A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Your First Bass Guitar

So, you’ve finally decided to get your first bass guitar? This is probably one of the best decisions you’ll make in your life. Playing an instrument is always a good idea. It brings a lot of benefits to the table, both physical and mental. There are plenty of choices on the market, so how to find the right bass for you? Well, if you know the guitar basics and understand your needs, choosing a bass will be easier than you think.

Types of Bass Guitars

Just like most instruments, basses come in several varieties. They all have their unique characteristic and are made for different music genres. Every type gives you a different sound that complements a music line in its own special way.

Electric Bass

Until 1951, when Leo Fender invented the Fender Precision Bass, bassists used big, heavy stand-up instruments. This was an invention that brought a powerful sound packed into a more compact case that could be electrified as a guitar. It provides a sound that matches the sound of rock, funk, pop, country and metal music.

Many musicians consider it to be the best guitar bass type because of its many advantages. It comes in several sizes that can match players of all ages. It’s a flexible instrument that blends the best of both the electric and acoustic music worlds. It can also be amplified giving you the freedom of choosing when you want to be heard.

Acoustic Bass

The acoustic bass is very similar to a classic acoustic guitar because they both have a hollow body and a sound hole. However, when it comes to sound, the acoustic bass gives you a more muted, mellow sound made for more relaxed genres like world music and folk where the base isn’t a prime instrument.

This is the right guitar if you want to keep things simple and don’t want to deal with amplifiers. Created to give the song some rhythm and a powerful low-end sound, an acoustic bass may not be suitable for beginners because it has a thicker neck.

Fretless Bass

These are electric basses that lack fret markers. They give musicians playing freedom because they don’t have to worry if they put their fingers close to a fret creating a buzzing sound and distorting the notes. This is a guitar that only experienced musicians can play.

Upright Bass

The upright bass is a huge acoustic bass played upright. It’s not a very portable instrument and it’s played with a bow or fingers, much like a violin, but much larger. Usually, you hear an upright bass in jazz, bluegrass, or classical music. It also lacks fret markers and you have to stand in order to play it.

What to Consider when Buying?

Body Style

You have two types of bodies to choose from, solid and semi-hollow. The solid body is very similar to an electric guitar. It has a louder sound because it’s made to be amplified. The semi-hollow option gives a more in-line sound with an acoustic bass. This body type can still work with an amp but gives you lots of flexibility.

Price

The guitar bass can vary in price. It can go anywhere from $150 to $1,500, or more depending on the brand and the guitar’s condition. Before buying the guitar, set a budget. This will help you narrow down the options and avoid spending a lot of money because you’re still a beginner. It’s good if you start with a more budget-friendly option in case you don’t like the sound or it’s not the right guitar bass type for you.

Neck

The guitar’s neck is also something to consider. It comes in several varieties and some are easier to handle than others. The U-shaped neck is perfect if you have larger hands because it’s rounded and thick. The V-shaped can be soft and pointed. The soft one is rounded and the pointed one is often easier to handle. The third type is the C-shaped neck and it’s suitable for most playing styles.

Type of Music You Play

Which performer or band inspired you to take up the bass? The sort of bass you choose will greatly depend on the genre of music you enjoy. Full-body guitars bass are commonly used in jazz, rock, metal and funk. Blues, on the other hand, require a semi-hollow bass. Part of the joy of shopping around is trying out different types of basses. This way you can see which one suits you and your music style the most.

Best Bass Guitar Woods

Walnut & Mahogany

Walnut provides a wide range of medium tones. It’s not nearly as bright as woods like ash or maple, but it still has a punch. The open grain of mahogany provides an array of appearances. It has a pleasant mid-range sound and sustain, and its tone is warm and full. That’s why it’s suitable for jazz and blues.

Ash & Alder

Both of these woods are considered a more traditional choice. A lot of bass type guitars are made of Swamp Ash which is an Ash tree variety. It gives out a bright tone and a certain snap. Alder bass will have a rich and full tone with sustain and warmth. Plus, this lightweight wood is very comfortable to hold.

Mahogany & Basswood

Mahogany has an open grain and it produces full, warm tones. It’s one of the most popular woods for jazz and blues musicians. Basswood is rich and warm in tone.

Maple

Maple provides a bright tone, and excellent sustain with a little bite on the top end. This is a heavy type of wood and manufacturers rarely use it to make the guitar entirely out of maple. As a result, it’s often used as a laminated top to give the musician a striking tone.