Bass may not get all the glory of the guitar or have the flash, crash, and bang of the drums -- but the instrument holds an important spot in any band, bridging the gap between rhythm and melody. The bass guitar is responsible for creating the undercurrent -- or bassline -- that ties a song together, giving it a rhythmic feel and a steady beat that helps both the guitar and drums propel the song forward.
In this guide, we’ll show you some bass guitar basics, helping you get started on your musical journey. We’ll give you some pointers on how to choose a bass guitar, tuning tips and finger technique, as well as how to play a song on bass.
While guitar gets the glory in terms of musicianship in the band, there aren’t quite as many bassists vying for the spotlight. However, bass guitar is the low-end bottom that provides a bridge between the showmanship and melody of the guitar and the driving backbeat of the drums.
Four Reasons You Should Learn To Play The Bass
Need another reason to want to learn to play bass? While you may marvel at a guitarist’s string-bending prowess when you listen to a song, when you plug your headphones in, the bass line is usually the part that makes you bob your head.
Many bassists have a firm understanding of the structure of songs and often take a front-seat role in songwriting. Take a look (and listen) to Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, Paul McCartney of The Beatles, Parliament-Funkadelic’s Bootsy Collins (who also played with Dee-Lite and James Brown), Geddy Lee of Rush, Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx, and Gene Simmons of KISS, and you have a litany of bassists who have been the songwriting forces behind their respective bands. Picking up a bass and learning how to weave its rhythmic texture into a song puts you in good company.
Playing bass guitar can be easy but the more you decide to delve into the intricacies of the instrument, you can apply that knowledge to play simple or more complex basslines in songs.
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Depending on the musical genre and the level of mastery you aspire to with playing your instrument, it can determine how easy or how hard it is to learn bass guitar. For instance, for more tone and guitar-driven songs in the country genre, playing bass may be easier than rhythm-focused genres such as funk or hard rock and heavy metal.
The physical size and thickness (or gauge) of bass strings of a bass may also make it more challenging for new musicians to learn. However, if you have smaller hands, there are short-scale basses (like the Mustang® Bass) that can make it easier for you to maneuver up and down the neck of your bass guitar and span a shorter distance between frets.
“Everyone's a beginner at some point. You get better at things by doing them more. You may be a beginner, but you'll get better. I guarantee it.- Mike Dirnt, Green Day
Bassists: How To Practice Bass Guitar Effectively
As a beginner, choosing a bass guitar can feel intimidating -- but it doesn’t have to be. From size to tone, to the number of strings and your budget, there are several factors that can help narrow down the right choice for your bass.
• Size: If you’re a beginner bassist with smaller hands or just want a lighter instrument with a shorter neck to more easily maneuver around the fretboard, a short-scale bass may be the perfect choice. The Mustang Bass, Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass Special SS and Squier Bronco Bass all feature a 30” long neck. Additionally, a lightweight bass may be ideal for individuals who experience back or shoulder pain when playing for extended periods.
• Tone: The tone a bassist gravitates toward is a matter of personal preference. Depending on your genre of choice and the sound you’re aiming to achieve, different bass guitars will offer their own distinct tone. Want a warmer tone? Opt for a bass from the Squier range. In addition to a warm tone, they offer a thinner neck and profile, ideal for novice bassists and players with small hands. Crave a deeper, more rumbling tone? Look to the Player Precision Bass®.
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If you have a desire to experiment and tinker with tone, outfitting your electric bass with the right amp or pedals can help you replicate the tones of your favorite artists. The Mustang GTX series of amps is compatible with the Tone app, which allows you to access hundreds of presets to help you sound like your favorite musician without having to string together a ton of effects pedals.
• Number of strings: While most bass guitars have four strings, there are some five-string models (such as the American Ultra Jazz Bass® V) that offer players more creative freedom. If you’re just starting out on your musical journey, it may be best to master playing a four-string bass first before branching out. The thinner neck of a four-string bass guitar may be easier for beginners to play. On the flipside, a five-string bass increases the range of notes and scales that can be played.
• Budget: An instrument is an investment that will last a lifetime. Even if you’re starting out or on a budget, there are plenty of affordable options to find a bass you’ll love for years to come. For instance, the Affinity Series™ Jazz Bass® packs a legendary sound at under $250. Electric bass bundles are another great choice for bassists on a budget, packaging together a bass, amp, strap, and other accessories to get you started.
Learn To Play Bass Guitar
Still not sure where to begin? Find your and get paired up with an instrument that speaks to your style and sound.
Having the right tools is the key to mastering your instrument. There are a few essentials beginner bassists should have to get started:
• Bass guitar strap - A guitar strap not only helps you to securely hold your instrument in the correct position for playing, but it also helps you show off a bit of your personality and sense of style.
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• Cables - Whether you’re plugging your bass into an amplifier or stringing effects pedals together, cables help make that connection possible.
• Amps - There’s nothing like the feeling of plugging in your electric bass and hearing its rumble roar to life. Whether you’re cranking it all the way up to 10 or practicing at a lower volume, an amplifier can help you hear the true tone of your instrument and perfect your technique. Not sure which amp is right for you? Get some help and find out how to choose your ideal bass modeling amp.
• Digital tuner - Making sure your bass stays in tune can help you develop your ear. As you increase your skill level, you may want to experiment with alternate bass tunings. A digital tuner can help you find the right pitch.
How To Play Bass Guitar: A Beginner's Guide
While it may have a thicker, more bottom heavy sound than its six-stringed cousin, the guitar; the bass has the same first four strings, tuned to the same notes. The strings on the bass guitar are:
There are a number of ways to tune your bass. While you can tune it by ear or using harmonics -- playing a specific fret on an adjoining string and matching the tone of a higher, open string to it, the Tune app makes it easy to stay in tune. Download the free bass tuning app to keep your playing pitch perfect.
“Music is like the genius of humankind, universal… People who have never really taken the time to get into music, their lives are a lot smaller.”- Flea, Red Hot Chili PeppersBass Finger Techniques For Beginners
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It’s been the subject of The Great Bass Debate for years: whether to play with a pick or your fingers. The truth is, there’s no wrong way to play bass. Depending on the genre and style you like most, as well as your own finger strength and dexterity. Both styles have their own merits:
• Play bass with a pick: If speed and versatility is what you strive for, playing bass with a pick may be your preferred method. Not only can you more quickly plunk out notes with a pick than you could with your fingers (barring years of practice and honing your technique), but experimenting with picks of different thickness can help you tweak your tone and give you a different sound.
• Play bass with your fingers: Sometimes referred to as fingerstyle, playing bass with your fingers yields a smoother sound and allows you to slap and pop your strings for a funk-fueled tone. Most bassists who play with their fingers find it’s easiest to start by using their index and middle fingers to pluck at the strings. However, with time, you can build up your dexterity and experiment with using your thumb to slap at the strings for an organic tone.
Play Bass Guitar On Your Track
When learning to play bass, you may not encounter chords as frequently as you would when playing guitar. However, learning how to play bass chords can only serve to
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