Basses most often come in 4-, 5-, and 6-string models. Though, any number of strings is possible.
The first electric basses to be produced came with 4 strings. For many years that’s all there was and that’s all people felt they needed. A lot of music has been played on 4-strings.
The reason for having more strings is to add more range to the bass. More range means being able to play more lower pitched notes and/or higher pitched notes. Also, the more strings you have under your fingers, the more notes you have under your fingers. With more strings you don’t have to shift around the neck of the bass as much.
The popularity of 5- and 6-string basses exploded in the 80’s. A couple of things caused this to happen. First, bassists in the 80’s were competing with electronic keyboards. Many bassists were being replaced by computers and keyboards because they could play lower bass notes than a standard 4-string bass. To compensate, some bassists began playing 5-string basses that added 5 lower-pitched notes to their arsenal.
Secondly, a number of amazing bass players in the 70’s took the electric bass to new heights. Bassists like Stanley Clarke, Jaco Pastorius and Jeff Berlin showed the world electric bass players could really solo and play a melodic role, too. With this new frontier for bass players opened up, bassists wanted more range to play solos in. By adding another string, a 6th string, on the high end of the bass, bassists could reach higher notes more comfortably.
Are more strings harder to play?
There is definitely more to control and keep track of as you add more strings. Beginners don’t often realize there is a lot of work in keeping the bass strings quiet in addition to getting the notes to ring out. The more strings there are, the more there is to keep quiet.
Also, the strings get closer together making some playing styles (e.g. slap bass) a little trickier. You have to be more accurate. And, the neck gets wider. That means more reaching and stretching on the neck of the bass. Regardless of what you choose, there’s going to be work and practice involved. And, you can always switch later on. It’s not that hard to go from one to another.
How many strings should you get?
The 4-string bass has been around the longest and a lot of music has been played on it. For most people a 4-string bass is adequate if not perfect for them. Why get more strings if you’re not going to use them?
It is possible to tune a 4-string bass lower than its standard tuning and it is very common to do so. You can tune it lower by 2 or 3 notes if you need those lower pitches from time to time. Since it is not designed to be tuned that low, you might not get the best sound or playability by tuning a 4-string bass lower, but it is an option.
For most styles you’ll probably be ok with a 4-string. If you’re into heavier music that’s popular today, you may want a 5-string bass where you can reach those lower notes without having to detune your bass.
I think it’s better and easier for you to learn to play in a standard tuning with an extra string rather than some alternate tuning on a bass with fewer strings. If you need those low notes a lot, you should consider a 5-string.
An alternative to getting a 5-string bass would be to get a 4-string bass and string it like the lowest 4 strings of a 5-string bass. Some manufacturers are designing basses like this now. It would be tuned BEAD, instead of the standard 4-string bass tuning EADG.
If you are buying your first bass, you probably don’t want a 6-string bass. It’s overkill. And, in the beginning you should probably focus on playing the traditional role of the bass anyway. That means playing the lower notes more often. You can save the 6-string for your second or maybe third bass if you find you need one.
Hello Blog World!!!!
Blog the world away with rants and raves
Monday, August 16, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Online Bass Guitar Instruction – The Edge Above The Other People
Nearby are a number of talented persons who find not only one but maybe two or even three instruments. Because of their extraordinary skill, they are often referred to as geniuses, nearly all are distinguished to have a gift of high intellect. They are frequently compared to Albert Einstein, considering their phenomenal abilities. As a result of their skillfulness, they turn up close to being an role model to other people. A usual being is delighted to be clever to a few instrument. It is since the simple reality that we have already contributed to music is reason enough to stay delighted. Probably you have heard Learn to Master Bass Guitar.
You can become skilled at one instrument, a guitar for instance, if you just distinguish where to look for a foundation that can really improve you. Some may perhaps settle for private tutors while other people may opt for what you describe on the web bass guitar lessons. Sometimes fact found in the internet site wouldn’t charge you anything, you just need persistence. Appointing someone needs currency and building of connection for a relaxed training session. Please take time to read the comfort of using on the web training. If this is the case please check Learn and Master Bass Guitar.
• You have to prepare currency if you want to enroll to exclusive music class.. Beginners find funding these lessons a bit difficult. Many indiviuals are not able to handle currency matters which lead to early termination of the class. Online lectures are mostly affordable, so currency is not a problem.
