The costliest mistakes when choosing electric guitar vs bass aren't about the instrument itself — they're about picking for the wrong reasons and forgetting the gear that makes it playable. Buyers routinely choose on looks, overlook that both need an amp, or assume bass is a shortcut because it has fewer strings. Avoid the seven mistakes below and you will end up on the right first instrument with nothing missing. For the full comparison, see our guide on electric guitar vs bass: which to learn first.
1. Choosing based on looks instead of role
It is tempting to pick whichever instrument looks cooler in photos, but the finish has nothing to do with the music you will actually play. Electric guitar and bass do completely different jobs in a band, and buying the one whose role you love is what keeps you practising. Decide whether you want to lead melodies or drive the groove first, then choose the instrument that fits.
2. Assuming bass is "easier" because it has fewer strings
Four strings and one-note-at-a-time playing make bass feel approachable early, but that is not the same as easy. Bass exposes your timing completely, and holding a rock-solid groove for a whole song is a serious long-term skill. Pick bass because you love the groove, not because you think it is a shortcut to being good.
3. Forgetting that both need an amp and cable
Neither an electric guitar nor a bass makes usable sound on its own — each needs an amplifier and a cable to be heard properly. A "cheap" bare instrument can therefore cost more than a complete pack once you add those missing pieces. Always budget for the whole setup, which is why a bundled pack is the reliable choice for a beginner.
4. Running a bass through a small guitar amp
A bass produces much lower frequencies than a six-string, so a tiny guitar practice amp can sound weak or even be strained by it. This is a common money-waster because the amp you bought for "either" instrument does not serve the bass well. The GigKit Bass Guitar Pack (Black) (₹24,999) pairs the bass with an amp suited to the low end, avoiding the problem entirely.
5. Buying parts separately instead of a complete pack
Assembling a guitar or bass, amp, cable, tuner, strap and bag one item at a time usually costs more and risks mismatched gear. It also delays the moment you can actually start playing, which drains early motivation. A complete pack such as the GigKit Electric Guitar Pack (Quilted, Dark Blue) (₹24,999) bundles the essentials at a predictable price and is ready the moment it arrives.
6. Ignoring the "action" and setup on either instrument
The action — how high the strings sit above the fretboard — decides how comfortable an instrument is, and it applies to both guitar and bass. High action makes early practice tiring and discouraging, yet it never shows up in a product photo. Prioritise a playability-checked instrument from a seller that sets it up, because a well-set-up starter always beats a stiff, neglected one.
7. Overbuying pro features you can't use yet
Premium pickups, high-end hardware and gig-ready extras add real cost but solve problems a beginner does not have. Whether you go electric or bass, paying for stage reliability while learning your first riffs rarely makes sense. Buy a solid complete pack for where you are now, and upgrade later when your playing genuinely demands more.
Frequently asked questions
What's the biggest mistake choosing between electric guitar and bass?
The biggest mistake is choosing on looks or on the myth that bass is easier, instead of on the role you actually want to play. Pick the instrument whose job in a band excites you, because that is what sustains months of practice.
Is a cheap bare bass or electric worth it?
Rarely, because the low price usually excludes the amp and cable you need to hear it, and the parts may be poorly matched. A complete pack is more reliable and often better value once you account for everything.
Do electric guitar and bass use the same amp?
They can in a pinch, but a bass really wants a bass-friendly amp because it produces much lower frequencies. Using a small guitar amp for bass can sound weak, which is why matched bass packs exist.
Should I buy electric or bass online in India?
Either works if the seller checks playability and offers clear returns. A specialist store that curates and sets up its instruments reduces the risk of a bad buy compared with an unchecked marketplace listing.
Want the right first instrument without the guesswork? See playability-checked electric and bass packs in the guitar collection.
