The beats we make with our hands are called rhythmic pulses. Beat is considered as the basic element in music, it is music’s unit of time. With proper positioning and use, playing an instrument causes a steady beat called the tempo.
When we listen to songs, the harmony and beat of the song is greatly enhanced by the bass. The baselines done by bass enthusiasts vary depending upon song choices or style of music. In pop music, the bass plays a simple part of the band, and the vocals and other instruments may outshine the bass. But in reggae, hip-hop, and funk, the melody of the songs are from the bass and the baseline is prominent. You can easily copy the style when you master and learn guitar bass basics.
In some instances, the bass guitarist can do a solo, playing an entire rhythm to overpower the other melodies. The baselines used for solos differ according to style. In rock, a bass solo can be done during a pause in the song. In metal, bass can be strung the “shred” style by tapping the bass strings. Funk solos are done by slapping the stings, so with pop. In special cases like art rock, progressive rock, and metal rock, bass guitarist play along side with the vocalist and lead guitar on solos.
As a four stringed instrument, many may think that bass guitars are easier than its six-stringed counterpart. And evidently, this fact is true. With only 3 to 4 chords, songs can easily be made using a bass guitar. However, constant practice is needed to master the bass. So, get started today, learn how to play that bass and maybe you’ll be in the next newest and greatest band to hit the airwaves tomorrow!










