How many strings does a bass guitar have? What are the string names on a bass guitar? What kinds of notes do they produce, and how do you play chords?
If you’re new to playing the bass, these are all questions you might find yourself asking – and for good reason.
After all, one of the most important instruments in any Rock’n’Roll band is the powerful bass guitar. These 4 stringed guitars are the instruments of choice for artists such as Flea from The Red-Hot Chili Peppers, Sting, and Paul McCartney from The Beatles. The deep sounds from this large guitar help push the music forward through the use of bass lines. Even the sensation from the bass guitar vibrating your body during a rock concert helps contribute to the overall experience! So, how can you begin your journey on the bass guitar? How are the strings and notes arranged? Can you play chords on it like a guitar?
Learn everything you need to know about bass guitar strings, notes, and chords in this post!
What Are the 12 Notes on a Bass Guitar?
There are several bass guitar string notes, each of which is named after the first seven letters of the alphabet:
- The notes are A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, and with sharps and flats added in, that brings us to 12 (or sometimes more) different standard notes.
- Each note can be played at different octaves.
- The bass guitar’s strings are usually tuned to E, A, D, and G.
- A bassist can use different techniques to produce different sounds and effects.
- The 12 notes on a bass guitar provide the foundation for a wide range of music genres.
Learning the positions of the notes on the fretboard is essential for playing bass guitar – but is playing the bass guitar the best choice for you? If you’re not sure about whether this is the instrument you want to devote your time and energy to learning, be sure to check out the video below – and ask your teacher for more tips!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp0JDhT-ERk
What is a Bass Guitar?
The bass guitar, not to be confused with the double bass found in orchestras, is the lowest pitched instrument in the guitar family. The bass guitar has a very similar construction to an electric guitar, but the scale of the instrument is much longer and heavier. The bass guitar has pickups which allows it to be plugged into an electric amplifier during performances. The popularity of the bass guitar has soared since the 1950’s and it has become a crucial aspect of many bands today.
Do Bass Guitars Have 4 or 6 Strings?
So how many strings on a bass guitar?
The bass guitar typically has 4 thick strings, unlike a standard acoustic or electric guitar that has 6 strings. There are basses with 6 strings, but 4 strings are the standard. The 4 strings are tuned very similar to the 4 lowest pitched strings of a guitar (EADG); however, they are an octave lower in pitch when compared to a guitar. The 4 stringed bass guitar is meant to replicate the sound of the double bass. For this article, we will be discussing the 4-string bass as this is the most common.
Bass Guitar Note Layout
If you are familiar with guitar or other musical instruments, you are probably quite familiar with the musical alphabet and how notes are arranged on fretted instruments. The layout of bass notes works exactly the same as it does on the guitar, it is just a lower pitch! Here is the musical alphabet notes of a bass guitar written in both sharps and flats…
Sharps: A A# B C C# D D# E F F# G G#
Flats: A Bb B C Db D Eb E F Gb G Ab
Like a guitar, each fret is called a half step in music. Each fret is a different note in the musical alphabet! If you start on the E string on the bass and count up to the 12th fret, the note layout is as follows…
Sharps: E F F# G G# A A# B C C# D D# E
Flats: E F Gb G Ab A Bb B C Db D Eb E
Below is a blank fretboard layout for bass guitar notes. Can you fill it out up to the 12th fret without looking back at the previous section? We already have one string filled out, so try the A, D, and G strings!
Are you confident in your answers? Let’s check your work using sharps!
Unlike a guitar, the bass guitar reads sheet music using the bass clef instead of treble clef. This change is necessary for the bass as it allows bass musicians to read low notes easily without many ledger lines. Here’s how the natural notes on the bass guitar are laid out in bass clef notation…
Can Chords be Played on a Bass Guitar?
The guitar is known for its numerous chords and strumming techniques, but can bass guitars use chords as well? The answer is YES, you can play chords on a bass guitar, but they are not as commonly used. Bass guitars are usually played by using bass lines that are picked with your fingers. However, you can take any regular guitar chord and apply it to the bass guitar! Take any guitar chord, look at the fingerings on the EADG strings, and then build the exact same shape on the bass guitar! Knowledge of chords on the bass can help you find bass lines that you can improvise on during a solo or accompaniment. Search online for basic guitar chords, and use the 4 lowest pitched strings of the guitar (EADG) to play your own introductory bass guitar chord!
Where to Find the Best Bass Guitar Strings
For bassists old and new, finding the perfect set of bass guitar strings can make all the difference. Whether you’re a beginner looking for affordably priced strings or a seasoned player searching for premium quality strings, there are plenty of options out there.
One of the first places to look for bass guitar strings is at your local music store. There, you can find a variety of options that cater to different playing styles, genres, and budgets.
Plus, you can ask for recommendations from the store’s staff who are usually knowledgeable about the products they sell. If you’re unsure about what kind of strings you need, local music stores can be a great resource.
Online retailers such as Amazon and Sweetwater also offer a wide selection of brands and gauges, so you can easily compare prices and read reviews from other players. If you’re looking for specialty strings that might not be available at your local store, online shopping is a great option to consider.
For those looking for a truly one-of-a-kind sound, custom bass guitar string makers can be a great option. These companies offer strings that are tailored to your specific playing style and preferences. While custom strings can be more expensive than standard options, they can also offer a significant upgrade in tone and quality.
A Few More Tips for Learning Bass Guitar Strings, Notes, and Chords
When learning anything new, consistency is key. The same goes for learning the bass guitar. Even if you can only practice for a few minutes each day, that’s better than not practicing at all. The more you play, the quicker you’ll improve.
It’s important to start with simple songs when you’re just beginning to learn the bass guitar. This will help you build a foundation for more complex songs down the road. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t master a difficult song right away. Take your time and practice the simpler songs for as long as you need to.
As you’re learning the bass guitar, don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and styles. This will help you find your own unique voice on the instrument. Some things to try include playing with your fingers versus a pick, using different plucking techniques, and playing with a slapping technique.
Learning to play the bass guitar isn’t just about mastering the notes on the fretboard. It’s also important to understand the theory behind the songs you’re playing. This includes understanding chord progressions, scales, and arpeggios. While learning these things may seem daunting, they’ll help you become a more well-rounded musician and give you the tools you need to compose your own songs.
At the end of the day, learning an instrument is supposed to be fun. Don’t get too bogged down in the technicalities. Remember to enjoy the process and celebrate your progress. Find other musicians to jam with, join a band, or just play for fun. The bass guitar is a versatile and fun instrument, so enjoy every minute of it.
Once You’ve Learned String Names on a Bass Guitar, the Sky’s the Limit!
If you can dedicate yourself to mastering the bass guitar strings, notes, and chords we’ve discussed in this post, you’ve taken a massive first step toward becoming a great bass player.
And some more good news?
If you are a musician or a guitarist, picking up the bass will come quickly to you due to its similarities to other instruments. If you are brand new to music in general, the bass guitar is also a great beginner instrument; all it takes to get started is to dip your toes in the water and immerse yourself in the art. Keep slappin’ that bass!
Zach Deyo