitar is a relatively modern invention, developed by Leo Fender in the early 1950s to give bands a portable, amplifiable alternative to the upright double bass. It has anchored popular music rhythm sections ever since, and its four thick strings and simpler chord shapes make it a notably approachable instrument for adult beginners who want to play in a band setting quickly.
We regularly teach retirees and adults returning to music after decades away, many drawn to bass specifically because it demands less finger dexterity than guitar while still being central to almost every style of contemporary music.
Why learn bass guitar at Morningside?
- All teachers PVG registered with Disclosure Scotland
- Rockschool and Trinity College London graded syllabi
- UCAS points available at Rockschool grades 6–8
- Lessons for pupils from George Heriot's, George Watson's College, St Thomas of Aquin's, Boroughmuir and James Gillespie's High School, among others
- Over 60% of our bass students are adults, a naturally welcoming instrument for later starters
Syllabuses & exam boards for bass guitar
“Duncan is a great teacher, patient and knowledgeable. He has been teaching me to play bass for two months. I have never played any musical instruments before. Thanks to him I am now able to read music sheets and play some songs. Last but not least, he is helping me listen on a deeper level and feel more comfortable improvising. He is also encouraging me to choose the songs I want to play.”
Bass Guitar lesson FAQs
Is bass guitar easier to learn than regular guitar?
Many adult students find it more approachable: bass has four strings rather than six, simpler chord shapes, and a rhythmic focus that suits people who want to play with a band sooner rather than later.
Do you teach retirees who have never played an instrument?
Yes, regularly. Bass is one of the more physically forgiving instruments to start later in life, and our daytime lesson slots suit retired students well.
One simple rate
£59 for a full hour, £36 for a half hour: the same price for every instrument we teach, in person or online. Pay as you go, no block booking or contracts.
Interested in learning bass? Email reception@morningsideschoolofmusic.co.uk or call 0131 447 1117.
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