Embarking on a musical journey is thrilling, and for many, the allure of stringed instruments is undeniable. If you’re drawn to the resonant sounds of music and eager to play your favorite songs, the choice between learning the electric bass or electric guitar often emerges as a pivotal first step. While both instruments share a visual kinship and belong to the guitar family, understanding the nuanced differences between the electric bass and electric guitar is crucial for making an informed decision about which instrument best aligns with your musical aspirations.
Though they are relatives, electric bass and electric guitar each possess distinct characteristics and fulfill unique roles within the tapestry of music. Deciding which to learn first is a personal journey, yet weighing the pros and cons in the classic Electric Bass Vs Electric Guitar debate can illuminate the path best suited for you.
This article will delve into the contrasting and common aspects of these two popular instruments. We’ll explore why you might gravitate towards learning the electric bass or the electric guitar, and the factors that might sway you towards one over the other. Perhaps, the ideal scenario is to master one initially and then leverage that foundation to conquer the second instrument later on!
Unveiling the Distinctions: Electric Bass vs. Electric Guitar
You’ll frequently hear the electric bass referred to as the “bass guitar,” leading to the question: is a bass simply a type of guitar? While the electric bass is indeed a member of the guitar family, significant differences set them apart.
The term “bass guitar” arose to distinguish the modern, horizontally played electric bass from its predecessor, the upright bass. Originally, in orchestras and jazz ensembles, the large, upright bass reigned supreme. It wasn’t until the 1930s that the electric bass, in its familiar horizontal form, was invented. Electrification amplified the volume of this smaller iteration, enabling it to produce the commanding sound reminiscent of its upright ancestor.
While contemporary electric basses and electric guitars may appear similar at first glance, they diverge in several key aspects, including their size, the number and thickness of strings, and their respective roles within a musical ensemble.
Size Matters: Comparing Electric Bass vs. Electric Guitar Dimensions
To the untrained eye, an electric bass and electric guitar might seem almost identical. However, placing an electric bass vs electric guitar side-by-side reveals noticeable size disparities. “Scale length” is a common term used to describe the size of these instruments. While overall height can vary, scale length specifically refers to the distance from the nut to the bridge – essentially, the vibrating length of the strings.
An electric bass is demonstrably larger than an electric guitar. Even within basses, variations exist with “long-scale” and “short-scale” models, yet both bass types possess a longer neck compared to a standard electric guitar. An electric bass can feature between 20 and 24 frets, depending on the style, neck length, and fret spacing.
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The scale length of a standard electric guitar typically ranges from 24″ to 25.5″. Some guitars might reach 30″, but these are less common for standard 6-string models.
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The baritone guitar occupies a middle ground with a scale length around 27″. Longer than a standard guitar but shorter than a bass, baritone guitars are usually tuned a fourth lower than a standard guitar (BEADF#B), contrasting with standard guitar tuning (EADGBE). It’s important to note that “baritone guitar” and “six-string bass” are not interchangeable terms, despite common misconceptions.
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A standard scale electric bass (often called a “long-scale” bass) measures 34″.
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A short-scale electric bass is 30″. Short-scale basses offer closer fret spacing, making them appealing to players with smaller hands or guitarists transitioning to bass. The more compact feel can facilitate navigating the fretboard.
Alt text: Size comparison of electric guitar and electric bass, illustrating the longer scale length of the bass.
Choosing between a long-scale or short-scale bass involves considering tonal differences as well. Short-scale basses often produce a thicker, “meatier” sound due to the use of slightly heavier gauge strings.
While short-scale basses are less prevalent, iconic examples exist, including the Fender Mustang Bass and Squier Bronco Bass. Whether you choose short or long scale, electric basses inherently deliver a more substantial, bottom-heavy sound compared to electric guitars.
String Theory: Number and Thickness on Electric Bass and Guitar
String configuration is another primary differentiator when comparing electric bass vs electric guitar. Most electric guitars have six strings, while the majority of electric basses have four. However, exceptions and variations exist for both.
