Bass Guitar Basics

Summary: The bass has a bit of a chip on its shoulder. Many people think that the least talented musician in a band is assigned to the bass. But fewer strings does not necessarily translate into less creative impact. While much of pop music has relatively simple bass lines, even the most basic of these lines are crucial to creating a solid rhythm section. In more progressive forms of rock music as well as in jazz, the bass maintains the timekeeping function while adding a subtlety and depth to a band’s sound nearly impossible to achieve with the more intrusive lead instruments. In funk and hip hop, the bass steps up to center stage, pounding home dancefloor rhythms. And in reggae the bass takes over, with the guitar keeping the beat as expansive bass runs dance all around it.

In this series of free music instruction videos, our rock and jazz guitar expert shows you how to get started playing the electric bass. Drawing from his experience teaching daily lessons, Casey Cormier talks you though the very basics, such as the parts of the bass and the proper posture for playing it. You quickly move on to learn how to pluck the strings and tune your new favorite instrument. After a brief overview of how to read the bass clef, you’ll learn how to pluck a few notes and even play a song. Now you’re ready to move on to our next bass lesson…