4 STRING BASS
This is the most commonly known and used bass guitar string format. The four string electric bass is all you
need to play bass parts on any song. This is evident since its early inception and development by the
Fender Musical Instrument Company. It is tuned in fourths -- E A D G.
5 STRING BASS
This variation of electric bass adds a 5th string to the 4 String bass format. This 5th string extends the bass’
lower range to low B. This format is useful for playing bass lines that usually can only be played by a
synthesizer. Its also tuned in fourths -- B E A D G. (Notice that this spells “BEAD” with a "G". Round
beads, flat beads and sharp beads. Hmmm. Keep this in mind for later!)
6 STRING BASS
This modern version of electric bass makes the instrument capable of being a virtuoso piece. It gives the
bass player more flexibility in playing and chord melodies and accompaniments. Its typically used for
soloing in the high octave range. Its tuned in fourths -- B E A D G C. (More beads! This time “BEAD”
with and added "GC".)
8 STRING BASS
This type of bass is built around the standard four string bass. The difference is that each regular string has
a thinner octave string placed very close to it. This octave stringing gives it a thick sound, as two notes are
played at the same time. Its a very similar to the sound of a bass octivider pedal. Instead of the pitch being
generated electronically it comes naturally by pressing both the high and low octave strings at same time.
This instrument is good for playing in a three piece band giving a fuller bottom end to support guitar chords.
However, because of its distinctive sound this bass is not as versatile as its lesser stringed counterparts. Its
tuned in octaves and fourths -- E octave E, A octave A, D octave D, G octave G.
Electric Bass Evolution