12-String Electric Guitars
Some electric guitars feature 12 strings. The neck of a 12-string electric guitar is typically wider and thicker to accommodate the additional strings. A 12-string electric guitar produces a richer, chorus-like tone because its lower four strings are paired with a second string tuned an octave higher, while the higher two strings (B and E) are paired in unison. The distinctive sound of a 12-string electric guitar is prominent in classic songs like Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” and Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here.”
Electric Basses with Extended Ranges and Modifications
While four-string electric basses are standard, basses offer a wider range of modifications, including variations in string count and neck features. Five-string and six-string electric bass models are available, extending the instrument’s tonal range. For instance, the Fender Bass VI, a six-string bass, allows for experimentation with alternate tunings and a broader sonic palette. Other bass modifications include fretless necks, reminiscent of upright basses, offering a smooth, gliding playing experience.
String Gauge: Thickness Differences
Even with fewer strings, electric bass strings are notably longer, thicker, and generally more expensive than electric guitar strings. Electric guitars commonly use steel or nickel strings. Acoustic guitars offer a choice between metal strings or softer nylon strings for a mellower tone.
Electric bassists have even more diverse string options to explore. Common types of electric bass strings include:
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Roundwound electric bass strings: The most popular type, roundwound strings feature a steel core wrapped with round stainless steel or nickel wire, resulting in a bright, articulate tone. Their robust construction makes them well-suited for slap bass techniques.
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Flatwound electric bass strings: Favored by jazz bassists, flatwound strings have a steel core wrapped with a flat wire, producing a smoother, warmer, and more mellow tone.
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Tapewound electric bass strings: Less common, tapewound strings have a metal winding (round or flat) encased in a nylon layer. Often black in color, they offer a softer tone and are gentler on the fingers, ideal for fingerstyle bassists.
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Groundwound (or Half-Round) electric bass strings: A hybrid of roundwound and flatwound strings, groundwound strings start as roundwound but are then pressed or ground to flatten the outer layer. This yields a brighter tone than flatwounds but reduces fret wear compared to roundwounds.
Alt text: A visual representation of different types of electric bass strings, including roundwound, flatwound, and tapewound.
Your preferred electric bass playing style can influence your string choice. The debate of pick vs. fingers for electric bass playing also ties into string selection. Roundwound strings, being heavier, often suit aggressive styles like slap bass. Bassists who prefer a gentler fingerstyle approach might opt for softer tapewound strings. Players using a pick might find flatwound or groundwound strings complement their playing style.
Ultimately, string choice is a matter of experimentation and personal preference, intrinsically linked to your playing style and desired tone.
Tuning In: Pitch Discrepancies Between Electric Bass and Guitar
While the lowest four strings of an electric guitar share note names with the four strings of an electric bass in open position, the electric bass is tuned significantly lower. Electric bass strings are tuned a full octave lower in pitch. So, while both instruments have an “E” string as their lowest, the electric bass’s low E is an octave below the electric guitar’s low E.
To appreciate the tonal difference, compare Fender Play’s song lessons for Green Day’s “Basket Case” for bass and guitar. “Basket Case” features an iconic bass riff that can also be played on guitar. The bassline anchors the song’s punk rhythm, recurring throughout and providing unity. The bassline sounds considerably lower than the guitar parts due to the octave difference in tuning.
Utilize Fender’s Online Tuner to compare the tones of notes on an electric bass vs. an electric guitar. It not only guides you on how to tune your bass or guitar but also highlights the subtle yet significant tonal distinctions between the two instruments.
Expanding your tonal horizons? Fender Play’s Alternate Tuning Collection offers electric guitarists and bassists a wealth of options to explore different tunings, unlocking new sounds and creative avenues.
Learning Curve Considerations: Is Electric Guitar or Electric Bass Easier?
