Mike Ippersiel asked:




Have you been thinking about playing the electric bass but have been told that your hands may be too small? Have you been told to play guitar or perhaps even a ukulele instead? If despite all this you're still yearning to play the bass guitar, hope is not lost. All you really need is to find bass guitar necks for small hands.

Now I don't care if you're a small adult, a child, a woman or a man. Plenty of people feel intimated by the size of a bass guitar. The body and neck are significantly longer than a guitar and if you happen to be small in stature, you'll also notice that bass guitars are often heavier than their smaller six-stringed cousins.

But hope is not lost. Consider these options before giving up on your chance to play the electric bass even if you have small hands.

1. Avoid basses with more than four strings: Sorry for being painfully obvious here, but if you have small hands you definitely don't want to experiment with a five or six string bass in the early going. Stick with a four string and gradually work your way up from there if needed.

2. Avoid basses with a reputation for having thick necks: These include Fender Precision basses and almost any Gibson electric basses. This is a general rule, but I still recommend you play as many different basses and necks that you can because the width and depth can vary considerably from model to model.

3. Regular scale basses with thin necks: Check out Fender Jazz basses and Ibanez Soundgear four string basses. These basses are known for having fast necks that are easier to manage.

4. Explore short scale basses with thin necks: These bases are usually somewhere in the 30 inch scale length area, it'll still sound like a bass but will not be quite as long - a great option for a child that hasn't quite grown into a full sized bass guitar just yet. Investigate the Squier Bronco bass and the Fender Mustang bass guitar.

5. Go custom: Not for the faint of heart, but if you've decided to stick with the bass guitar thing and your hands just aren't getting any bigger, you should look into getting a custom bass guitar or custom bass guitar neck made to measure for you. One company specializing in smaller instruments is Birdsong Guitars and their prices are very reasonable for the amount of detail they put into their guitars. Lastly, you can attempt to shave down a regular bass guitar neck - it's a cheaper option then getting a custom made bass neck, but you'll need to pay a skilled luthier or repair person to do the work. It's also risky because if you shave off too much - you can't get it back.

The very last option for learning how to play bass with small hands is to just get used to it. There's a certain amount of pain involved in learning to play any instrument, if your desire is strong and you employ an intelligent approach (never play through pain on a regular basis or you're going to damage your body - perhaps permanently) chances are you'll find a way to adapt to the instrument.

Where there's a will there's a way!

So if somebody writes off your ability to learn how to play the electric bass just because your hands are on the small side, don't believe them. Today there are many options for those who are looking for bass guitar necks for small hands!



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Carl G Calderon asked:




Bass guitar is absolutely one of the favourite instruments to learn. This may be because the bass guitar helps lay down the beat, in much the same ways as drums but more melodically. It looks just like an electric guitar but the main differences are that it has a longer neck and only 4 strings. The strings are tuned to notes G, D, A and E. It has a solid body and frets in the same way as a six stringed guitar.

A bass guitar greatly enhances the beat of a song and the harmony. Most bassists will pick their baseline according to their style. The harmony of the bass will increase and enhance the progression of chords. Harmony greatly enhances a song and indeed defines a songs emotions. From the beat perspective, a bass' beat gives a song or tune this basic element too. Again, it underlies the basic nature of the song being played and forms a fundamental role in the definition of the song, giving it heart and tempo.

In pop music a bass guitar can be seem as a very simple part of band, unless the bassist has other ideas. Just watch Mark King from Level 42. He helped make the bass guitar one of the coolest instruments to play in a group and if you have the will and the intensity a bass can be so much more. However, in reggae, hip hop and funk the bass plays a much more prominent role. Once you learn guitar bass basics you will be able to copy your heroes style and add your own traits and skills.

There are quite a few styles that you can learn when playing bass. A bass solo can sometimes overpower other melodies. In heavy metal a bassist will usually tap the strings, but in rock a solo will be performed during a break in the song. In pop and funk solos would typically be performed by slapping the strings rather than tapping. In metal and rock also the bass guitarist usually plays along with the lead guitar and vocalist giving a fuller, richer sound.

In many ways the bass is an easier instrument to learn and play than the six stringed guitar, but this instrument still needs dedication and practice. So if you want to be the next Mark King or Phil Lynott get cracking!! Remember practice, determination, fun is the key to learning bass guitar so start today, there's no time to lose.



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Paul R Davidson asked:




Anyone can learn to play bass if they find bass guitar lessons for beginners. Regardless of age and gender, the horizon for learning bass is sky to the limit. It is best for you to undergo bass guitar lessons for beginners initially for you to grasp what you need to learn first. lessons are considerably difficult as they progress. So it is necessary to take the right lessons at the right time. There is definitely no need to rush.

Emphasis of the lessons will be on the basics. Before learning any advanced tricks, all fundamental skills will be provided for you in an interactive approach. This allows you to verbalize your thoughts about the flow of discussion and your weak points as well. You might struggle in the start, but that is expected. As we said, learning takes time and you do not have to forcibly speed up the process.

