The Bass Guitar

General Info

The Electric Bass (Bass Guitar) is a very modern instrument having only been invented in the 1930s. It is similar to the regular guitar except that it plays in a lower frequency. The bass guitar originated from the Double Bass which had been used in popular music since the 15th Century in Europe. Since it was not as loud as other instruments, it could be limited to smaller ensembles and venues. The electrification of the instrument allowed its use to become more widespread. The Bass Guitar is now used across an array of genres and has become a staple in Bands and Ensembles around the world.

Notable Bass Players

Flea – Combines funk, punk, and rock with explosive energy.
Victor Wooten – Famous for advanced techniques and musical innovation.
Marcus Miller – Grammy-winning bassist, producer, and composer.
Paul McCartney – Melodic bass lines that helped redefine the role of bass in popular music.
Nathan East – One of the most respected modern session musicians.
Jaco Pastorius – Revolutionized the fretless electric bass with virtuosic technique.

Fun Facts!

Some basses have no frets. Fretless basses produce a smooth, singing sound and allow for expressive slides and vibrato. Jaco Pastorius famously popularized the fretless electric bass.
There are tiny basses, too. Short-scale basses (around 30 inches) are easier for some players to handle and have a warm, punchy tone. They're popular with beginners and professionals alike.
The deepest notes are felt as much as heard. The low E string on a standard bass vibrates at about 41 Hz, near the lower limit of typical human hearing, which is why bass is often experienced physically through speakers.