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