Bass Guitars

Most bass guitars have 4 strings. This is what you'll hear on the vast majority of music that you are familiar with. Whether it is the latest indie release or 80s rock, it'll likely be a 4 string bass. Over time, models with more strings have started to appear. It is now not uncommon to see bassists playing a 5 or even 6 string model. Genres of music such as metal and prog rock have embraced the extra strings and make very good use of them!

Have you ever found yourself tapping along to your favourite song? Then that sense of rhythm has you part of the way there! There are many legendary bass lines that follow a fairly simple pattern (think "Another One Bites The Dust" or "Superfreak"). While it is possible to quickly master some of these, you'll still need to put in the practice to get there. Having the right bass in your hands will certainly make things a lot easier. If you are willing to put in some practice time you'll be nailing those iconic bass riffs before you know it!

Many people think that since the bass guitar has fewer strings than the electric guitar (4 compared to 6), then it will be easier to learn. Some people may find it easier, but many of the same skills are needed for both. A lot of bassists also play guitar. There is certainly no rule to say you can't do both!

This totally depends on the individual. A good bass guitar is simply one that looks and feel good to you. Some people may simply prefer the look of a certain colour or shape while others don't bother much about looks and focus exclusively on sound. Decide what's most important to you and you'll end up with a bass that is not only good but excellent!

For a good starter bass guitar, it makes sense to keep things simple so you can focus on your playing. For that reason, most beginners tend to stick with a 4 string model to best get to grips with the basics. Whether your genre of choice is rock, metal, pop, jazz, or a combination, most bass guitars will cover all of these very well. If you can spend between £150 to £350, you'll get a great beginner's bass. Ibanez, Squier and Yamaha all have excellent models at this price point. The Squier Affinity PJ Bass is particularly popular with beginners.