If you’re a music enthusiast considering picking up a new instrument, you may be torn between a bass guitar or an electric guitar. Both instruments have unique qualities and can create different sounds, but which is right for you?
Don’t worry. Here, I’ll compare the bass guitar and electric guitar, discussing their differences in sound, playing style, and musical genres they are commonly associated with. As a beginner or experienced musician looking to expand your talents, you can use this comparison to inform your choice. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of bass and electric guitars.
What Are The Basics of Bass Guitar and Electric Guitar?
The bass and electric guitar function and behave differently. This will allow us to compare them and examine their differences thoroughly.
Bass Guitar
The bass guitar is an essential component of almost all genres of music. It contributes low-end and rhythm to a band. The following are the fundamentals of bass guitar:
Number of Strings
Bass guitars typically have four strings, although they can have up to six. On the other hand, the four-string arrangement is the most common and provides a well-balanced and wide range.
Tuning
Regarding tuning, bass guitars are set one octave lower than electric guitars. If you start with the thickest string, the regular tuning for a four-string bass guitar is E-A-D-G. The lower setting makes sounds that are both heard and felt. They are deep and resonant.
Scale Length
Bass guitars usually have a longer scale length than electric guitars. Some of the tone that makes a bass unique comes from its longer scale length. It also changes the distance between the frets to be more comprehensive than on an electric guitar.
Role in a Band
The bass guitar is an essential part of a band’s sound. It locks in with the drummer and gives the songs their base and beat. Its deep tones and rhythmic patterns are also crucial for the music’s energy and rhythms.
Electric Guitar
The electric guitar isn’t as important as the bass, but it’s generally more noticeable in music, and it can make a lot of different sounds that not many other instruments can match. The electric guitar is made up of these parts:
Number of Strings
Six strings are typically found on electric guitars. Six-string guitars are also available but are much less common than seven-string or twelve-string guitars.
Tuning
Tuning an electric guitar is E-A-D-G-B-E, starting with the thickest string.
Scale Length
Electric guitars have various scale lengths, with 25.5 inches being the most common. This is a significantly shorter scale length compared to bass guitars, which have a scale length of 34 inches.
Body and Design
The body shape and design of electric guitars vary. A solid-body guitar is the most common, but semi-hollow and hollow-body guitars are also available. In terms of versatility, solid-body guitars work well in most genres of music. These guitars have a more resonant, acoustic-like tone, which makes them more suitable for jazz, blues, and specific rock genres.
Differences Between Bass Guitars and Electric Guitars
Body
Bass guitars have thicker and larger bodies than electric guitars. An electric guitar’s thin and compact body makes it easier to play, while the bass’s larger body makes its tone deeper.
Neck
A key difference between each guitar is its neck. Bass guitars generally have broader and longer necks to accommodate thicker strings and longer scale lengths.
An electric guitar’s neck is narrower than an acoustic guitar’s. Consequently, navigating the fretboard and playing more complex and intricate music is more accessible.
Fretboard
There is a considerable difference between the fretboards of the two instruments. Slapping and popping are standard techniques for playing bass guitars with wide fretboards.
Fretboards on electric guitars are also narrower than those on acoustic guitars. Each guitar sounds different because of these differences. The body, neck, and fretboard’s size, shape, and length influence the tone.
Strings
The kind and quantity of strings distinguish bass guitars from electric guitars. Understanding the playing skills and musical styles connected with each instrument depends on the string configuration and how they work.
Bass guitars feature four strings typically tuned to E-A-D-G, beginning with the lowest-pitched note. A bass player can concentrate on setting the groove and tying it into the rhythm section of a band because there are only four strings.
Bass guitars are also available with five or six strings. These broaden and diversify the range and versatility of the bass’s sound; on the other hand, electric guitars typically have six strings tuned to E-A-D-G-B-E, beginning with the thickest string. A six-string instrument offers a broader range of notes and chords.
String combinations directly impact the playing techniques and musical styles connected with each instrument. Many bassists use fingerstyle, where the strings are plucked with fingers rather than a pick, or slap and pop, a percussive technique that adds rhythm.
With six strings on an electric guitar, you can use a variety of approaches. Strumming and plucking are the most common techniques. However, there are others, such as bending, vibrato, sliding, etc.
These approaches contribute to the guitar’s versatility and popularity as a focal point in various musical genres. As a result, the string configuration significantly impacts what the electric and bass guitars are capable of and the skills required to realize their potential fully.
