3/4 or Full-Size Bass Guitar: Which Should a Beginner Choose?

Author: Axiom Music  Date Posted:12 September 2026 

3/4 or Full-Size Bass Guitar: Which Should a Beginner Choose?

Bass guitar is a great instrument for anyone who wants to play in a band, but a standard electric bass can feel surprisingly large when you first pick one up.

This is particularly important for younger players. A 3/4 bass guitar for beginner players can provide a more comfortable alternative to a traditional full-size bass without changing the basic way the instrument is played.

So which size should you choose?

Why are bass guitars so long?

Most electric bass guitars have a longer scale length than electric guitars.

Scale length is the distance between the nut at the top of the fingerboard and the bridge. The longer scale helps produce the deep notes associated with the bass guitar.

The downside is that the frets are spaced further apart.

An adult may find this perfectly comfortable, but a child or smaller player can struggle to reach some notes without stretching the left hand.

What is a 3/4 bass guitar?

A 3/4 bass is a more compact version of the traditional electric bass.

The shorter scale brings the frets closer together and reduces the overall length of the instrument. This can make the bass easier to hold and easier to reach around.

Importantly, the notes and basic playing technique remain the same.

A student can learn scales, bass lines and songs on a shorter bass and later move to a full-size instrument if they wish.

Who should consider a 3/4 bass?

A 3/4 bass guitar for beginner players can be particularly suitable for:

  • Children

  • Younger teenagers

  • Adults with smaller hands

  • Players who find a full-size bass uncomfortable

  • Guitarists wanting a more compact bass

  • Anyone who prefers a shorter-scale instrument

The important factor is comfort rather than age alone.

Is a 3/4 bass only for children?

No.

Shorter-scale bass guitars are played by musicians of all ages. Some adult players simply prefer the feel of a smaller instrument.

A shorter bass can also be convenient for practising at home and transporting to rehearsals.

Choosing a smaller bass does not mean choosing a less serious instrument. The purpose is to find a bass that feels comfortable and encourages regular playing.

When is a full-size bass better?

A full-size bass is generally suitable for older teenagers and adults who can comfortably manage the longer neck and wider fret spacing.

It also provides the traditional feel that many bass players expect.

If the beginner can reach the lower frets easily while keeping the wrist and hand relaxed, there may be no reason to choose a smaller instrument.

Does a beginner need a bass amplifier?

An electric bass produces very little volume by itself, so an amplifier is normally required.

It is important to use an amplifier designed to handle bass frequencies rather than assuming any small guitar amplifier will be suitable.

For home practice, a modest bass amplifier is usually enough. A beginner does not need the volume required for live performance.

Four strings are enough

Most beginner bass players should start with a standard four-string bass.

The strings are normally tuned E, A, D and G. These four strings cover the vast majority of music a beginner is likely to encounter.

Five and six-string basses have their place, but the additional strings are generally unnecessary when learning the fundamentals.

Which bass should a beginner choose?

If a standard bass feels comfortable, a full-size instrument is an excellent choice.

If the player struggles with the length of the neck or the distance between the frets, a 3/4 bass guitar for beginner players may make learning significantly easier.

As with any first instrument, comfort matters. A bass that feels natural to hold is much more likely to be picked up and practised regularly.

Explore Axiom electric guitars and basses:

https://www.axiommusic.com.au/electric-guitar-for-sale

Axiom Music offers affordable electric bass guitars for beginners and developing players, including compact 3/4 size and traditional full-size models. Orders are dispatched from our Sydney warehouse with fully insured delivery and are backed by a two-year warranty.

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