Creating music is a highly rewarding experience in itself and one super exciting part about that is learning how to play an instrument. One of the most popular and beloved instruments worldwide without question is the guitar. Its melodic charm resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds.
If you also love the sound of this instrument or even think about creating your own songs down the line, learning how to play is surely the best thing you can do for yourself. But one thing that many newbies get startled by is the indecisiveness between choosing bass guitars or standard guitars as their first instrument. What can help you the most in making the right decision, is learning about the crucial differences between the two and seeing which one aligns better with your music goals.
Bass vs Guitar: Understanding the Key Differences
Anatomy and Function
The most basic difference between these two guitars lies in their anatomy and function. The bass guitar typically has a longer neck and a larger body compared to the standard guitar. It also has fewer strings that are tuned in the lower register, which is what provides the foundational rhythm and groove in a band setting. The strings are thicker and longer than those of the guitar.
There is a great variety of bass guitars that you can choose from and just like standard guitars, they also come in electric and acoustic versions.
On the other hand, guitars have a shorter neck and smaller body compared to the bass and typically have 6 strings tuned across a broader range of pitches. However, you can also find guitars with 12 strings and other variations.
Size
A bass guitar is generally larger and heavier than a guitar which for some people can be more difficult to carry around and hold properly while playing. But this is not an issue really because you can learn how to properly hold it so it does not overpower you.
Guitars are a bit easier to hold and manoeuvre since they are more lightweight and compact compared to bass. If you think that the weight of the guitar may influence your choice and want something lighter and easier for transportation, then go for a standard guitar.
Sound and Tone
If you listen to the sound of a bass and a guitar, playing simultaneously, you’ll be able to distinguish a deeper and lower-sounding tone. That sound is coming from the bass guitar. The low-frequency vibrations are what give the groove and the feel of the song.
A guitar provides a broader range of tones which can range from bright and twangy to warm and mellow. A guitar can cover both rhythm and lead roles in a song. We have all witnessed the magic of a guitar solo in a song that just takes you into another dimension and that;s the beauty of guitars. They add texture and melody to the music composition.
Playing Techniques and Style
Bass playing techniques often focus on rhythmic precision and groove. If you’re learning how to play the bass, common techniques you’ll be learning about are slap bass, fingerstyle and palm muting. These techniques are all aimed at anchoring the rhythm section and locking in with the drummer.
Also, since the strings are thicker and longer than those of a guitar, you need to press harder on those strings to produce a sound.
Playing the guitar generally involves a broader spectrum of techniques that can be anything from strumming and fingerpicking to bending, tapping and much more. This allows guitar players to produce more expressive melodies, intricate chord progression and dazzling solos.
However, playing the guitar requires learning how to play the chords, which for some, can be a steeper learning curve than learning how to play the bass.
Answers to Some of the Most Common Questions
Is Bass Guitar Easier Than Guitar?
There is not a simple answer to this question. It mostly comes down to personal preferences and what is easier for you as a musician. As already mentioned, guitar playing involves learning to play chords which can be challenging enough for some folks. Although the guitar strings are thinner and shorter than the bass strings, the strings are closer together so for some, it might be harder to maintain accuracy and precision while playing.
On the other hand, bass strings are longer and thicker and need to be pressed harder, which can also be a challenging learning curve. As you can see, there are pros and cons to whichever decision you make and therefore, there isn't a "one size fits all" type of answer.
Should You Learn Guitar or Bass First?
It doesn't really matter if you start playing bass or guitar first. Many of the techniques you learn in playing the guitar can be applied to playing bass and vice versa. Although many musicians will say that learning how to play the bass is generally easier since you have to pluck one string at a time instead of strumming big chords on a guitar, learning how to play one or the other instrument can be a different experience for different people. See which instrument you’re most drawn to and what is your personal preference.
Can a Guitar Player Play Bass?
Absolutely. Despite the differences in playing techniques, many skills you learn in playing the guitar can be transferred to playing the bass, so you won't be learning from scratch. Of course, switching from guitar to bass requires adapting to new playing styles and most importantly, unlearning to play the bass like a guitarist.
