Gear Reviews Archives

Marshall Murder One Lemmy Signature Amp Sim

April 3, 2025

Gear Guides

Marshall Murder One Lemmy Signature Amp Sim: A Bassist’s Perspective

For bass players aiming to capture the raw, aggressive tone that defined Motörhead's sound, the…

March 22, 2025

Gear Guides

Bass Guitar Strings: Names, Tuning, Types, and Price Guide

If you're diving into the world of bass guitar, understanding your strings is essential. The…

March 14, 2025

Gear Guides

Used Bass Guitar Amps for Sale: Best Places to Buy Online

Are you in the market for a quality bass guitar amp without breaking the bank?…

March 13, 2025

Gear Guides

Gibson Epiphone Viola Bass Review

The Gibson Epiphone Viola Bass is a beloved instrument that captures the essence of the…

Ultimate Bass Guitar Gibson Epiphone EB-0 Render

March 13, 2025

Gear Guides

Gibson Epiphone SG EB-0 Bass Review

The Gibson Epiphone SG EB-0 Bass is a compact powerhouse that packs a punch in…

March 8, 2025

Gear Guides

Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass Review: Budget Fender Tones Without Breaking the Bank

For decades, the Fender Jazz Bass has been a staple in music, defining genres from…

Matt Freeman playing Rancid songs on bass guitar

March 7, 2025

Gear Guides

How to Sound Like Matt Freeman on a Budget: Punk Rock Precision

Matt Freeman, the legendary bassist of Rancid and Operation Ivy, is known for his aggressive…

March 7, 2025

Gear Guides

Harley Benton Budget Basses: Affordable Quality for Every Player

Harley Benton has become a go-to brand for budget-conscious musicians looking for quality instruments at…

Lemmy playing bass guitar on stage with Motorhead

March 7, 2025

Gear Guides

How to Sound Like Lemmy on a Budget: Get Motorhead’s Thunderous Tone

Lemmy Kilmister’s bass tone is loud, aggressive, and unmistakable, with a raw, distorted growl that…

Squier Affinity Series Jaguar Bass H Render

March 6, 2025

Gear Guides

Squier Affinity Series Jaguar Bass H Review: A Budget-Friendly Powerhouse

The Squier Affinity Series Jaguar Bass H is an excellent choice for players looking for…

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.