Monday, October 28, 2013

The Different Methods Of Playing Bass Guitar

By Benjamin Harrison


Bass guitar is a type of string instrument primarily played with the thumb or fingers, or with a pick. This instrument is similar in its construction and appearance to an electric guitar, but has a longer neck and scale length. It may have eight, six, five or four strings, but the four-string bass is most common. There are different methods of playing bass guitar.

This instrument is incorporated into many styles of music. Therefore, there are different sounds that can be produced to fit into a specific genre, including reggae, jazz, metal, pop, punk rock, country and rock. This device may also be applied in Latin, fusion and funk music. Basslines are known to vary by musician, but as a general rule, bassist serve as an anchor for the harmonic foundation and essentially lay down a beat.

To be good at playing the guitar and utilizing various techniques, the player must be familiar with the different parts of the instrument. Knowing the anatomy of the bass is key for any aspiring bassist. This unit is a stringed instrument and so there are strings on it that create sounds from vibrations. Generally, these models have fours strings: G, D, A, E. Each one is tuned to a different note.

Frets are small, metal strips that are used to divide the instrument into top and bottom areas. By putting a finger on a string between frets, a note can be played. The higher up on the fret a person is, the higher the produced sound will be. To increase the sounds, amplification is necessary. This device can pick up sound and amplify it. Other parts include pick-ups, tuning pegs, nut, headstock, neck and body.

It is essential that the instrument is held correctly. If one develops a habit of holding it, technique could be ruined. It may also result in serious pain or injury to the back or shoulders.

Whether standing or sitting, a guitar strap is recommended. This gives the shoulders and back the weight to carry, freeing up the hands. Be sure that the strap places the instrument in a comfortable position on the chest. Posture is important. Stand or sit up straight and avoid slouching or bending. Right-handed players should hold the device in a way that the headstock is located to the left and vice versa for left-handed individuals.

Slap and pop, also referred to as thumbstyle method, is common in the music genre of funk. It utilizes percussive sounds and tones by way of slapping, thumping, or striking ping stings with the thumb and snapping strings with the index finger or middle finger. A pick, also called plectrum, is a device used because of preference or to increase playing speed. Picks range in size and material and are often used in punk rock and traditional rock music making.

Another common technique is palm-muting. This involves the picking hand palm to rest on the bridge and mutes strings, shortening sustain, during picking. The practice of fretting is often used to give varying effects, such as vibrato, trills and glissando. Two-handed tapping styles make sound by striking strings against the fret or fretboard. Many different methods of playing bass guitar can be learned and used.




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