The bass guitar has a rich history that dates back to the mid-20th century. It was developed as a more portable and electric alternative to the double bass, which had long been the standard for providing the low-end foundation in orchestras and jazz bands. The first electric bass guitars, such as the Fender Precision Bass introduced in 1951, typically had four strings. This four-string configuration quickly became the standard in popular music genres like rock, pop, and blues.
The Standard Four-String Bass
The four-string bass is by far the most common type of bass guitar, and it serves as the foundation for countless musical styles. Tuned to E, A, D, and G (one octave lower than the four lowest strings on a standard six-string guitar), the four-string bass provides a solid and well-defined low-end.
Advantages of the Four-String Bass
Simplicity and Accessibility: For beginners, the four-string bass is often the easiest to learn. With fewer strings to manage, it’s simpler to grasp basic concepts like tuning, fretting, and playing simple basslines. This simplicity also makes it easier to develop good technique, as the focus can be on fundamental skills without the added complexity of additional strings.
Traditional Sound: The four-string bass has a classic sound that is deeply ingrained in many musical genres. In rock, for example, the four-string bass provides the driving, thumping rhythm that is essential to the genre’s energy. In blues, it adds a warm and soulful low-end that complements the vocals and guitar work.
Compact and Lightweight: Compared to bass guitars with more strings, four-string models are generally more compact and lightweight. This makes them easier to transport, whether you’re gigging around town or traveling long distances for a tour. It also reduces fatigue during long practice sessions or live performances.
Applications in Different Genres
Rock: In rock music, the four-string bass is used to create powerful, driving basslines that lock in with the drums to provide the rhythm section’s foundation. Bands like Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and Metallica have all relied on the four-string bass to create their signature sounds.
Pop: Pop music often features catchy basslines that enhance the melody and rhythm of the song. The four-string bass is well-suited for this role, as it can provide a clear and concise low-end that doesn’t overpower the other elements in the mix. Artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Bruno Mars have all had great success with four-string bass players in their bands.
Blues: The four-string bass is a staple in blues music, where it adds a rich and earthy low-end to the sound. Blues basslines often feature walking patterns and simple, yet effective, melodies that complement the emotional intensity of the vocals and guitar solos.
The Five-String Bass
The five-string bass was developed to expand the range of the instrument. By adding a low B string (tuned an octave lower than the E string on a four-string bass), the five-string bass offers a deeper and more extended low-end.
Benefits of the Fifth String
Lower Range: The addition of the low B string allows bass players to access notes that are not possible on a four-string bass. This is particularly useful in genres like metal, where a deep, thunderous low-end is often desired. It can also add a new dimension to jazz and funk, allowing for more complex and interesting basslines.
Greater Harmonic Possibilities: With the extra string, bass players have more notes at their disposal, which opens up new harmonic possibilities. They can play more complex chords and voicings, and create more intricate basslines that add depth and richness to the music.
Versatility: The five-string bass is more versatile than the four-string bass, as it can cover a wider range of musical styles. It can be used in both traditional and modern music, and can adapt to different sonic environments with ease.
Who Uses Five-String Basses?
Metal Bassists: In the metal genre, five-string basses are extremely popular. The low B string provides the heavy, distorted sound that is characteristic of metal music. Bassists like Cliff Burton of Metallica and Steve Di Giorgio of Death have used five-string basses to great effect in their playing.
Progressive Musicians: Progressive rock and jazz musicians also often favor five-string basses. The extra range and harmonic possibilities allow them to explore more complex musical ideas and create more innovative basslines. Artists like Tony Levin of King Crimson and Victor Wooten have made significant contributions to the world of music using five-string basses.
The Six-String Bass
The six-string bass takes the concept of expanded range even further. In addition to the low B string found on five-string basses, the six-string bass also has a high C string (tuned an octave higher than the G string on a four-string bass).
Expanding the Range in Both Directions
Low-End Depth: The low B string on the six-string bass provides the same deep, powerful low-end as the five-string bass. This is crucial for genres that require a heavy, thunderous low-end, such as metal and certain types of electronic music.
