Sunday, November 18, 2012

Using Different Methods Of Playing Bass Guitar

By Benjamin Harrison


Bass guitar is a stringed instrument that may be played using a pick device, or the thumbs or fingers. This style of instrument is much like the electric guitar when it comes to appearance and construction, although it has a longer scale length and neck. The four-string guitar is most common, however, there are some with five, six or eight strings. There are numerous different methods of playing bass guitar.

This instrument is played in a variety of music genres. Because of this, there are many different styles, such as pop, metal, punk rock, blues, reggae, country, jazz, rock and metal. It is also used commonly in funk, fusion and Latin. Although the types of basslines will vary by the musician, the bassist plays a similar role in most kinds of music: anchoring harmonic framework and then laying down the beat.

To be good at playing the guitar and utilizing various techniques, the player must be familiar with the different parts of the instrument. Knowing the anatomy of the bass is key for any aspiring bassist. This unit is a stringed instrument and so there are strings on it that create sounds from vibrations. Generally, these models have fours strings: G, D, A, E. Each one is tuned to a different note.

There are also frets, the metal strips that divide the instrument into top and bottom sections. Placing a finger on a string that is between two frets allows a note to be played. The higher on the frets, the higher the sound produced. In order to broadcast the sounds being made, one must have amplification. This device picks up the sounds and amplifies them. Other bass parts: body, neck, headstock, nut, tuning pegs and pick-ups.

Hold the instrument correctly. If one does not, the overall technique may be ruined. Furthermore, chronic problems with the back and shoulders may develop.

Always use a guitar strap, no matter if you are standing or sitting. This allows the back and shoulders to carry the weight so that the hands are free to play. Adjust the strap so the instrument falls at a comfortable spot across the chest. Keep posture in mind. Sit up as straight as possible and avoid bending or slouching. Right-handed players should have the headstock on the left and vice versa for left-handed musicians.

Thumbstyle, also known as slap and pop method, is common in funk. It involves creating percussive tones and sounds by striking, slapping, or thumping a string using the thumb, while snapping strings using the index or middle fingers. A plectrum, or pick, may be used to play with more speed or because of musician preference. Use of the pick is common in rock and punk rock. Pick size and material will vary.

Palm-muting is a common method. With this, the outer portion of the palm, on the picking hand, rests on the bridge while picking is done and then mutes the strings, shortening the time of sustain. Fretting can be used to achieve many different effects, such as glissando, vibrato, and trills. Two-handed tapping styles involve striking the string up against the fretboard or fret to create sound. There are many different methods of playing bass guitar.




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