Learn Bass Guitar your way with a TakeLessons expert

The bass guitar is often referred to as the heartbeat and the backbone of a group—two life giving aspects every band needs. If you want to fill that role in a group in the heart of Chi-Town, learning the fundamentals from an experienced bass instructor can help you achieve your musical goals.

Envision yourself taking the stage and becoming the life-giver of the show. TakeLessons makes it easy to find affordable, electric bass lessons near you so you can learn new skills and showcase your hidden talents to the world.

The Benefits of Learning Bass Guitar in Chicago

This vibrant city is not only a great place to live, but it’s also a great place to learn a musical instrument. As one of the nation’s largest cities, Chicago is famed for producing fantastic musicians. Plenty of famous bassists took advantage of the many musical “flavors” that Chicago exudes, including Milt Hinton, Malachi Favors, Wilber Ware and Eddie Calhoun.

These players crossed many genre lines such as jazz, blues, rock, swing, gospel and soul, which are still popular in the city today. Regardless of which type of music you want to play, private bass instruction in Chicago can help you tap into your deeper talents.

Bass lessons in Chicago might even be a stepping stone for you to realize higher goals and aspirations. Perhaps you want to gain entry into a music program at one of the local universities such as Loyola, Columbia College or the prestigious University of Chicago. Many of our bass teachers have attended these fine institutions, so they know what it takes.

Finding a Teacher to Learn Bass Guitar in Chicago

If you’re a beginner, private bass instruction in Chicago will help you learn the fundamentals of music and the instrument from an experienced player. Our teachers also work with more experienced players, to pick up where they left off and progress in more advanced-level studies.

We have more than 200 qualified teachers available both online and in-person, so you can take bass lessons near you, or from the comfort of your home. With our simple directory, you’ll find teachers in Skokie, Alsip, Forest Park, Palos Heights and other neighboring Chicago communities.

You can also view each teacher’s credentials, experience, and areas of expertise. For example, Dave K. in Palos Heights has a Master’s in Music Education and specializes in style variation, improvisation and harmonic analysis.

Music theory is essential to becoming a stronger, more versatile player and if that’s what you’re hoping to focus on, Paul W. in Chicago has a strong background in instrumental performance theory.

Where to Take Bass Lessons in Chicago

The choice is yours whether to take lessons in your home or your teacher’s studio. You also get to choose what time works best for your schedule, taking your desired teacher’s availability into consideration. It’s no secret that it can be challenging to navigate this sprawling city and its traffic. Essentially, you might want to avoid peak morning and afternoon rush hours.

Because traffic in Chi-Town is ranked as some of the worst in the US, there are numerous areas to avoid during rush hour. For example, various stretches of the Dan Ryan and Kennedy Expressways should be sidestepped whenever possible.

Fortunately, Chicago has one of the largest public transportation systems in the nation. The Chicago Transit Authority services the city and 40 neighboring communities with reliable train, bus, and rail services. There are also bike sharing stations and taxis citywide if your lessons are nearby.

You’ve Booked Bass Lessons in Chicago - Now What?

Most first-time students will need to obtain a bass guitar and a few accessories. You can rent or buy gear through reputable Chicago dealers such as Tommy’s Guitar and Trading Post, Avenue N Guitars and the Chicago Music Exchange.

If you would like to find some free resources to supplement your lessons, check out the Sulzer Regional Library or the Chicago Public Library. They offer music books, sheet music, tapes and other materials.

When it comes time to practice, there are countless groups in town to consider joining, including the Logan Square Open Jam Session. These groups offer the chance to meet other players, make connections, and of course, jam with new friends. When you’re ready, check out the open mic nights at Lizard’s Liquid Lounge, Gallery Cabaret and Cole’s Bar.

If you haven’t booked your bass guitar lessons in Chicago yet, what are you waiting for? Start learning the fundamentals, theory, better techniques and more with one of our experienced bass instructors today!