FAQs
Q: Should I play guitar or bass ?
A: This is a tough one, both are very important in
any band. Each instrument has its strengths, - it's ultmimately your
choice. Bass guitar is easier to play than guitar as it requires you
only playing one note at a time. This means you can be in a band sooner.
Although this shouldn't neccessarily be the deciding factor. There
are also fewer bassists than guitarists, which means finding a band
will be easier - you should be more in demand. Guitar again is better
to play unaccompanied as you can play both chords and lead guitarist.
Acoustic guitars are also inexpensive and with a wide variety to choose
from, unlike acoustic basses. Keep in mind that you still need to
buy a bass guitar amplifier! If it at all possible, try to borrow
or test one at a friend’s house, this might also help with the
decision making process. Keep in mind that the transition from guitar
to bass is easier than from bass to guitar. Even though both instruments
do share many things such as timing, scales, how to read TAB, etc...
The choice is really yours.
Q: I can play guitar, can I play bass guitar?
A: Yes, even though the two instruments have similarities,
their applications and purpose in the band are quite different.
The Play Bass program will help you with many helpful techniques
and bass applications such as 'slap bass', how to build bass lines,
the 5 string bass guitar, etc.. With the back up tracks you'll be
able to learn how to apply the scales, arpeggios and much more,
which you can then use in your band.
Q: My buddies need a bassist in the band. Will Play Bass
enable me to play for them?
A: Yes, Play Bass will equip you with all you need
to know regarding both theory and practical exercises that will
help make you into a versatile musician.
Q: What kind of bass guitar do we get ?
A: The standard is an electric 4 string.
This instrument possibly features in more than 90% of the music
you've listened to. Its neck is thin, making it easy to play. This
instrument can also be used for all styles of music. The electric
5 string is now becoming more popular. It is similar to
the 4 string bass, but it has an additional low (deeper sounding)
string, the low B string. Its neck is a bit wider to accommodate
the extra string but the instrument is still quite easy to play
and about 30% more expensive than the 4 string bass. The electric
6 string is not commonly used, heard more often in fusion
and jazz, although it can be as powerful in a rock outfit. The neck
is quite wide, which might make those with smaller hands struggle
a bit. The bass has both the low 'B' string of the 5 string as well
as an extra thin string which can be tuned to either B or C and
is normally more expensive as it is aimed at the more experienced
player and the instruments are often very well crafted. The fretless
bass is recommended only for intermediate to advanced player.
The fretless neck gives a beautiful warm tone which is great for
all styles of music. Most bassists who own this instrument also
own a fretted instrument. The acoustic bass needs an amplifier as
the notes are often hard to hear as they are so low in pitch. These
basses are slightly more expensive than the standard electric bass.
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