11/19/2012

Using 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.

Bass is used in many different styles of music. As a result of this, there are different sounds that can be produced, including blues, metal, pop, reggae, jazz, country, rock and punk rock. Genres such as funk, Latin and fusion also incorporate this instrument. Overall, the basslines are expected to range depending on the musician, but the role of a bassist is similar in all types of music: anchoring the harmony framework as well as a laying down the main beat.

In order to be effective at playing the guitar and using different techniques, one must be familiar with the parts of the instrument. Become acquainted with the anatomy of the bass. This device is a string instrument and so it has strings that produce sound based on vibrations. Standard instruments of this type include four strings - E, A, D, G - each tuned to different notes.

There are also frets, the metal strips that divide the instrument into top and bottom sections. Placing a finger on a string that is between two frets allows a note to be played. The higher on the frets, the higher the sound produced. In order to broadcast the sounds being made, one must have amplification. This device picks up the sounds and amplifies them. Other bass parts: body, neck, headstock, nut, tuning pegs and pick-ups.

Hold the instrument correctly. If one does not, the overall technique may be ruined. Furthermore, chronic problems with the back and shoulders may develop.

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 method, also called thumbstyle, is associated with the funk genre. It uses percussive sounds and tones that are achieved through thumping, striking or slapping a string using the thumb and then snapping strings with the middle or index fingers. Using the pick, or plectrum, is a way to achieve more speed. It may also be used as a personal preference. Pick use is often linked to punk rock and rock genres, although they are used in other types of music as well. These devices vary in their material and size.

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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