Comparing a Guitar and a Bass

When we listen to modern music, there are usually only several instruments being heard – guitar, bass, and drums, but there are some exceptions. When we listen to music we usually listen to the song overall and we don’t necessarily pay attention to one instrument individually, or the purpose they serve. Although guitars and basses are both necessary for most music, they serve two very distinct purposes and are very different to play.

It is very easy to notice the differences of the two, both visually and kinesthetically. The bass guitar is substantially larger then a guitar. The neck of a bass is longer and the body is much heavier then that of a guitar. A bass typically has four strings, while a guitar has six. The strings of the guitar are much thinner than that of the bass, which create different tones and pitches, which are very important to the purpose of both these instruments.

In a musical group, the bass and the drums are the keepers of the rhythm. The bass is a supportive instrument for the guitar and vocals. The bass holds down the foundation to the music, letting the guitar solo, or do something a bit more technical to add to the music. Although you can have a bass solo, or a rhythm guitar, it is most common for the bass to be in the background, while the guitars lead the music and take the spotlight.

As a bass player, people always ask me if I play bass because it’s easier then guitar, but it is not. When starting to play an instrument bass is typically easier to learn because a bass usually plays one note at a time, while a guitar plays chords with up to six notes at a time. So obviously it would appear that bass is easier then guitar, which may be true, but in a group the bass holds much more responsibility then the guitar. Without the “base” you cannot build upwards, so to be a successful bass player a keen sense of rhythm and style is a must. But learning any instrument is hard work, and mastering either of these instruments is no small feat.