Bass Playing

Throughout the history of music, particularly rock and roll and jazz, there have been a large number of bass players. Bass players may play a double bass, bass guitar, keyboard or brass bass, which also includes those who play tuba, sousaphone and bass saxophone.

Many musical genres are often associated with one or more bass instruments. Since the 1960s music era, the electric bass guitar has become the standard instrument for those playing rock and roll, jazz fusion, heavy metal, country, reggae and pop musical styles.

The double bass guitar is the standard bass musical instrument for those playing classical, bluegrass and swing music.
An electric bassist will play a bass guitar. In rap, country and pop music genres, the bass line of music will outline the harmony of the music that is currently being performed. This happens while also indicating the rhythmic pulse. There are many types of standard bass lines for the various genres and types of song. Bass lines typically emphasize the root, third and fifth chords of the music being played. Pedal tones, which are repeated or sustained singles notes, and bass riffs are also used as bass lines in many songs and genres.

The electric bass guitar is played just like the regular guitar. It is held close to the body and the index and middle fingers pluck the strings. Many bass players also use picks just as those do who play the acoustic guitar. Bass players from many hard rock and heavy metal bands such as Lemmy from Motorhead use picks to gain a more particular sound when they are playing. Jazz bass player Steve Swallow, uses a pick as well, for upbeat and funky sounding songs. A pick can be used with alternating strokes downward or upward, or with all strokes going downward to give off a more consistent play. Bass players typically hold their picks between their thumb and index finger. There are many who, in lieu of picks, choose to make their bass sounds with their fingernails. Les Claypool, Geddy Lee and John Entwistle all use their fingernails and play flamenco style on their bass guitars.

Rock, country, jazz and all other types of musical genre would surely suffer if not for the bass players. Bass guitars and other instruments help to provide a balanced sound in music. Many radios today have toggle switches that allow listeners to drowned out or increase the sound of the bass players on the radio. No matter what genre or song, if you listen close enough you will likely be able to distinguish the bass players sound.