Why do some bass players pluck the strings with their hand over the strings, hitting from underneath, and others play from the side more like a regular guitar player? Do bass players use picks?
What kind of basses are there? I am watching a rock doc about Metallica and one song they used featured a 12 string bass, which I can't even imagine. Is it like 12 string guitar where they are strung together so you pluck all at once, for harmony?
2007-02-25 22:43:59 · 2 answers · asked by musicimprovedme 7 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
First off, bass players use different techniques for tone. For instance, slap bass most used in funk, has a very percussive sound which is made from slapping the top strings and pulling the bottom strings up and letting them slap down on the guitar. The pick also changes tone, making it more treble than bass. The pick is mainly for comfort though. It is really what technique you prefer to get the tone you wish.
There are many types of basses, from standard 4 string up to the twelve string you mentioned. If I am not mistaken, the bass player from Cheap Trick is one of the more prominent bass players to use this style of bass. You are correct about the string set-up. They are in sections of two, just like a 12 string guitar. Quite a different sound is produced from it, which you may or may not like.
2007-02-25 23:07:23 · answer #1 · answered by wildthang0429 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on what sound & style you're looking for. Slap style for more funky rhythms, finger plucking, etc. Though using a pick does have a certain sound about it (it does have its place), it is generally frowned upon by 'real' bassists. This is because (to them) it takes less talent to do it. Basses come in many styles as well- Stand up acoustic (doghouse), 5-string, etc. Check out Tony Levin playing his 'Chapman Stick' (he was with Peter Gabriel & King Krimson)
2007-02-26 07:10:34 · answer #2 · answered by Steve H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