Learn How to Play Bass Guitar

Not many people know that at the root of all songs is the Bass Guitar. If you listen to a song and pay very close attention, you will hear that the bass gives the song life and soul. Learning to play the Bass guitar is something that many have mastered, and it is a beautiful instrument if played well. Once you learn how to play bass guitar you will not be disappointed.

For the most part, when an individual is interested in learning how to play a song, they are drawn to the electric or acoustic guitar. This is due to the fact that hearing someone that is educated on an acoustic or electric guitar play can be beautiful. But when listening deeper into the song you can feel the power of the Bass guitar. When you hear a song and there is no Bass line, you can tell there is something missing, almost like the heartbeat of the song.

When looking at a Bass guitar, the noticeable difference is that there are usually only 4 strings and also the strings on a Bass are much thicker than that of an electric or acoustic guitar. Also the body of a Bass guitar is usually bigger. Bass guitars are made from many different types of wood depending on the year they were made, and the model of the guitar.

Once you learn how to play Bass Guitar you will see that for the most part there are no chords involved as in the tradition guitar method of playing. The notes are usually single string notes played constantly throughout the song. This gives the rest of the band timing and helps the band to stay together. If chords were played on a bass, it would overpower the rest of the instruments.

There are several things to keep in mind when you have made the decision to learn how to play bass guitar.

* The beat of the song is important. The bass, along with the drums, are the root of the song and being in touch with the beat of the song makes for a good Bass player. The band can only stay in time if the Bass and Drums are in time too.

* Bass guitars are tuned the same way as a standard guitar, but on a bass, the tone of the note is much deeper. This is due to the fact that the stings on the Bass are much thicker, producing a deeper sound. Knowing how to tune a regular guitar will essentially help you in tuning a bass.

* There are frets along the neck of the bass as there are on a standard guitar. Placing your fingers in the correct position on the strings and frets is essential, and knowing where the notes are along the neck is important.

* Having strong fingers is not essential, but definitely helps. The strings on the bass are very think and heavy and having good hand strength helps to make the notes more crisp and clear.

Keeping these things in mind when you learn how to play the Bass guitar will definitely benefit you. There are several methods of learning the bass guitar. You can go to private lessons; teach yourself from books, from DVD’s and other methods. These tips will aid you in which ever method you decide to use.

So what are you waiting for? Practice makes perfect, so don’t waste any more time. Pick yourself out a Bass and get going.

Category: Guitar Tips