THE BASS GUITAR

What exactly is it?

The Bass guitar is a similar but different thing from a regular guitar.

Less strings

A bass guitar has less strings than your average guitar. They usually have 4 strings, which are the most common. Some have 5, some have 6, but most bass guitars have 4.

Sound?

The bass guitar produces a much deeper sound also. The Bass makes a bum, while a regular guitar makes a Bing. (If that makes any

sense).

Different Amps..?

A guitar amp and a bass amp are 2 different things. It’s pretty much common sense, but while asking around, I found out that a lot of people didn’t know.

Recommended Sizes

For personal use, I would suggest using a 10 to 30 watt amp. (its all you really need for self use)

For gigs, I would say go bigger; 75 watts or bigger.

How to play?

The bass guitar can be played in pretty much 3 different ways… Picking Finger Strumming And Slapping

Finger Strumming

Finger strumming is just how it sounds. You pull up on the strings, as simple as that. It’s more of a bluesy way to play. Finger strummers are usually into funk or blues.

Picking

Picking is another way of playing, which is common for most rock or punk bands.

Its pretty much just using a pick to strum the strings.

(I use a pick, I find it easier. Plus… Its just my style.)

Slap Bass!

The third way is Slap Bass, which is amazing! Slap bass is pretty much thumping the strings with your thumb while popping the strings with your other fingers. It’s a pretty awesome way to play!

Thanks for the Pictures!

Slide 1- Nathanael Boehn, “My Bass Guitar”, November 17th, 2007 via Flickr, Creative Commons Attribution. Slide 2- Jonathan Blundell, “Fame Hondo bass guitar”’ October 30th, 2007 via Flickr, Creative Commons Attribution. Slide 3- Baljit Singh, “Bass & Amp”, March 17th, 2011 via Flickr, Creative Commons Attribution. Slide 4- Holly Jenkins, “Bass and amp”, January 16th, 2011 via Flickr, Creative Commons Attribution. Slide 6- Llinos, “The Pains of Being Pure at Heart”, May 18th, 2009 via Flickr, Creative Commons Attribution Slide 8- Paul Reay, “Bass guitarist”, August 2nd, 2009 via Flickr, Creative Commons Attribution. Slide 10- Midlands Rocks, “Red Hot Chili Peppers”, November 19th, 2011 via Flickr, Creative Commons Attribution