High-End Clarity: The addition of the high C string gives the six-string bass a brighter, more articulate high-end. This can be used to add melody and complexity to basslines, and to create a more distinct sound in the upper register.
Challenges and Rewards of Playing a Six-String Bass
Technical Demands: Playing a six-string bass requires a higher level of technical proficiency compared to a four-or five-string bass. With more strings to manage, bass players need to have better finger dexterity and hand strength to play accurately and efficiently.
Enhanced Expressiveness: Despite the challenges, the six-string bass offers a greater degree of expressiveness. Bass players can use the extra strings to create more intricate and dynamic basslines, and to add more depth and texture to the music.
Beyond Six Strings: Seven, Eight, and More
While four, five, and six-string basses are the most common, there are also bass guitars available with seven, eight, or even more strings. These multi-string basses are typically used by professional musicians and those who are looking for a highly specialized sound.
Reasons for Using Multi-String Basses
Ultra-Extended Range: Bass guitars with seven, eight, or more strings offer an extremely extended range, allowing bass players to access notes that are not possible on traditional bass guitars. This can be used to create unique and otherworldly sounds, or to provide a more comprehensive low-end foundation in large ensembles.
Experimental and Avant-Garde Music: In experimental and avant-garde music, multi-string basses are often used to push the boundaries of traditional music theory and create new sonic landscapes. These basses allow musicians to explore new harmonic and melodic possibilities, and to create sounds that are truly unique.
Examples of Multi-String Bass Players
Marcus Miller: Marcus Miller is a renowned jazz and fusion bassist who has used a seven-string bass in some of his recordings. His playing on the seven-string bass is characterized by its technical proficiency and musicality, and he has used the extra strings to create complex and innovative basslines.
Chapman Stick: The Chapman Stick is a unique multi-string instrument that can be considered a type of bass guitar. It typically has 8, 10, or 12 strings, and is played by tapping the strings with both hands. Players like Tony Levin have used the Chapman Stick to create a wide range of sounds, from deep, throbbing basslines to soaring melodies.
Choosing the Right Number of Strings for You
When choosing a bass guitar, the number of strings is an important consideration. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Your Musical Style
Genre-Specific Needs: Different musical genres have different requirements when it comes to bass guitars. If you’re interested in playing rock, pop, or blues, a four-string bass may be sufficient. However, if you’re into metal, jazz, or progressive music, you may want to consider a five-or six-string bass for the extra range and harmonic possibilities.
Sonic Preferences: Think about the sound you want to achieve. If you prefer a classic, traditional sound, a four-string bass may be the way to go. But if you’re looking for a more modern, experimental sound, a multi-string bass may be more suitable.
Your Skill Level
Beginner-Friendly Options: For beginners, a four-string bass is often the best choice. It’s easier to learn and master the basics on a four-string bass, and it can provide a solid foundation for further learning.
Advanced Players: As you progress as a bass player and develop your skills, you may find that you want to explore the additional capabilities offered by a five-or six-string bass. These instruments can challenge you to expand your playing technique and musical vocabulary.
Ergonomics and Comfort
String Spacing and Reach: Consider the spacing between the strings and how comfortable it is for you to reach across them. Bass guitars with more strings may have narrower string spacing, which can be more challenging to play, especially for players with larger hands.
Weight and Balance: The number of strings can also affect the weight and balance of the bass guitar. Heavier basses may be more difficult to hold and play for long periods of time, so it’s important to choose an instrument that feels comfortable in your hands.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the number of strings on a bass guitar can vary widely, from the standard four-string model to basses with eight or more strings. Each string configuration offers its own unique advantages and challenges, and the choice of which one to use depends on a variety of factors, including your musical style, skill level, and personal preferences. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned professional looking to expand your sonic horizons, there is a bass guitar out there with the perfect number of strings for you. By understanding the differences between the various string options available, you can make an informed decision and choose the bass guitar that will help you achieve your musical goals.
