Buying a Guitar Bass

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So you’re looking to buy a bass guitar. Congrats! Bass guitars are exciting to play and great instruments for beginners. And when it comes to searching for a bass, there are lots of choices for good, entry-level models that won’t empty your wallet. From selecting different types and styles to figuring out which size to buy, this handy guide to buying your first bass guitar will have you rocking out in no time!

Bass and Guitar: What’s the difference?

Although the guitar and bass are both stringed instruments that have a similar shape, there are several differences. The most obvious difference being the number of strings. A guitar has six strings, while a bass has four.

The strings on a guitar also variate in grade more than a bass guitar. That’s why guitars have a wider range of sound that includes higher notes in tone. Bass strings are thicker which allows them to hit lower notes that add depth to the music.

Guitars are melodic instruments because their range is the same as voice. The bass, on the other hand, is more of an accompaniment instrument that supports the melody and rhythm.

Other than that, the two are very similar. In fact, you can apply the scales (in a different range), chords, and music theory to both instruments. This gives you an advantage if you decide later to switch between the two. Learning notes on the guitar can make for a smoother transition learning the bass.

Now let’s go over the specifics of each instruments’, sound, role, and style to help you choose.

Image source: Ibanez.com

Sound

While no instrument is better than the other, each has its own sound that adds to a composition. When listening to a song, it’s easier to hear the guitar over the bass. This is because the guitar has a higher pitch that distinguishes it from others.

In a song with two singers harmonizing, often the one that we focus on is the person singing the higher harmony. A bass and guitar share a similar story. Bass music is typically the lower harmony of whatever the guitar is playing.

Role

The guitar is very versatile, for it can be both a rhythmic and lead instrument. This means the guitar can define the rhythm in a song but also build upon it. Guitarists play a defining role in the style of a band or song.

How to choose a bass?

The modern electric solid-body bass was invented in the early ‘50s by Leo Fender. It quickly became the standard for country and early rock-and-roll bands, and its role expanded even further with the advent of music genres like soul, funk and hard rock. Fender’s electric bass guitar was easier to play than the traditional upright, fretless bass — and much easier to transport. Electric bass guitars also produced a more substantial low-end rumble that filled the room.

If you want to play rock and roll, electric bass guitars are the best choice for beginners.

Should you buy a 4, 5 or 6 string bass?

Standard electric basses have four strings, but there are many models available that have five or even six strings. While the additional strings do add an expanded range of notes, inexperienced bass players will probably want to start on a four-string bass, which is easier to learn on and by far the most common type of bass used in rock and pop music.

Fans of modern heavy metal may opt to buy a five-string as their first bass guitar since the lower range of notes available on the fifth string are commonly used in that genre. Expert players, particularly jazz musicians, may favor six-string basses, but the neck width makes playing them difficult even for adult beginners, let alone younger players.

How to choose the correct bass size?

Choosing the best bass guitar size is an important consideration for any beginner. Full-scale basses are long instruments and smaller bassists may want to consider a short-scale model. For younger bassists, many manufacturers offer even smaller student sizes. To test for size, sit or stand with the bass in playing position. Your left hand should comfortably reach the first fret, with your elbow comfortably bent and relaxed.