Purpose and Role
The bassline comprises the development of the notes that the bassist plays. A bassline is made up of notes that are played over and over again. Because of this, bass guitars are usually easy to start with. Electric guitars often use harmony and rhythm; their chord changes and progressions are often complicated. In some styles, you also need to use more complicated techniques.
If you want to play the bass alone, like by a campfire and sing, you should play with others. On the other hand, the guitar is more flexible and can be played well with or without a band.
Difference In Playing Techniques
Bass and electric guitar playing techniques significantly affect how they sound and how you accomplish particular genres.
Bass Guitar Techniques
Bass players will employ various strategies to achieve the desired tone from their instrument. The following are the most well-known bass guitar techniques:
Fingerstyle
Bass players’ most popular approach is simply plucking the strings with their fingertips. Players use a standard combination of the index and middle fingers. Fingerstyle is popular because it allows you to play with precision and control, allowing bassists to be consistent and fluid.
Slap and Pop
Slap and pop are connected with genres such as R&B, funk, and slap bass-driven styles because they add a percussive, funky, and distinctive sound.
Playing with a Pick
Using a pick to pluck the strings on an electric guitar is standard. It delivers a more aggressive and distinct attack with bass, allowing the bass to penetrate through a dense mix. This is why picking up a pick is common in rock, punk, and metal, among other genres.
Electric Guitar Techniques
Electric guitars also have many specific techniques. Electric guitar playing involves a few fundamental techniques:
Strumming
Playing the guitar is based on this technique, which is the most basic and fundamental. The act of strumming involves sweeping your fingers or picking across the strings. The sound is complete and is mostly used for rhythm guitar parts.
Picking
Picking is the act of picking or plucking each string individually. Lead guitar is usually played using single-note picking. The sound of hybrid and Travis picking varies depending on the picking technique used.
Bending
Strings bend when they are pushed or pulled, altering their pitch. There are a lot of bends in blues and guitar solos, so bending can add a whole new feel to your playing.
Legato
Bassists also use legato, but electric guitarists use it more frequently. Examples are hammer-ons and pull-offs, which decrease the amount of picking and smooth transitions from note to note.
Bass and electric guitarists use a variety of techniques. The two instruments share some techniques that are transferable between them, but many are unique to each.
Difference Of Sound
Bass and electric guitars sound very different, which is not a surprise. This is because of their function in music—bass is low and deep, for example—but also because the pickups, amps, and effects will change the shole.
Bass Guitar
Low-End Emphasis
Bass guitars have deep, resonant tones that emphasize lower frequencies. It is expected to refer to bass lines as having a ‘rumbling’ sound. Music is built on the bass.
Styles
It can sound subdued, mellow, aggressive, and growling, depending on how it’s played.
Pickup Configuration
There are usually one or more pickups on bass guitars. The pickups are usually placed near the neck or in the middle of the guitar. Warm and rounded tones are produced by the pickups’ design that captures the low frequencies.
Tone
Bass guitars emphasize low frequencies but still have a wide range of tones. Using bass lines that repeat one note is one of many options. Using a variety of playing techniques, skilled bassists can create a variety of tones. Slapping and popping are examples of adding percussive elements by plucking closer to the bridge.
Electric Guitar
Versatility
The versatility of electric guitars is far greater than that of basses. Their tones are more varied, and they can produce a variety of styles of music.
Sound
You can enhance your electric guitar sound further using different amplifiers and effects pedals. You can use electric guitars in various music genres, from soft and clean to distorted and aggressive.
High-End
At higher frequencies, electric guitars produce bright, cutting tones. Solos and lead melodies are ideal for the electric guitar due to its vibrant and articulate sound.
Playing Styles
There are many ways to play electric guitars. From delicate fingerpicking to powerful strumming, they are easy to play. Playing them affects the sound.
Pickups
Two or three pickups are almost always found on electric guiding-coiled-coil, P90, and humbucker in various configurations. Humbuckers produce a thicker, warmer tone with reduced noise, while single coils produce a bright, crisp sound.
Bass Guitar Vs Electric Guitar: Which One Is Better For You?
It can be challenging to decide between guitar and bass. The differences between the two can be confusing, especially if you weren’t aware of them (hopefully now you are!) However, if you’re still unsure, consider these factors:
Musical Preferences
Think about the music genres you enjoy most. What do you like about them? Does it have to do with the riffs, solos, or melodies? You might like an electric guitar if that’s the case.
Bass is better suited if you’re looking for music with rhythm and groove.
Musical Goals
Are you interested in joining a band? Do you play live as well as record? Are you more attracted to being a solo artist?