Aspiring musicians often grapple with the question: “Is electric bass easier than electric guitar?” or “Should I learn electric guitar before electric bass?” There are no definitive answers. The perceived ease of learning electric bass or electric guitar is subjective and depends on individual aptitudes and learning styles. Each player’s journey is unique, with individual strengths and challenges.
For instance, mastering chords and their variations is fundamental for electric guitarists. Memorizing chord shapes and transitions can present a steeper initial learning curve compared to the single-note focus often prevalent in electric bass playing. However, electric guitar offers versatility, allowing players to lean into rhythm-based (chord-heavy) styles or lead guitar roles (solos and riffs).
Conversely, some novice electric bassists, particularly those with smaller hands or sensitive fingertips, might find adjusting to thicker electric bass strings and choosing between fingerstyle or pick playing challenging. Like electric guitar, electric bass provides ample avenues for creative expression. While crafting basslines and riffs shares similarities with electric guitar solos, focusing on single notes rather than chords, electric bass establishes the rhythmic foundation of a song, often considered the musical “glue” that binds a composition.
As a beginner, any instrument will present new challenges. It’s not critical whether you start on electric guitar and then transition to electric bass. Many techniques learned on one instrument are transferable to the other. Mastering one instrument first provides a valuable foundation for learning the nuances of the second later. While the initial allure might be to find the “easier” instrument, consistent practice is key to progress on both electric guitar and electric bass. Commit to the instrument that resonates most with you, maintain consistent practice, and you’ll witness tangible progress!
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Making the Choice: Electric Bass or Electric Guitar?
Having explored the distinctions, you might still ponder whether to begin with electric bass or electric guitar. While the unique characteristics of each instrument are informative, music is fundamentally about emotion and personal connection. You might feel a stronger emotional pull toward the sonic landscape of either electric guitar or electric bass.
Consider these self-reflective questions:
- Do you prefer music with emphasized bass frequencies, or do you favor brighter, treble-rich sounds?
- Do you find yourself instinctively moving to the rhythm and groove of a song, or are you captivated by soaring guitar solos?
- Personality-wise, do you thrive in the spotlight, or do you prefer a supportive, behind-the-scenes role in creative endeavors?
Regarding the last question, while electric guitarists often take center stage, driving a band’s creative direction and garnering attention, many introverted guitarists exist (e.g., Mick Mars of Motley Crue). Conversely, prominent and charismatic bassists like Les Claypool, Flea, Bootsy Collins, Geddy Lee, and Gene Simmons are also songwriters and recognizable figures.
If collaborative music-making and teamwork appeal to you, electric bass might be particularly attractive. While electric guitarists are abundant, skilled bassists are often in high demand, making learning electric bass a potentially strategic choice if joining a band is your goal.
Discover Fender Play Electric Bass Collections
If indecision persists, explore Fender Play’s collections for both electric bass and electric guitar. Examining the techniques and scales taught for each instrument can offer further clarity and help you determine which instrument feels like a more natural fit.
Consider these starting points:
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Lead Guitar Techniques: Explore techniques like hammer-ons, pull-offs, string bending, and slides – essential for adding flair and personality to lead electric guitar playing.
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Bass Scales You Should Know: Scales are foundational for music theory and technique development. Mastering electric bass scales enhances speed and dexterity, laying the groundwork for crafting compelling basslines.
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Scales You Should Know: Electric guitarists also benefit immensely from scale practice, deepening musical understanding and facilitating pattern recognition across the fretboard.
Embark on Your Musical Journey with Fender Play Lessons
Whether you aspire to learn electric bass, electric guitar, or both, Fender Play provides an accessible and engaging platform for beginners. Concise, bite-sized lessons break down essential concepts, providing a solid musical foundation. Fender Play’s extensive library also enables you to learn and play songs you love, with hundreds of songs available for both electric guitar and electric bass.
Start your musical adventure today by signing up for a free trial of Fender Play and take the first step towards mastering your chosen instrument.
