How to Play the Electric Bass Guitar

Once you have learned the basics of how to play the electric bass guitar, the next thing that can be learned is playing the different notes of the instrument.

To begin, pluck the 4th string without using your fretting hand. This is known as “open” playing. The resulting note is E. Plucking the strings below would produce the sounds of A, D, and G. Each sound produced is higher than the previous one.

From the 4th string, position the index finger of your fretting hand on the initial fret, which is found between the nut and first fret. Hold it down firmly on the initial fret, use the index finger on your plucking hand and pluck the 4th string. The resulting sound is a half-step higher than plucking the 4th string alone.

Move your fingers up to the second fret and pluck the 4th string again. You will produce a sound that has a higher octave than the previous one. For the remaining strings, begin by playing open then on the initial fret, and so on.

If the sound being produced is muffled, out of key, or simply bad, check your fretting finger and see if you are holding it firmly down the note or positioned directly in the middle of the fret.

Remember that your fingers should be directly positioned in the middle of the frets as this will create a “truer” sound. As much as possible, avoid over sliding your fingers too close to either fret.

Bear in mind that individual notes have specific values associated with them. As you go up to a higher fret, the values of the notes change as well. These values are used by musicians to determine where in the neck they will play to produce a specific note.

As you move higher on the fretboard, the value of each note increases by half a step for individual frets. This way, you will easily find your wanted note. Simply move up and down the guitar neck until you find the note you are looking for.

The basic difference between a classic guitar and the electric bass guitar is the latter does not involve any chords. However, there are some bass guitarists who use chords when playing. With an electric bass guitar, every note is important. You can focus on playing the notes or opt to be a counter melody for the lead guitar.

Learning how to play notes is one of the important steps of understanding how to play the electric bass guitar.

Other Related posts:

1. Practicing the Electric Bass Guitar
2. Plucking Your Bass Guitar