How to Play an Acoustic-Electric Bass

Acoustic-electric basses are very attractive instruments.

The bass guitar is the backbone of many rock, jazz and blues bands. The acoustic-electric bass, however, is a rare sight in these situations. Some places acoustic bass will be found are on MTV's unplugged series or in the hands of the Violent Femme's bassist Brian Ritchie. Part of the allure of an acoustic guitar is the go-anywhere playability but for the bass it may be a good idea to plug in or else you may not be heard very well. Playing acoustic electric bass is simple enough for anyone to pick up.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Acoustic-electric bass
• Amplifier
• Plectrum
• Instrument Cable
• Strap
• Metronome

1. Plug one end of the instrument cable into your amplifier and one end into the acoustic-electric bass. Turn the amplifier on and adjust volume levels to your liking.

2. Strap the acoustic-electric bass around yourself or rest it on your knee, whichever is most comfortable for you.

3. Start to make some sound by plucking the strings with your right hand. This can be done with a finger or pick. If you are using a pick, you should place it in between your pointer finger and thumb with the longest end of the pick perpendicular to your thumb. Pluck the strings with the pick in an alternating up-and-down fashion. If you are using your fingers you should place your thumb on the bass' thumb rest and let your pointer and middle finger hang down over the strings. Many acoustic-electric basses do not have thumb rests installed; an alternative to placing your thumb on the thumb rest is to place it on the top of the fretboard where the neck meets the body. Alternate plucking in an upward motion between the pointer and middle finger.

4. Press down the strings on the neck with your left hand. Each fret is separated by a thin strip of metal. You should use one finger per fret. Starting at the first fret press your pointer finger down as close to the strip of metal as possible to get the best sound. For the second fret use your middle finger and so on. While using your four fingers to press down the strings, your thumb should be pressed up against the back of the neck. Do not let your thumb hang over the top of the fretboard, as this is poor technique.

5. Practice both pressing down strings with your left hand and strumming with your right hand with a metronome to build rhythm. This is an important concept to grasp as it is your job to keep rhythm.

6. Practice along with your favorite songs. Free tablature and sheet music can be found online to learn along with. You can also use your ear to figure out what to play.

References

• "Mel Bay's Electric Bass Method": Roger Filberto:1963
• "Progressive Bass": Gary Turner and Brenton White: 2004
• "Electirc Bass Guitar": Andy Doershuck: 1989