Bassists play the bass guitar or upright bass to provide the low notes of a song and help keep rhythm.

What Does a Bassist Do?

Bassists, or bass players, are considered part of the rhythm section because they play percussively and generally follow the kick drum pattern.

They typically (but not always) follow the root note of the chord being played, which is usually the lowest note.

The different types of bass guitars a bassist can play vary widely.

Electric bass guitars are usually fretted but can be fretless. They usually have 4, 5, or 6 strings, but some bass guitars have more than that.

And then some bassists can play the upright bass, which is a fretless, acoustic-electric instrument played standing up.

On top of this, some bassists play with their fingers, some prefer using a guitar pick, while many are able to do both.

Clearly, bassists can do a lot.

Because of this, Michael Manring (solo artist and house bassist for Windham Hill Records, Montreux) told us that bassists shouldn’t limit themselves to the traditional role of a bassist.

“It is, of course, wise, if not essential, for anyone who wants to be a professional bassist to have a mastery over the kind of playing that has been historically predominant,” he said.

“But music is a creative art form and an attempt to limit the huge range of expressive potential in the instrument to any one idiom is, in my opinion, counterproductive and even unprofessional.”

The average salary for a bassist in the United States is $35,290 per year, ranging from $12,500 to $89,500 per year¹.

This can vary widely, and bassists are usually self-employed so they don’t get an actual salary.

How Do Bassists Make Money?

Manring said the main ways to earn income as a bassist include:

• Composing
• Performing live
• Recording (usually as a session musician on other people’s songs)
• Teaching

A bassist starting out could make $50-100 on their first gigs, and that’s as far as some people ever get.

Moving up to union-level payouts, they might earn between $40,000-$60,000 annually, working full-time. There are bassists working with major artists who earn $10,000-$20,000 per gig, but they may not be out on tour or doing concerts year-round.

Usually, bassists have multiple streams of income in order to pay the bills.

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It is rare to find a performing band without a bass player. Songs need bass, so there is always a high demand for good bassists.

Starting out in any industry, and especially the performing arts, it’s never easy, but bassists have a certain edge.

Since the need is strong, they can count on being employed if they can develop the necessary skills, work hard at it, network with others in the music industry, and manage to be in the right place at the right time.

This might mean attending a music college or relocating to a large city with a vibrant music scene.

And as with any career, it helps to have a share of good luck.

Many times, bassists start out playing other instruments, like guitar, drums, or piano.

Other instruments seem flashier than the bass, but once musicians start playing in groups, they become aware of the importance of the bass. And someone with more of a “team player” attitude will gravitate toward the bass.

To become a bassist, Manring said you should start by playing music with your friends, then consider joining a band. But whatever you do, be versatile.

“Nowadays…there are online worlds to be explored and developed, and many of the old rules no longer apply,” he said.

“The trick is to develop your skills, then get yourself out there by whatever means you have available to you. It’s probably wise to be flexible, adaptable, and ready to take on all kinds of challenges.”

Here are the main career paths you can follow as an aspiring bassist…

Band Member

If you’re a talented and reliable bassist, you could join multiple bands and even sit in for other bands whose regular bassist is unavailable.

Bass Teacher

Once you develop your bass skills and music theory knowledge, you can offer bass lessons privately or through a company or school that offers lessons.

Session Musician

Being a session musician means you play bass on recordings for other artists in the studio. Session musicians often work on albums, soundtracks, commercials, and more.

According to Manring, a good bassist has “the same skills as any other good musician.”

These skills include:

• A sense of musicality
• A strong rhythmic sense
• Ability to work well in a group
• A broad understanding of all kinds of musical ideas
• Creativity
• A positive attitude
• A desire to continue learning and improving

Here are a few additional skills that will help you stand out:

• Ability to sight-read sheet music
• Knowledge of chord charts
• Improvisational ability

The best way to get experience as a bassist is by playing in bands or groups.

Start out in school groups or with local musicians at a jam session, and then work up to high-profile concert and session work.

You should build a resume and portfolio of recordings and videos of your performances. You can then include these in your EPK so you have something to show potential clients.

Here’s how you can train and prepare yourself to build a successful career as a bassist:

Learn From a Teacher

Taking private bass lessons can speed up your progress and give you insight into how teaching works.

This experience will also prepare you to teach others in the future if you choose to.

Pursue a Music Degree

Consider enrolling in a music program focused on bass performance or music education.

While higher education can be costly, scholarships and financial aid options can make it more accessible.

And studying with experienced professors at a college or university can be transformative, exposing you to new techniques and professional connections.

Plus, attending a school in a major music hub, like New York or Los Angeles, can offer even more opportunities, from networking to learning directly from industry professionals.

Commit to Regular Practice

Consistent practice is essential for mastering the bass.

Many experts recommend practicing several hours daily, but even starting with just a few minutes can build momentum.