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That’s why I’ve made a beginner’s guide that covers a wide range, so you can get answers to all your questions, and you’ll be shown some scales, so you can get off to a great start playing.
Electric bass vs. double bass
First of all, we need to get a handle on the difference between an electric bass and a double bass, so you can better understand the difference between the two types and which bass suits you.
Electric bass
Sound: Imagine a bass that can play everything from rock to jazz – that’s the electric bass. It uses electronics and amplification to create a modern and energetic sound.
Size: It’s lighter and more compact, so you can take it anywhere without hassle.
Find your bass in our overview here
Double bass
Sound: Think of the deep and warm tone from
classical music – that’s the double bass. It uses its hollow body to create a traditional and elegant sound through resonance.
Size : Bigger and heavier, but it’s worth it for the authentic music experience.
Does a bass have 4, 5 or 6 strings?
When it comes to the bass’s strings, there are usually four strings, but the development of the electric bass has helped give the bass new possibilities, which means you can even find them with five or six strings.
Now, when we talk about strings, there are a few different types. There are the so-called "round wound" strings, which work well for rock music. And then we have "flat wound" strings, which give a lovely warm tone, perfect for jazz and soul.
Overview of the bass’s chords
When it comes to bass, we go for the individual notes in the chords rather than full chords, like you’d find on a guitar.
The idea is to add a solid and stable rhythmic foundation that makes the music flow without becoming too complicated.
The bassist acts as a rhythmic guide, keeping track of the tempo and ensuring that the whole band stays in sync.
So even if our playing isn’t always flashy, it’s crucial for creating the cohesive sound that any music lover can appreciate.
In fact, the bass and the drummer work hand in hand to support each other’s rhythms, creating a solid rhythmic foundation for the music. Typically, it’s the drummer who dictates the rhythm, while the bass complements the drums, especially the powerful hits on the bass drum.
Scales – what are they?
When we talk about scales on bass, we mean sequences of notes that help you create coherent music. Let’s look at some basic scales that you can practise at home.
To start with, it’s a good idea to look at the following scales: G major, G minor and G minor pentatonic:
G major scale:
Structure: This scale consists of 7 notes plus an octave, 8 notes in total.
G minor scale:
Structure: Like the G major scale, consisting of 7 notes plus an octave.
G minor pentatonic scale:
Structure: Consists of 5 notes plus an octave, which gives a more minimalist sound than the full minor scales.
To get better at bass, it’s a good idea to practise these scales regularly so you know them inside out. These scales are definitely quite essential to know if you want to become more skilled on bass.
Maintaining your bass
I’ve put together some friendly tips and tricks for preserving your bass’ shine and tone.
Storage:
It can be a good idea to invest in a solid bass guitar bag or a padded gig bag. And remember, a hard case is your bass’ best friend during transport.
Temperature and humidity can also be crucial. Give your bass the same climate you would love yourself. Avoid leaving it parked in the car in summer – your bass won’t like that.
Gig bag for bass guitar
Cleaning:
Daily cleaning is good for your bass. In addition, try as much as possible to wash your hands before playing to avoid dirt.
A good maintenance tip for your fingerboard (depending on the type of wood) is to apply lemon oil. This will extend the lifespan of the bass.
You can also give your bass a light polish. Use a microfibre cloth and a little guitar spray to keep it shiny and new.
String change:
Don’t forget to change the strings on your bass when they start to wear out. This not only extends their lifespan, but also makes your bass sound better.
Also read our guide: Learn to play Guitars here
