There are many types of guitars that you can learn. One of the most underrated, but the most important is the bass guitar. Though it may seem like a very minute detail in a group, it plays a significant role in putting the whole composition together. If you’re a newbie to music, you might not quite understand the benefits of bass. But, as you begin to get the hang of it, you’ll realize that learning how to play the bass isn’t as difficult as it may be. Plus, it poses a lot of benefits, too.
That said, read more below to learn more about playing the bass guitar and the benefits of doing so:
What Is The Bass Guitar?
A bass guitar is a slightly larger guitar, with only four strings. Just like the lowest four strings on a regular guitar, the tuning of a bass guitar is set at E-A-D-G. As to pitch, it’s one octave lower than that of a regular guitar. If you already know how to play the guitar, switching to bass isn’t going to be as difficult. You can easily switch among the different kinds of guitars.
How Long Does It Take To Master The Bass Guitar?
The duration of learning how to play and master the bass guitar is dependent on you, the student. If you’re a beginner, you may start to get the hang of things in as quick as six months. But, full mastery of technique and application of own style may take years to master.
It’s your drive and ambition that’s going to set you far. The frequency of your practice sessions is also one of the key players to put you on the right track of success.
Here are some other tips to keep in mind when learning how to play the bass guitar:
- Pick up the guitar to a total of at least one to two hours every week.
- Start practicing with technique exercises, such as arpeggios.
- As starters, pick fun songs to practice with, as this can help keep you inspired to continue learning.
- Develop a strong sense of timing. This includes practicing with a rhythm device, such as a metronome.
- Keep your personal goals in mind.
- Choose a time of a day to practice when you don’t have distractions.
To start with learning how to play the bass guitar, choosing a good bass guitar is also helpful. This is dependent on your budget, your preference and even the size of your arms.
What Are The Benefits Of Playing Bass?
Many of you may wonder, what is the benefit of playing bass? In most cases, the bassist is often set to take a back seat in the entire band. But, an excellent bassist is one that knows their role in so doing and the benefits they contribute. These include:
- Scholastic benefits. Bass players also have many educational benefits. If they learn how to play the bass, while they’re students, they’re better adept at comprehension and math skills. The training that they receive from learning to master their instrument, exercises, and enhances brain development. This can also result in better grades, reduction of stress, and improved social behavior, such as better interaction with students as a music teacher.
- Carrying the band. The bass may only be a minute instrument in the background, but the bass puts and connects the whole ensemble. They’re responsible for holding together all the instruments of the band, for putting them together in one whole. They set the group to the rhythm and groove, along with working closely with the drummer.
- Playing for the song. Apart from putting the whole band together, the bassist also sets the entire song collectively. As the bassist, you’re playing for the song. You put the song in total beat and harmony. This is shown in the bassist’s ability to exercise restraint and subtlety.
- Professional advantages. Because not many students choose to play the bass guitar, it carries with it professional benefits. This is if you wish to play the bass guitar as a professional later on. They’re very much in demand in the music industry, as their playing style can be used in any musical genre.
Careers as a bass guitar, for instance, includes the following options:
- Playing as a chamber musician, in a community orchestra.
- Playing as a session musician, responsible for providing background music in movies, television shows, and even television commercials.
- Playing in church groups, cruise ships, restaurants, events such as weddings and parties.
Conclusion
Learning how to play the bass guitar takes some serious skill. It might seem easy at first, but just like any other instrument or ability to master, it’s a gift or talent for you to develop. While it may take years of study and hard work, once you get the hang of it, it poses a lot of advantages and benefits that it can bring to your life. If you’ve long been considering learning it, why not? As a new year unfolds, now’s the time also for you to get started with learning a new instrument.