I enjoy the process of helping beginning students develop the necessary skills on the electric bass so they can play in a band. Some of my students have started learning guitar first and then transitioned to the bass. Others have started lessons as beginners with no prior musical experience.
When teaching electric bass I try to strike a balance between learning fundamentals of the instrument while also describing the role and responsibilities of the bass in the context of a band. This comes into play when I work with students on rhythm and time keeping skills. For example, we often study how a particular rhythm figure played on bass works in concert with drums and other instruments in a song or band.
Electric basses come in a variety of lengths and body shapes. It’s a good idea to visit your local music store and try several different instruments. This will ensure that you are learning on an instrument that feels comfortable to play and not too heavy.
In general, Students ages 7-11 might fare better starting out on a 3/4 sized instrument. Students 11-adult will do fine on a full sized bass. Additionally, I recommend that new students start with a 4-string bass before transitioning to a 5-string bass.