How to Play 1-String Rythym on a Bass Guitar
Besides the drums, the bass is one of the most primary rhythm instruments in a band. The bass is not only a rhythm instrument; it is a melodic instrument as well. Although it can take years to accurately perform complicated runs and patterns on the bass, you can get started by playing simple one-string rhythms. A well-performed one-string rhythm can provide a solid, low-end rhythmic background for many different types of songs.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Learn the chord progression of the song. You may be able to do this by ear, or you can read a chord chart. Most songs follow a predictable pattern of chords and chord changes.
-
2
Listen to the beat of the song. Most songs are either in 4/4 time or 3/4 time. A song in 4/4 time has four beats per measure. You will hear "1-2-3-4" repeated over and over in the rhythm. The accent can be on the first and third beats or on the second and fourth beats, depending on the song. A song that is in 3/4 time has three beats per measure. You should be able to hear "1--2--3" repeated in the rhythm, with an accent on the first beat.
-
-
3
Play the root of each chord. The root is the note after which the chord is named. For instance, a C chord has a root of C. You must be familiar with the fretboard to locate the root of each chord. Remember that the strings are E, A, D and G (from lowest to highest) and that each fret that you hold down raises the pitch one half step as you progress down the neck. All of the half steps in the musical alphabet are A, A#/Bb, B, C, C#/Db, D, D#/Eb, E, F, F#/Gb, G, G#/Ab.
-
4
Play the root note of each chord in a rhythm that matches the song. You might play on every beat for certain songs that have a driving rhythm. On many songs with 4/4 rhythm, you can play on the first and third beats. For a lot of songs with 3/4 rhythm, you should pluck the bass note only on the first beat of each measure.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit bass-guitar image by terex from Fotolia.com
