How to Play an Electric Bass

Playing bass is very different from playing guitar.

Purists scoffed at Leo Fender's introduction of the electric bass in the early 1950s, as the giant upright bass dominated the music scene and the smaller, user-friendly electric bass guitar was viewed as a novelty. Since then, the bass guitar is now the bass of choice for a legions of bass players across all genres. Still, exactly how to approach playing the very guitar-like instrument, with its longer scale, thicker strings and wider neck, may seem a bit daunting to novices or those switching from guitar to bass.

Things You'll Need

• Picks (optional)
• Metronome (optional)

Instructions

1. Sit or stand with the bass strapped on. How to wear a bass is a matter of taste; what matters is that both your plucking and fretting hands can comfortably touch the strings. Choose whether or not you want to play with a pick or your fingers (or alternate between the two methods as the song dictates). Plug the bass into the amp and turn the amp on.

2. Fan the fingers of your fretting hand out so that each finger covers a fret. For example, your index finger covers the first fret, middle finger covers the second fret and so forth. Maintain this position as you play up and down the neck as required, thus keeping your playing fluid.

3. Alternate between the index and middle fingers of your plucking hand in a "walking" motion to pluck notes while you press down on the strings with your fretting hand. Press down on the string in between the metal slats on the fingerboard (the frets). Pluck the strings with the pick in an up and down motion if playing with a pick.

4. Play one note at a time, unlike playing chords on a guitar where several notes are played at once. Listen to the drumbeat in a song; the bass's duty is to bridge the harmony (guitars and vocals) with the rhythm section (drums and percussion), so match your alternating plucks with the snare and bass drum beats.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a metronome to aid in learning (and practicing) how to keep time to a given beat.

References

• "Bass Guitar for Dummies"; Patrick Pfeiffer; 2003