Slap bass for beginners is needed for you to at least lessen errors. A choked sound quality results from a wrong bounce-off of the slapping thumb. Bass tabs assist in correctly reading the notes. A four-string bass tablature is the most common form, though a 5 or even 6-string tab bass tabs for beginners can also be learned at a later time.

In music, scales are tools utilized to carve sound. To play a specific set of notes, acquiring bass scales for beginners and even among musicians obsessed into the said instrument can fine tune your play. You can learn that along with playing songs that uses bass as the main instrument. From U2's With or Without You or Every Breath You Take by the Police, several bass songs for beginners are to be taught along the way.



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James W Morley asked:




If you want to get a musical instrument that your child can master, and become part of a band, then you may want to consider a bass guitar. Whether it is rock or jazz, even a young person can become proficient. So have your child get ready to pluck away while they jam. They show off their talent on a kids bass guitar and get the joy and discipline of learning a musical instrument.

Once they learn the instrument they will be in demand for every jazz trio or garage band in town. A win-win situation if ever there was one.

Is the bass the right instrument for your child? Well, think about where it fits into the history of rock and roll. No rhythm section is complete without a great bass guitarist. Bill Wyman, John Entwhistle, Gary Tallent, all have two things in common. They were the quiet members of their great bands, and they were backbone of the bands. They chilled while 60,000 fans yelled for more.

These musicians weren't just spectators. These great musicians have put the signature beat on some of the great rock anthems. Paul McCartney is also a bass player, I heard he's done pretty well for himself. Or maybe your kid wants to hand out with the Marsalis brothers or David Sanbourne. Nothing wrong with that. If you get a kids bass guitar, you can do your part to make sure this tradition continues.

If you get a kids bass guitar, or any bass guitar, exactly what are you getting? There are a few differences between a bass guitar and a standard electric guitar.

The bass guitar started replacing the standup bass in the 1950's. Any bass guitar has four (usually) to six strings. A bass guitar player is responsible for the lower clef notes in an arrangement. Since it is electric, of course, it needs to have an amplifier to provide sound. With this instrument you lay down the beat.

But a youngster will need a smaller instrument. If they are not comfortable, it will be more difficult for them to reach their potential.

A smaller bass will fit them more comfortably so the kid can focus on his music. Of course, your choices are a little more limited than a full size guitar, but the size advantage will make it worth it. This size advantage is not only good for younger musicians, but also works for anyone who needs a smaller axe or has limited space.



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Wes Hagan asked:




The best bass guitar is a question that has no direct answer. It is a subjective topic that can only be answered by the musicians who play the bass. However, a bass guitar can be customized to fit a specific playing style. In finding the best bass, a musician must look for price and sound quality that fit their band.

A bass guitar is a type of stringed instrument that plays a lower tone and sound than a regular guitar. The most notable difference is that a bass guitar may have as few as four strings and they are much thicker. The thicker strings are what give the bass its low tone.

If a band or person rates quality by price, then a guitarist may want to look at "boutiques." These stores usually have a greater selection of expensive and specialty guitars. Some of the brand names that can be found here are Steinberger or MBass. These are flamboyant pieces that give a bassist added style to go with their sound.

Gibson and Fender are very popular models. Of the two, Fender is better known for its bass guitars and has solidified itself as one of the preferred brands of guitar. These two types of bass are cheaper than the one's found at the boutiques and can be altered to be given their own style. For someone starting out that would like a less expensive model, but one made of quality, either of these would make a fine choice.

Finding the best bass for a guitarist can depend on a lot on the individual. While price is an obvious factor, a lot more goes into picking out the perfect guitar. Just because one style works for one person, does not mean that it will work for you when you are looking to get a new instrument. Finding the best guitar is more about getting something in your hands that you are confident and comfortable, and that produces the sound that you are looking for.



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Nick Andersen asked:




So you want to learn to play bass guitar? This is absolutely great. The best way to learn guitar bass is to make learning as fun and enjoyable for you as it can be.

Luckily for you, there are various options you can consider when learning how to play the bass guitar. You will have to think through these methods carefully though, in order to be able to understand the differences among them and see which is the best way to learn bass guitar for yourself.

Taking Guitar Lessons

One of the most commonly used methods is taking guitar lessons, and this may be the best way to learn bass guitar if you are just starting out. You can hire a private teacher and meet with him or her for a few lessons a week, during which you can learn about holding the guitar properly, reading notes, chords, and music, and much more.

Obviously, there will be a cost associated with these lessons, but you can probably organize them around your schedule so you can fit them when you have available time. Life can get really busy, so you should be very careful when trying to learn something as time-consuming as playing bass guitar.

Read Guitar Books

For many people, another good way is to learn bass guitar is by reading books and then practice. You can go to any local music store to find such books, they are most likely going to come with instructions on getting started, reading notes and simple songs to practice on.

