Playing the Bass

In my first post, I described how the high E string on my guitar broke while trying to tune it. I haven't been able to find the time to get it restrung, so playing it correctly would be very tough. The book I was reading for the guitar also wasn't very helpful in descriptions of tuning or different ways to play, it merely just had lessons on how to play different songs from different artists. This being the case, I've decided to start writing blog posts about the other instrument I've learned to play. That instrument being the electric bass guitar. I figured that this switch would still keep the topic of music that I've been writing about.

Because I've selected a new instrument, I also decided to get a digital copy of a book on learning how to play the bass with all types of information on the different styles the bass can be played in. In the book, it says, "Whether you play with fingers, thumb, or pick, you will want to immediately play the current bass lines and be able to invent your own." (Kaye 7) This quote shows how many different ways there are to make music with the bass guitar. The quote also talks about bass lines and creating your own. While I haven't exactly made my own bass line, I have been able to teach myself songs by listening to the notes. I do this because I can't read sheet music at all.

As seen in the image below, a bass guitar only has 4 strings, and a guitar has 6 (5 in my case.)














When I play my bass, I use my hands rather than a pick. I either use my thumb or my index and middle finger to strum. Because it's an electric bass, I mainly stick to rock songs, but I have taught myself some songs from video games and others. Playing the bass can be really fun and it's always interesting to see if I can teach myself a song.



Do you know any famous bassists or bass lines/styles?


Kaye, Carol. How to Play the Electric Bass. Sherman Oaks, CA: Gwyn, 1969. Print.