Comfort and Playability
Playing comfortably is essential. Therefore, choosing an instrument that is physically comfortable for you is crucial.
You should take into account factors such as the scale length, the weight, and the size. Try out different basses and electric guitars at music stores. Consider the frets’ size, the strings’ spacing, and how they feel in your hands.
Portability
When traveling with your guitar, you must consider size and weight. Electric guitars are usually lighter and smaller than bass guitars. Consider an electric guitar if you don’t have much storage space or will be traveling a lot.
Ease of Learning
Although neither instrument is easy to learn, some beginners find bass easier than guitar, as we will discuss later. The more effortless playing technique and the focus on rhythm make it more suitable for beginners.
Budget
Make sure you know what your budget is. A wide range of prices is available for electric guitars and bass guitars. Beginners will find many affordable instruments aimed at those just getting started. Many higher-end guitars are available if you’ve been playing for a while.
Consider the brand of guitar you want and the features you want. The more you want, the more it will cost.
Do Research
Before you purchase a guitar, you should always do some research. You can read reviews, watch demos, listen to it being played, etc.
You can narrow your choices by becoming familiar with as many guitars as possible.
Seek Guidance
Reaching out to those with more knowledge is always a good idea. Consult any experienced musicians or guitar teachers you know.
Also, feel free to ask music store employees. Based on what they know, they can provide valuable insights and recommendations.
Bass Guitar Vs. Electric Guitar: Which is Easier to Play?
It’s not quite as simple as that. However, the reality is that many simple tunes begin with straightforward bass lines.
These will be single-note, single-string parts that may be learned rather rapidly when contrasted to the fundamentals of electric guitar. Strumming an electric guitar, for example, is a more difficult technique to master.
Things differ when it comes to components.
Electric guitars have shorter necks, which makes them easier to handle and play with. They are less in weight and hence easier to hold. They also feature thinner strings with less tension, making it easier to hold them down.
Don’t get me wrong: learning any instrument is difficult at first. It will feel strange, and you will have painful fingers and sore fingertips from pressing the strings down on electric and bass guitars (unless you build calluses).
However, the smaller neck and thinner strings will almost surely feel more manageable and less unpleasant on your fingers in the first few weeks. When you reach the more advanced stages of learning, you’ll discover that bass is just as complex, if not more difficult, than electric guitar. In all forms of music, there are some challenging bass sections.
So, the truth is that both instruments will be complex at first. The electric guitar will be easier on your fingers and more pleasant to grasp, but the skills for learning songs will be more difficult. There’s not much else after that.
Is it Difficult to Move Between Bass Guitar and Electric Guitar?
Even though they are both guitars and sound a lot alike, moving between them will feel different.
You must change how you play on each one because of the differences we’ve discussed in this piece. These include the number of strings, the length of the neck, the thickness of the strings, the playing style, and so on.
But if you started playing guitar, it should be pretty easy to switch to or play bass even more, mainly if you use a pick, like you would on an electric guitar. Essential things are mostly the same.
It will be more challenging to switch from bass to electric guitar. You will need to learn how to strumming or making sounds. But if you already know how to play a stringed instrument, you will be in a much better situation than starting from scratch.
Final Words On Bass guitar vs Electric guitar
Consider your preferences and the type of music you intend to play when choosing between a bass guitar and an electric guitar. Bass guitars are the backbone of any band, providing the low-end foundation that drives the rhythm.
On the other hand, electric guitars offer a wide range of sounds and can take center stage with their melodic riffs and solos.
Both instruments have unique qualities and can be equally rewarding to learn and master. Practice regularly, learn different techniques, and most importantly, have fun. Pick up your instrument of choice and begin strumming or plucking. The world of music awaits!
FAQs
Can I Play An Electric Guitar As A Bass?
No. Because of the difference in scale length, you cannot use bass guitar strings on an electric guitar. You can, however, use an effects pedal, such as an octave pedal, to lower the pitch of your guitar by one or more octaves.
It wouldn’t sound great, especially without a bass guitar amp, but it could be an exciting experiment.
Are All Bass Guitars Electric?
No. Only Acoustic bass guitars can be electric. Even so, they are almost always used with an amp and have a pickup. An acoustic bass guitar is not much audible in a small gig where all other instruments are played acoustically.
Is A Bass Louder Than An Electric Guitar?
The volume of an unamplified solid-body electric guitar is lower than that of an unamplified acoustic bass guitar. The amp and speakers determine the volume of an electric bass guitar and an electric guitar. The amp and speakers determine the volume of an electric bass guitar and an electric guitar. The winner is the one who uses the loudest amp and speakers.