Bass Guitar Basics

There are a few bass guitar basics all players need to get under their belt before they can call themselves a rock star.

If you are new to the bass guitar, things might seem a little strange, especially if you are transferring over from playing an acoustic guitar. While things are different, you can quickly pick up some of the basics and move through the learning curve.

Bass guitars look a little different than other guitars. There are only four strings, and the sound is deeper. The bass looks similar to an electric guitar in that both instruments typically have pickups, volume knobs and a neck. The neck of the bass is a lot thicker than the neck of the guitar, and the strings are much thicker as well, so be prepared for things to be a little rougher on your fingers.

There are only four strings on the average bass guitar, but each still has a name. When holding the bass, the top string is E, the string next to that is A, the string next to that is G and the last remaining string is D.

Much like the guitar, a scale runs up and down each string. Taking the E string as an example, the notes begin at E, and follow through F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B, C, C#, D, D#. Each string works in this manner from its respective starting note moving up half a note with each fret. Whether you are trying to learn the strings on the guitar or the bass notes, learning the notes on each string is a good start. You may also want to consider purchasing a fingerboard chart to help you learn.

If you are not accustomed to playing stringed instruments, the bass guitar can be confusing. In order to play a note or chord, you need to put your fingers down on the right frets. For example, say that you would like to play an F on the E string. You would look at your chart and see that the E is the first string. From there, you would see that F is the note on the first fret. You would then apply a strong pressure to the E string on the first fret. This would allow you to play an F note. Continue this process for any other notes or chords.

Another important bass basic skill to nail down is tuning the strings. After all, if your bass falls out of tune, you can practice all you would like but the notes are not likely to sound good. Tuning benefits both the bass and the bass player.

In order to tune your bass guitar, you need either a tuner or a computer. Some people can tune by ear. but it can be difficult, especially if you are just learning how to play the bass. Using a tuner or computer, your goal is to match the note to what the tuner or computer says. On a physical tuner, this can be done by loosening or tightening the bass string in order to adjust the pitch the string played. When using a computer, the process is similar except that you will hear the note come from the computer.

• The bass is primarily a rhythm instrument. The sooner you get a feel for the beat, the sooner you can lead the band.
• If you find the bass is hurting your hand, try using hand exercises to both relieve the pain and strengthen your fingers.
• For the bass, tuning is one of the most important maintenance activities you can do. Keep your bass in tune, and it will always help you sound good.

Learning to play the bass guitar can sometimes be difficult. However, that is not a good enough reason to master the bass guitar basics. Learn the ground rules of bass playing before moving forward and you are sure to rock it like all your favorite stars, even if you just have a cheap bass.

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