The What, Why & How of Bass Guitars: An Introspective Look into the World of the Low End.
Bass guitar is an essential part of any band, bringing the low-end to a sound. Their chunky grooves provide a sound that’s needed in almost every genre. Whether you want to add a low-level throb to your indie rock track or you need that rumble in your jazz combo, the Bass guitar is there for you.
Today, we’re taking a look into the world of the Bass guitar, from its history and its uses to the differences in the various kinds of basses and the many ways to rig up and play one.
Bass guitar has a long and fascinating history. It started as a variation on the traditional double bass instruments of classical music, which have been in use for centuries. It was in the 1940s when musicians shifted from the larger double bass to the small scale bass guitars. This allowed for a more portable instrument and opened up a much wider range of sounds – perfect for the modern musician of the time.
Bass guitar has become an essential part of the modern music scene, forming the backbone in a lot of genres such as rock, pop, funk, and soul. Adding in a low-end frequency can really bring a track to life and give it that extra oomph. On top of that, the Bass guitar doesn’t just provide the groove, but can also provide the lead vocalist with a bit of accompaniment and groundwork to build the song around. In fact, the Bass guitar is so important to the modern music scene that it’s not uncommon to see Bassists form the very core of a band.
When considering purchasing a bass guitar, there are a few main types to consider. The first, and most common, is the traditional Fender Jazz and Precision Bass. This classic style of construction has a solid wood body with metal strings and a three-pickup system. This type of bass guitar is incredibly versatile, able to provide plenty of low-end punch with a great range of sound options.
If you’re looking for something a bit different from the Jazz and Precision Bass, then a fretless bass may be more up your street. This type of guitar gives you a more mellow sound, with fewer notes per string. This can be a great choice for those wanting something mellower, yet still with plenty of low-end punch.
Finally, we come to active and passive basses. Both of these types of basses have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s good to do your research before deciding.
Active basses are powered by batteries and have an array of onboard EQ settings to help you tweak the sound to your liking. Passive basses have no external power so rely on the strings themselves to produce a sound. These can be a great choice for those just starting out, as they are generally more inexpensive and often come with higher quality strings.
In terms of learning the Bass guitar, it’s best to start out small and work your way up. The best way to do this is to start by learning a few basic chords and playing along to some favorite songs. Once you’re comfortable with that, you can begin to learn more complex styles and techniques as your skills grow. It’s also important to practice regularly, as any musician will tell you.
So, no matter what kind of Bassist you are, there’s sure to be an instrument and sound to suit everyone. Get out there and explore the world of low-end!