If you are getting ready to take the plunge into the world of bass guitars, brace yourself. There is a lot of information out there on brands, models, and styles of this sort of guitar – not to mention the myriad of accessories you can purchase to give you a complete package. For first time buyers, you’ll need to understand some absolutely basic information on bass guitars.
First things first – you need to know what types are available. There are really three basic kinds: bass guitars, electric basses, and acoustic bass guitars. Before you jump right in and purchase one, take a look and a listen around you to determine which one has really caught your interest. You don’t want to end up with something you did not intend to buy. The bass guitar is what you typically see on television; it has six strings and can be played as a solo or accompaniment instrument in just about any genre of music. The electric bass closely resembles the bass guitar; however, it typically features four strings. This instrument is responsible for laying down those low bass lines, and once in a while, you’ll see it featured in a killer solo. Finally, the acoustic electric is a versatile piece of musical equipment that doesn’t have to be plugged in to generate sound. You’ll see it on stage and at coffee houses frequently, as well as around the campfire or at church.
Now that you’ve got the basic information on this type of guitar, you need to know that there are some variations available. For example, there is the 12-string acoustic electric, which is exactly what it sounds like – an acoustic bass guitar with 12 strings instead of six. Another variation is a five stringed bass guitar. If you’re a first time buyer, these are probably not what you are looking for, but it’s important to know what is available. When you purchase a guitar, there are a few additional items you might want to gather. One is an amplifier, especially if you’ve gone with a standard electric. You won’t get any sound of it unless you buy an amp. Another thing you definitely need is a case to protect your gear. Guitar cases come in all shapes and sizes, and they are also available in hard and soft styles. The style is not as important as the fact that you need to protect your instrument from the elements, stray children, and clumsy Labrador retrievers. A few other items that will go well with your purchase are guitar picks and an electric tuner.
If you’re purchasing your guitar from a reputable music store, the staff should be able to provide you with excellent information on bass guitar. Musical instruments are a serious investment, and not just in the amount of money that they cost. To master guitar playing, you’ll need to spend time and energy on practicing. Take pride in your bass guitar, and you’ll surely be happy with the results!