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