• You don’t need to adjust for the on the web lectures, it’s available anytime. Adjust module based on your schedule. Past knowledge about guitars are not even necessary. In addition to that, teachings on the web were manifested on the web by the experts of such. You are certain that they are all precise and that you will obtain all things about it.
• The suggestions in the internet about bass guitars are not difficult so you will surely acquire it. These lessons will also let you to tag on a tempo that you find suitable for you. Recklessness is not a selection. Because you set your own tempo in these lessons, there is no possibility that you will stumble on future lessons.To know how to use the bass is not plainly about being used with the chords. You will get used with the instrument while you have enjoyment learning in the web. Guitar lessons found in the internet are not that costly. You will surely have enjoyment in learning musical instruments. Leaving your house is no longer required for you to be an professional with any musical equipments. Continue to find out more on Learn to Master Bass Guitar review.
You can become skilled at one instrument, a guitar for instance, if you just distinguish where to look for a foundation that can really improve you. Some may perhaps settle for private tutors while other people may opt for what you describe on the web bass guitar lessons. Sometimes fact found in the internet site wouldn’t charge you anything, you just need persistence. Appointing someone needs currency and building of connection for a relaxed training session. Please take time to read the comfort of using on the web training. If this is the case please check Learn and Master Bass Guitar.
• You have to prepare currency if you want to enroll to exclusive music class.. Beginners find funding these lessons a bit difficult. Many indiviuals are not able to handle currency matters which lead to early termination of the class. Online lectures are mostly affordable, so currency is not a problem.
• You don’t need to adjust for the on the web lectures, it’s available anytime. Adjust module based on your schedule. Past knowledge about guitars are not even necessary. In addition to that, teachings on the web were manifested on the web by the experts of such. You are certain that they are all precise and that you will obtain all things about it.
• The suggestions in the internet about bass guitars are not difficult so you will surely acquire it. These lessons will also let you to tag on a tempo that you find suitable for you. Recklessness is not a selection. Because you set your own tempo in these lessons, there is no possibility that you will stumble on future lessons.To know how to use the bass is not plainly about being used with the chords. You will get used with the instrument while you have enjoyment learning in the web. Guitar lessons found in the internet are not that costly. You will surely have enjoyment in learning musical instruments. Leaving your house is no longer required for you to be an professional with any musical equipments. Continue to find out more on Learn to Master Bass Guitar review.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Walk on the Clouds
I just though of taking a picture of the sky last weekend. Wow, after previewing it on my screen just now, how great the sky looks and so tranquil. Just wanted to walk on the clouds, leave life's stress behind and just a moment of peace and quiet. Just so relaxing! I advise you try is too :)
Friday, February 5, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Eat, eat and eat!
I've been busy ever than before, and as a comfort, eating is my haven. Much more of a sweet tooth, I've been, munchin on the sweets, chocolates I can find in the house. Much for the diet... ha! good luck with that. I feel I blotted and I must put on those walking shoes again! arggg!!!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Gasing up on E10? think again..
Ethanol gas can damage car engines??!
Gas companies has warned that the current ethanol-blended gasoline (E-10) could damage car engines and that the current blend is “highly corrosive.”
The problem is that the government did not specify that there should be a dehydrator to remove the water content, which is what makes the ethanol-blended gasoline (E10) highly corrosive.
What's up with that?
Gas companies has warned that the current ethanol-blended gasoline (E-10) could damage car engines and that the current blend is “highly corrosive.”
The problem is that the government did not specify that there should be a dehydrator to remove the water content, which is what makes the ethanol-blended gasoline (E10) highly corrosive.
What's up with that?
Thursday, January 14, 2010
New Year New Start
Hello Blogosphere!
It's a new year, and I just thought of "reviving" my blog page. It's been a while, since I was busy, now that I have spare time, I can blog again!!!
Well anyway, going back to "new year"... plans for the year, how to start the year right is in my mind. Kinda panicking sometimes because of uncertainties hehe... well thinking positively, all will be well, things will be at my side and everything will be alright!!!
It's a new year, and I just thought of "reviving" my blog page. It's been a while, since I was busy, now that I have spare time, I can blog again!!!
Well anyway, going back to "new year"... plans for the year, how to start the year right is in my mind. Kinda panicking sometimes because of uncertainties hehe... well thinking positively, all will be well, things will be at my side and everything will be alright!!!
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