The original bass guitar was made with 4 strings, and is considered the most basic. Nearly all bass guitar music can be played on a 4-string guitar, and because the neck is narrower than a 5 or 6 string guitar, it is easier to work your hands around. A 4-string guitar is typically strung with the EADG strings, but if you want, it can be strung like a 5-string guitar with a lower string making it BEAD instead. 5-string and 6-string guitars are great because they give a greater range of available notes to play. However, they also require more control to reduce the buzzing of other strings and the ability to reach all the notes. [1] X Research source
Most bass guitars have a 34” scale, but you can also find short scale (30” or less), medium scale (30”-33:), and extra long scale (35” or more) bass guitars. Unless your hands are very small or very large, stick with a 34” scale for the best sound. If you decide to get a 5-string or 6-string bass guitar, increase the scale for a better sound. Always get a minimum 35” scale if you increase the number of strings. [2] X Research source
A fretless guitar does not have the metal dividers, and instead has a long, smooth fingerboard. Fretless guitars are more difficult to play because you don’t have a visual marker of where certain notes lie. Instead, you have to play the bass by ear. For beginners, it is best to choose a guitar that is fretted, to give some guidelines for note and finger placements. Over time, you can choose to move to a fretless guitar for a bigger challenge and a slightly different sound. [3] X Research source
Hard woods, such as hard maple, walnut, ebony, and rosewood, give a percussive sound to your bass. Soft woods including alder, basswood, and swamp ash, aid in supplying your bass with a softer, warm sound. The most popular synthetic material to make bass guitars out of is graphite, although luthite is another commonly used material. These are all very consistent in mass production, as the material doesn’t change from guitar to guitar like it does with natural woods. Many bass guitars are made from a mix of materials, especially having the body of one material and the fingerboard of another. This is a good option as well, so don’t feel the need to search for a single-material bass only. [4] X Research source
You can sit or stand up, but make sure that you have good posture in either position. [6] X Expert Source Nicolas AdamsProfessional Musician Expert Interview. 17 September 2019. Also, make sure that the shoulder strap holds your bass at the same level regardless of whether you are sitting or standing. The bass should be held somewhere between your hips and collarbones. Most people tend to play with it held near their bellybutton, but it’s all personal preference. The guitar should be held at about a 30 degree angle, so as to prevent the need to uncomfortably angle your wrists so much. [7] X Research source
Always keep your nails trimmed short. Your nails will change the sound of the guitar if used against the strings. Pluck using two fingers to increase efficiency. Alternate plucking between your index and middle finger. It doesn’t matter which you start with, as long as you keep the speed and rhythm between them consistent. Pluck the strings closer to the neck for a flat, warm tone. If you pluck nearer to the bridge at the bottom, the strings will give a more percussive sound. When you practice, keep your plucking isolated to a small area without a lot of movement up and down the strings. Pluck the strings by rolling over them with your fingertips. Don’t actually pull on the strings, as they won’t create as nice of a sound. If you want to increase the volume, turn up your amplifier, not your plucking strength.
Keep your thumb as close to the E string as you are able, so that whenever you are not playing it your thumb can rest on it to do the muting. If you have to skip strings to play multiple notes, try using multiple fingers to help with muting. You can choose to move your thumb off the E string to mute other strings if you are playing higher strings. Don’t push down hard on the strings, but gently rest your finger or thumb on them to block the vibrations that cause sound. [8] X Research source
To play a higher-pitched octave than the note you are currently playing, move two strings up and two frets up. To play a lower-pitched octave than the note you are currently playing, move two strings down and two frets down. You can play a lower octave with your index finger and the corresponding higher octave with your ring finger. Use your other fingers to help mute the strings that are not being played. [9] X Research source
To play a fifth above, move two frets higher on the next string. To play a fifth below, stay on the same fret and move to one string lower. [10] X Research source
Listen to the bass performances in some of your favorite songs to hear the ways that they keep rhythm. Buy a metronome to help you practice. Metronomes are small tools that emit a clicking noise at a certain rate, helping you to match the rhythm. You can adjust their speed to practice at a fast or slow pace. [11] X Research source
You can focus on learning fingerpicking tabs if you decide to play with your fingers instead of a pick.
