Bass vs Guitar: What Are the Differences?

Malcolm Gladwell said in the Outlier that you would need 10,000 hours of practice to perfect a skill. Imagine wanting to play a guitar or a bass like a pro? If you don’t know the difference and pick the wrong instrument, you will be miserable throughout the training process.

By knowing the difference, you can pick the instrument of your dreams. It will make 10,000 hours of training less stressful and more fun. If you are ready to play like Ed Sheeran, keep reading to learn more about bass vs guitar.

What Is a Bass?

The bass guitar is a stringed instrument that has a low range. It is typically used in rock, hip-hop, and pop genres. It was first introduced in the 1930s and has since become one of the most popular instruments in the world.

The electric bass is played by plucking the strings with your fingers or using a pick. The instrument can be plugged into an amplifier to make the sound louder. 

What Is a Guitar?

The guitar is a stringed instrument that has a wide range of notes. It can be used in rock, country, blues, and jazz genres. There are various guitars, but the most common are acoustic and electric.

Bass vs Guitar: Size

A bass is larger and has a longer neck than a guitar. The strings on a bass are also thicker than a guitar. The scale length of a bass is typically 34 inches, while the guitar is 25.5 inches.

Bass vs Guitar: Number of Strings

A bass has 4 strings, while a guitar has 6 strings. However, there are also 5-string and 7-string basses, as well as 12-string guitars.

Bass vs Guitar: Sound

The sound of a bass is lower and deeper than the guitar. Since the bass has a thicker string than the guitar, it creates lower notes.

The sound is also affected by the body of the instrument. A bass made of maple will have a brighter sound than a guitar, which is often made with mahogany. However, the guitar produces a warmer sound. 

Bass vs Guitar: Playing Style

Both instruments should be played with the right hand. The left hand holds down the strings while the right hand plucks or strums.

However, there are some differences in how the two instruments are played. For example, a guitar player will use a pick to strum the strings, while a bass player will use their fingers.

Bass vs Guitar: Tuning

Basses are tuned lower than guitars. The lowest string on a bass is an E, which is two octaves below the middle C. The standard tuning for a guitar is EADGBE. 

Bass Vs Guitar: Material for the Instrument

The most common material for the bass is maple. The guitar is known for different wood materials, such as rosewood, maple, and spruce.

Bass vs Guitar: Price

A bass is usually more expensive than a guitar. However, there is a wide range in prices for both instruments. 

You can find a decent bass for around $200, while a good quality guitar costs around $500.

Bass vs Guitar: Which Is Harder to Play?

Some people may find the bass harder to play because of its large size and long neck. The thick strings can also be more challenging to pluck for beginners. On the other hand, guitars may also be more complicated because there are more strings. 

Bass vs Guitar: Purpose

The bass guitar can hold down the low end of a song. It provides the rhythm and beat for the rest of the instruments. The guitar, on the other hand, is often used for the melody or lead parts of a song. 

List of Bass and Guitar Tips for Beginners

Playing the guitar or bass can help relieve stress, improve your cognitive abilities, and boost your self-esteem. It can also be a great way to meet new people and have fun. Now that we know the difference between these instruments, here are some tips for beginners:

Use a Metronome

If you want to learn how to play these instruments, start practicing with a metronome. This will help you keep time and stay in rhythm. You should also practice plucking the strings with your fingers and using a pick. 

Start With the Basics

To play the guitar or bass, start by learning the basic chords. Practice strumming the strings with a pick. 

You can also try fingerpicking. Once you know some chords, you can start practicing melodies and lead parts. 

Private Lessons

You can take a course or private lessons if you want to learn how to play either instrument. This will help you get started and give you the foundation to be an excellent player. 

Practice Regularly

Set aside 30 minutes each day to practice. You can also try jamming with friends or other musicians. 

Have Fun

Remember to enjoy the process of learning how to play. Don’t get too frustrated if you make a mistake. Just keep practicing, and you will improve over time. 

List of Famous Guitar Players

Some famous guitar players include Jimi Hendrix, Slash, and Eddie Van Halen. These guitarists have unique playing styles and abilities.

List of Famous Bass Players

The most famous bassists include Paul McCartney, Flea, and Geddy Lee. These musicians have phenomenal technical abilities and contributions to the world of music. 

Ultimate Guitar Guide to Finding Your Instrument 

There are many differences between playing a bass and a guitar. However, both instruments are perfect for anyone with the right amount of practice and dedication. The bass is an excellent option for those looking to join a band.

The guitar is a solid solution if you want to play solo. If you are looking for more insights on bass vs guitar, we can help. Check out our shop to find the instrument of your dreams