Artist Profiles Archives

April 19, 2025

Opinion

10 Female Bassists Who Changed the Game

The bass guitar world has long been dominated by men, but that never stopped a…

Underrated Bass Players

April 19, 2025

Opinion

15 Underrated Bass Players You Should Know

Everyone knows names like Flea, Geddy Lee, and Paul McCartney. But the bass world is…

Billy Sheehan playing bass on stage

April 19, 2025

Opinion

Top 20 Bass Guitarists of All Time (Ranked)

The bass guitar might not always be in the spotlight, but the greatest bassists of…

Geezer Butler Black Sabbath Ultimate Bass Guitar

March 21, 2025

Bass Player Profiles

Geezer Butler: The Godfather of Heavy Metal Bass

Geezer Butler, the bassist and primary lyricist for the pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath,…

Geddy Lee Rush Ultimate Bass Guitar

March 21, 2025

Bass Player Profiles

Geddy Lee: The High Priest of the Bass Guitar

Geddy Lee, the iconic bassist, vocalist, and keyboardist for the legendary Canadian progressive rock band…

Flea Red Hot Chilli Peppers mural

March 21, 2025

Bass Player Profiles

Flea: The Funk-Rock Bass Virtuoso of Red Hot Chili Peppers

Michael Peter Balzary, better known as Flea, is a bass guitar legend who has revolutionised…

Bass player with a Fender style instrument on stage

March 13, 2025

Bass Player Profiles

Who is the best bass guitar player in the world?

The debate over who is the best bass guitar player in the world has been…

March 12, 2025

Bass Player Profiles

Duff McKagan: The Punk Prodigy Who Electrified Rock Bass

Duff McKagan’s thunderous bass lines and rebellious energy helped define Guns N’ Roses’ meteoric rise.…

Cliff Burton Metallica Ultimate Bass Guitar

March 12, 2025

Bass Player Profiles

Cliff Burton: The Bass Guitar Virtuoso Who Revolutionized Metal

Cliff Burton, the legendary bassist of Metallica, left an indelible mark on the world of…

Bass guitar hanging in an instrument shop. Black and White photo

March 7, 2025

Bass Player Profiles

Artist Profiles: The Legendary Bassists Who Shaped Music

Welcome to the Artist Profiles Hub on UltimateBassGuitar.com, where we celebrate the bassists who have…

BASS GUITAR FAQ

What is a bass guitar?

A bass guitar is a stringed instrument similar in appearance to an electric guitar, but with a longer neck and scale length. It typically has four strings (though five and six-string versions are common) and is used to provide the low-end foundation in most styles of music.

What’s the difference between a bass guitar and a regular guitar?

The bass guitar has thicker strings and is tuned an octave lower than a standard guitar. It usually plays single notes or rhythmic patterns rather than chords and often locks in with the drums to form the rhythm section

How many strings does a bass have?

Most bass guitars have four strings, tuned E-A-D-G. However, five-string basses (adding a low B) and six-string basses (adding both a low B and a high C) are also widely used.

Is bass guitar hard to learn?

Bass is relatively approachable for beginners due to its focus on rhythm and simpler note patterns. However, mastering it takes time, especially when learning complex techniques like slapping, tapping, or playing jazz and funk lines.

Can I play bass lines on a regular guitar?

You can mimic bass lines on a regular guitar, but it won’t have the same low-end depth or punch. A real bass guitar is designed to handle those frequencies and tones.

What genres use bass guitar?

Bass is used in virtually every genre, including rock, jazz, blues, funk, pop, reggae, metal and more. Its role might vary slightly, but it’s a staple in nearly all forms of modern music.

What’s the difference between active and passive bass pickups?

Passive pickups have a more traditional tone and don't require a battery, while active pickups use a battery-powered preamp to offer more tonal control and a cleaner, punchier sound.

How often should I change bass strings?

This depends on how often you play and your tone preference. Some players change strings every few weeks, while others keep them for months or even years for a duller, vintage tone.