Seeing the Bass as the Superhero of The Music Scene
When it comes to music, the bass reigns king. Generally speaking, bass is one of the most important elements of any band, setting the tempo and supporting the lead melodies. It is, quite simply, the superhero of the music world.
For decades, bassists have been expanding their craft, utilizing new techniques and developing their own unique approach. These advancements, combined with the innovation of manufacturers, has seen the humble bass become more versatile than ever before.
So, if you are looking to become the next big ‘bass hero’, read on to find out how to quickly become an accomplished bass player.
Some Background on the Bass[remove]
The bass is a stringed instrument usually played with the fingers or a pick. It is an integral part of all types of music, from jazz and blues, to pop and rock. Used as a solo instrument or in a band, it is also widely used in all styles of accompaniment.
The bass is a modern instrument, being first seen widely in the 1950s in both jazz and blues music. Through the years, different styles of music have influenced the design of the bass, resulting in many variations.
Choosing Your Bass
When selecting a bass, you need to consider the type of music you want to play. Whether it’s jazz, funk, rock or something else, the type of bass you choose should suit your style. You also need to consider your budget.
For beginners, deciding the type of bass can certainly be a struggle. Luckily, most basses come with a set of standard features, so it’s worth understanding the basics.
Let’s look at the three most common types of bass; acoustic bass, electric bass, and double bass.
Acoustic and Electric Bass
Both acoustic and electric basses have a similar construction, with a body and neck, with the strings extending along the neck. The main difference between the two is that electric basses contain an electronic amplifier, while the body of an acoustic bass is completely hollow.
It’s worth noting the difference between each type of bass, as they require different equipment and styles of playing. Acoustic basses are more suited to jazz and blues music, while electric bass is more common in funk, rock, and pop music.
Double Bass
The double bass is the largest member of the family. It has a body and arms which are larger than those of an acoustic or electric bass. It is also much slower to playing left or right handed, as it is a hefty instrument.
When it comes to genres, classical music is the primary use of the double bass. Its lower tones are an invaluable source of support for a symphony orchestra.
Tips for Choosing the Right Bass
Now that you know a bit about the different types of bass available, you can move on to actually choosing the right one. Here are some top tips to help you get started.
First, you need to know what type of music you’re going to be playing. That will determine the type of bass that is best suited to your style.
Then, make sure you go to the store and try out basses with different equipment to determine the sound that suits you best.
Don’t be fooled by the most expensive bass on the market, either. The most expensive bass guitar isn’t necessarily the best one for you. So try out as many as possible and find the one that’s perfect for you and your playing style.
Getting Started on the Bass
Before beginning on the bass, it’s important to understand the basic principles of the instrument. This will give you a solid grounding which you can build on as you get better and better.
The first step to learning the bass is mastering the most fundamental techniques. These include finger techniques, bass grooves, scales, and chords. Make sure to practice these techniques every day to get them right and start to understand how to apply them when you’re actually playing.
After that, it’s time to explore the music you want to play. Listen to different styles of songs and pick out the melodies and basslines. This will help you get a feel for the style of music and the techniques involved.
Learning from the Masters
Once you’ve mastered the basics of the bass, it’s time to move on to studying the work of some great bassists. Everyone has their own ‘heroes’ when it comes to bass, so find some albums or live performances online and give them a listen.
Listen to the different bass lines, understand the feel and technique of the musician, and try to replicate it. As you do this more and more, you’ll get better and better at playing the bass, and will soon make your own unique sound.
Final Tips and Tricks
Finally, here are a few top tips which will help you become a better, more accomplished bassist.
Make sure you practice every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This will help to keep your hand, brain and ears intertwined and will keep you at the top of your game.
Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different equipment and techniques. This will help you find your own sound and will help make your playing more interesting.
Finally, find some other bassists or even a local band to jam with. This will get you used to playing with other musicians, which is important for any successful musician.
Standing Out/Conclusion
In conclusion, with the right bass, the right technique and the right approach, you can become a top-level bassist in no time. No matter what genre of music you choose, the bass will always be the hero and the bassist can always make a unique sound they’re proud of. So pick up that bass and get to work!
When it comes to musical greatness, the bass is the true superhero – give it a try today and see why!