| The bass guitar has been derived from | | | | wood or graphite. A wide range of |
| the double bass, which was used in the | | | | finishing is applied to make it look |
| late 1950's. Having 4 strings, these | | | | good. IT can be colored or simply clear |
| instruments add the lower tones to a | | | | white. The work done on the body is fine |
| musical performance. Experimentation | | | | engineering and delicate balances have |
| with the bass had started as early as | | | | to be maintained. |
| the 1920's. It wasn?t until the 50's | | | | A hot debate rages on what to call this |
| however, that a proper bass instrument | | | | instrument. For non musicians, the term |
| was formed. | | | | bass guitar is common, while hard core |
| In the mid 20th century jazz became | | | | players like to call it electric bass or |
| popular. As double bass's were used | | | | simple electric bass. Slowly but surely |
| those days, they were often not heard | | | | however, this instrument has gathered a |
| due to the lack of amplification. The | | | | large following which likes to use its |
| drums, banjos and other instruments in | | | | own jargon. |
| the band drowned out the sound of the | | | | The electric bass is a part of modern |
| bass. Until the 1950 when the first | | | | country music, post 1970 jazz and funk. |
| electric bass came into existence with | | | | Used mainly to provide backing, it adds |
| modern amplification techniques. | | | | a depth to the music. This instrument |
| The bass guitar is played like all | | | | has added a whole new color to our |
| guitars with the player holding it close | | | | musical pleasure. In sole music |
| to his body in a horizontal position. | | | | particularly, the bass guitar is |
| The strings are plucked with hand or | | | | effective. |
| with the plectrum. In the 1970's, the | | | | Are sound effects used? Well, yes and |
| slapping technique became popular. | | | | no. As the bass guitar sets the tone for |
| Today, the bass guitar ranges from 4 | | | | the rest of the band, sound effects are |
| strings up to 11 strings. The 5, 6 and 7 | | | | not often used, unlike electric guitars. |
| strings providing the mid range while | | | | Modern bands however have started |
| the 11 string starts from a lower than | | | | experimenting with distortion units to |
| human hearing going up to a very high | | | | add a new flavor to the bass and low key |
| active. Electric bass guitar players use | | | | that they provide behind the music. |
| various configurations. These changes | | | | As we go into a new century, electric |
| are made by using preamplifiers and | | | | bass's become more and more popular. All |
| speaker sets. Signal processors are also | | | | bands use it today to add a subtle |
| varied to provide new soundscapes. | | | | background. Many groups like U2 even use |
| In night clubs, combo amplifiers are | | | | it to give a haunted feeling increasing |
| used. These amplifiers are fixed with | | | | emotional attachment with the music. |
| single loud speakers to make them | | | | Newer techniques have made this |
| portable and effective. | | | | instrument a crucial part of any musical |
| The body of the instrument can be of | | | | group today. |