Bass player on Stage

Welcome to

Bass Lessons Bristol

I'm Joe Bradley, and I’m happy to help bass enthusiasts like you unlock your full potential on the bass guitar. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, I offer tailored lessons designed to fit your unique goals and musical style.


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Joe Bradley - Professional Bass Teacher

Bass Lessons Bristol Teacher - Joe Bradley
My Mission

Lessons Tailored To You

Joe started at a young age and has been tutored by some of the UK's finest professional drummers such as James Hester (Cars on fire) Jason Bowld (Bullet for my Valentine, Pitchshifter, This is a menace, Bill Bailey) Dom Greensmith (Reef) Mark Whitlam (Freelance Jazz Drummer) Keiran Pepper (The Prodigy). Joe has extensive experience teaching privately and through various teaching companies for both 1-2-1 lessons and groups of up to 30 at a time.

Prices

£22.50 per 1/2 hour, £35.00 per hour

Bass Teacher

Joe Bradley

Location

Lawrence Hill, Bristol BS5, UK
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Get in touch to find out more.

Find out more about my bass lessons, as well as book your first bass lesson.

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(Average score: 5/5)
Home & Instrument Page Enquiry
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Student Advice

Performance Confidence

Playing guitar is about so much more than technique—it’s also about confidence and enjoyment. Whether you aim to perform live in Bristol or simply want to record at home, I’ll show you how to feel comfortable and express yourself fully while playing. My electric bass guitar lessons in Bristol and online are designed to build not only skills but also your love for performing.

By learning these techniques and styles in a friendly, supportive environment, you’ll find it easier to progress and stay motivated. With amazing tutors who know how to make bass lessons fun, you’ll gain skills that can take you from practice room to performance stage. If you’re ready to start your bass guitar lessons, I’d love to be the person to guide you on this exciting musical journey.

More Bass Teachers Near Me

Discover more local bass teachers, who share a passion for teaching. Explore their profiles below to find the perfect fit for you:

Kit Rivington

Kit Rivington

~2.4 miles (3.8 km) away

Music is one of the few things in this world that make sense to me, & I love helping others make sense of it. Certainly, it has been music that has kept me sane throughout 2020 as (& this applies to all levels of musicianship) being able to pick up an instrument and engage with the infinite world of rhythm, melody & harmony allows us as musicians to act as our own personal sound therapists. From my perspective, bettering your musical skills is akin to eating healthy and keeping fit.

Location:

7 Mogg St, St Werburgh's, Bristol BS2 9TZ, UK

Lesson Prices:

£12.50 per 1/2 hour, £25.00 per hour

Advice for New Students

Private Bass Guitar Lessons in Bristol

Welcome! I'm a professional bass teacher offering bass lessons in Bristol. Whether you're a complete beginner looking to learn bass guitar for the very first time, or an experienced player hoping to refine advanced techniques, I tailor each lesson to your goals. My approach is flexible and designed to inspire students of all ages and abilities. Drawing upon many years of experience, I can't wait to help you rapidly learn to play here at Bass Lessons Bristol.

The First Lesson

Your first lesson is all about discovering your starting point. For beginners, I’ll walk you through the basics of holding the bass properly, finger positioning, and developing initial finger strength. If you’re already familiar with the electric bass or even the double bass, we’ll explore what you’d like to achieve in our lessons — whether it’s mastering jazz improvisation, learning your favourite rock or pop songs, or improving your technique for performing with a band. I’m an experienced tutor who can adapt lessons for acoustic, electric, or jazz bass guitar players.

What You Can Expect

My lessons are structured to balance music theory and practical playing. We’ll cover core concepts like scales, chords, and how to develop a rich, precise tone with your bass guitar. If you're a jazz musician, we can focus on improvisation and soloing. For rock and funk bass players, I teach groove, rhythm, and amplifier setup for achieving the ultimate sound. Whether it's blues, funk, or pop, I'll help you develop the technique to feel confident in any style.

Progress at Your Own Pace

Using a range of methods, I ensure my students are always progressing while keeping things fun and engaging. For advanced players, we’ll tackle skills like tapping, slapping, and creating solos, while beginners can enjoy digestible steps suited to building confidence and enjoyment.

Online or In-Person Options

If you’re not local to Bristol or prefer to learn from the comfort of your home, teachers in the MusicTeacher.com community do offer high-quality online lessons that deliver the same supportive environment as in-person classes. Our goal is to keep lessons accessible, whether you're just starting with bass or pursuing new styles.

A Fun and Inspiring Approach

Most importantly, I aim to make every class enjoyable. Learning an instrument should never feel like a chore, and that’s why I love working with students to uncover what excites them most about playing the bass. Whether you're mastering a funky bassline, taking a BA Music course or performing confidently in a band, my role as a bass teacher is to ensure you're inspired every step of the way.