This is a great method to use if you are an independent learner, however if you are just starting out it may be suitable. The major disadvantage with book reading is that you do not have a real person to give you instructions and feedback. This can slow your progress greatly, and it could take you a lot more time to learn the bass guitar.

Online Websites

You can also learn bass guitar if you have a basic Internet connection and a computer, as learning online is extremely popular nowadays. There are many guitar sites that offer you the opportunity to learn under many guitar instructors and at your own pace.

The best way to do this is to go through several recommended websites and choose the one with the greatest amount of detail or the one which appeals to you more. Just take your time to think about these options before taking your final pick.



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Tom Boyd asked:




The bass guitar is the foundation for almost all forms of music. Electric bass guitar became popular with the advent of rock and roll in the early 1950's. Until that point, the antiquated double bass was used widely. In order to learn how to play the electric bass guitar, some basics are necessary. Here are five quick ones to get you going.

What you will learn includes:

1. Names of the strings.

2. Where the notes are on the fret board.

3. What the notes look like on sheet music.

4. How to build hand strength.

5. String memory, hand/finger strength and fret work precision.

6. Reading tablature.

First, learn the names of the strings. A bass guitar has only four strings which are tuned to the same tones as the bottom four strings of a standard six string instrument. Those notes are E, A, D, and G, in order from the biggest to the smallest. All bass guitars, electric or otherwise, are the same in this way.

Take this information and draw out a picture of a fret board. Label each string with it's name and then chart the notes on each fret. This will help you to memorize the fret board so you will always know where to play the next note while playing the bass.

Next you will want to learn to read music. This will help you to recognize the notes on the strings as they appear on sheet music. This is a skill that can be very valuable when learning songs or writing music. Reading music is not hard but adds a level of confidence for the player as well as versatility and fun.

Because getting your hands used to the heavy strings of a bass guitar, practice playing one note at a time. Repetitive single notes are very common in bass lines of songs. Once you have the feel down, you can move on to other skills and speed exercises.

Follow up the single notes with notes on different strings. Practicing this way helps build hand and finger strength. It also gets you accustomed to switching strings and memorizing the locations of the strings. In addition to the strength building, doing this practice helps build speed and fret precision. You should be able to play without looking at your fret hand.

One thing you can do that will benefit you greatly is learning to read bass tablature. This is like reading sheet music, only there are only four lines. Each line represents a string. The bottom line is the thickest string; the top line is the smallest string. On each line, there are numbers that tell you which fret to play on that string.

These six basic skills are only designed to get you started. Just start out with the most basic elements and move on at your own speed. Practice until you have each skill pretty well under your belt. Remember that practice is the key to your success at playing the electric bass guitar.



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Jesse Nash asked:




The short scale bass guitar was made popular by guitar makers that wanted to offer a 30" option for players with smaller hands or arm length. Typical long scale versions have a neck length between the nut and bridge of 34", which is still the standard for electric bass guitars.

There are extra long scale bass guitars that have neck lengths up to 36" and these provide higher sting tension, which gives a more defined tone on the lowest string. While some bass guitars have gone longer, some have also gone shorter offering bass guitars with 28" scale necks, which are perfect for younger players with small hands.

A short scale bass guitar is popular with adult players, too. Many like them because they are lighter and offer the ability to play fast. The players that switch hit between guitarist and bassist find them especially user-friendly, because of the shorter neck. To understand why some prefer the shorter neck, it is important to understand scale length.

Scale length refers to the vibrating length of the string, which is determined by the distance between the nut and the bridge. With this in mind, the fret placements are a ratio based on the scale length, so there is more distance between frets on a long scale bass guitar versus less distance between frets on a short scale bass guitar. This makes it quicker and easier to play a short neck version.

Another difference in long scale and short scale models is the tonal quality. Because the scale length influences the tonal value due to the tension of the string at a certain pitch, the tonal quality on 5 string bass guitars is enhanced with a longer scale neck because it gives better sound to the lowest string. On short scale models, the G string will sing out and the tonal quality is perfectly acceptable.

When it comes to choosing the neck length on your bass guitar, the number of strings is an important consideration, besides the size of your hands and arm length. The neck on 5 and 6 string bass guitars is wider, so smaller hands should consider a 4 string bass and it is also the reason that many chose a short scale bass guitar over the longer, and 5 or 6 string models.

Paul McCartney of The Beatles played a short scale bass and it was a large part of the distinctive sound their music had. Some describe the shorter scale guitars as a "plinky" type of tonal quality, although it might be better described as clearer high notes than long scale bass guitars have, but the longer neck models offer better lower tonal qualities than a short neck does.

Because of the distance between frets on the long scale models, many bass guitarists prefer the short scale models on 4 string models because they can move much faster between frets and manipulate the neck easier. The longer necks and wider 5 and 6 string bass guitar necks demand quite a stretch for some guitarists, which feels uncomfortable or makes for awkward moves.

There are many different models of short scale bass guitars on the market and they still remain the most popular 4 string bass guitars for many performers and they are necessary for the younger students. Many manufacturers offer them in a variety of styles and shapes.



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