Get in touch to start your bass guitar journey today — whether it’s just for fun or to achieve new levels of musicianship!

All Styles on Bass Guitar

When it comes to bass guitar, the possibilities are endless. One of the best things about teaching bass lessons in Bristol or online is the chance to explore such a wide range of genres with my students. Whether you’re passionate about grooving to funk, locking into steady rock rhythms, or laying down a smooth jazz line, there is truly something for everyone when learning to play this incredible instrument.

Funk, Rock, Jazz, and More!

If you love music with a bold, dynamic groove, funk is an exciting style to learn. I teach students how to nail techniques like slap bass and syncopated rhythms, which are essential to the genre. Rock music, on the other hand, allows you to focus on driving, powerful basslines that bring energy to live performances or band practice. For jazz enthusiasts, bass guitar (or even double bass) takes on a melodic and improvisational role, offering endless opportunities for creative expression. These lessons provide a foundation not just in technique, but also in music theory, helping you understand the role of bass in every ensemble.

Branching into Acoustic and Other Styles

While electric bass guitar often gets the spotlight, acoustic guitar and even double bass can offer a fresh perspective on playing. I encourage students to try new styles and explore other related instruments, as this builds well-rounded guitar skills and keeps learning exciting. Whether we’re strumming acoustic bass grooves or working on upright double bass techniques, the aim is always to deepen your understanding of what it means to be a bassist.

Supporting All Ages and Levels

My approach to bass music lessons is flexible because I know every student is unique. From beginners just picking up an instrument for the very first time to seasoned players aiming to fine-tune their skills, I offer tailored courses to suit all levels. Music education should be fun and inspiring, no matter your age or experience, and I pride myself on being a Bristol teacher who creates comfortable, motivating classes where students learn at their own pace.

Improve Your Technique with Bass Guitar Lessons

When you take bass guitar lessons with me, you’ll discover an exciting range of techniques that can elevate your playing skills and help you express yourself in any musical style. Whether you’re working with a bass teacher for the first time or building on existing knowledge, I’ll guide you through the essential methods and beyond, ensuring we match the techniques to your personal goals and favorite genres.

Fingerstyle and Picking

One of the first things I teach in my bass lessons is how to develop a consistent and dynamic sound using fingerstyle or a pick. Fingerstyle is great for creating warm tones often heard in jazz or funk, while using a pick offers the kind of punchy attack that’s perfect for rock or more aggressive playing styles. Both approaches have their own strengths, and as your bass guitar teacher, I’ll help you explore what works best for you—or help you master both for added versatility.

Slap and Pop

If you’re a fan of funk or want to add some serious energy to your basslines, we’ll work on slap and pop techniques. These are among the most fun and expressive styles of bass guitar playing, and they’re sure to impress whether you’re performing on stage or jamming at home. My bass music lessons include all the tips and tricks for achieving that signature percussive groove.

Walking Basslines and Improvisation

Are you drawn to jazz or hoping to play in a band? Learning how to craft smooth, walking basslines is an essential skill. I’ll support you in understanding theory, chord progressions, and groove, so you can seamlessly build basslines that fit every song. Together, we’ll also tackle improvisation—because every great bassist should know how to bring their unique voice to the music.

Learning to Play Different Styles

Bass guitar is one of the most versatile instruments, and my lessons cover a wide range of genres, including rock, funk, pop, soul, and blues. Working with a bass guitar tutor means you’ll have the chance to break down iconic basslines from famous songs in these styles, learning what makes them stand out. No matter your preferences, I’ll be there to tailor lessons to your personal tastes.

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Bass Lessons Bristol Teacher - Joe Bradley
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I can help you to

Whether you’re exploring bass theory, joining a band, or simply learning for personal enjoyment, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. My role as a bass guitar tutor is to teach students not only the technicalities of the instrument but also how to express themselves through music. With support from an experienced and passionate bass guitar teacher, you’ll develop skills that can take you anywhere in the world of music.

Frequently Asked Questions

It takes about 6 months to a year to learn the basics of bass guitar, with proficiency taking 1 to 2 years of regular practice.

The first thing to learn on bass guitar is proper hand positioning, plucking technique, and basic scales or simple bass lines.

Start learning bass guitar with a beginner-friendly instrument, online tutorials, or lessons from an experienced instructor.

Yes, having your own bass guitar is important for practising between lessons and improving consistently. If you're looking to buy your own bass guitar then please do check out PMT Bristol located at Temple Gate, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6PL.

Bass guitar lessons can start around 8 to 10 years old, depending on the child's hand size and strength to manage the instrument.

Still have questions? Get in touch

Lawrence Hill, Bristol BS5, UK
Full teaching address will be provided upon first lesson booking.

Location

Lawrence Hill, Bristol BS5, UK
Teacher
Joe Bradley
Ready to start?

Find out more about my bass lessons and how to book your first session.

Contact Me

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