When diving into the world of bass guitars, the options can seem endless! Tons of different types of bass guitars exist, each with its own unique sound and style!
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding the types of bass guitars is essential to choosing the right instrument for your needs.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between bass guitars, from the most common electric bass guitar types to the lesser-seen extended range and multiscale options and beyond.
Types Of Bass Guitars
1. 4-String Bass Guitars: The Classic Choice
The 4-string bass guitar is the quintessential choice for most bassists and has been the backbone of most musical genres for decades. Whether you’re just starting or looking to master the basics, the 4-string bass is always a solid choice.
Its simple design and slim neck makes it an excellent option for beginners, as well as for those with smaller hands. Because of its popularity, it’s also easier to find tutorials and songs designed specifically for 4-string bass players. You’ll also have a simpler time sourcing replacement parts, strings, and upgrades
Standard 4-string bass tuning is E-A-D-G, making it a straightforward adjustment for guitarists looking to switch to or pick up bass.
It has ample range to sit comfortably within the majority of genres. However, those into heavier styles may wish to consider a 5-string in order to reach those ultra-low frequencies. We’ll discuss more 4-string vs 5-string bass differences in the next section!
Famous 4-string bass players include Flea, Paul McCartney, John Entwhistle, Jaco Pastorius, Billy Sheehan, Geddy Lee, Steve Harris, Marcus Miller, and many more!
2. 5-String Bass Guitars: Expanding the Range
The 5-string bass guitar takes the versatility of the more traditional 4-string and adds even more depth to your playing. With an extended lower range, it’s the go-to instrument for bassists looking to explore heavier genres or experiment with more complex tones.
The defining feature of the 5-string bass is the addition of a low B string, which significantly extends the range of notes you can play. This low B string allows you to dive deeper into the sub-bass frequencies, ideal for genres such as metal, and jazz where deep, growling bass lines are key.
The extra string also opens up more creative possibilities, giving you access to lower notes without needing to constantly shift positions on the neck.
The 5-string bass is especially popular in modern genres that require a full, extended bass range. In metal, the extra low end complements down-tuned guitars, creating a heavy, thick foundation for the music. In jazz, it allows for more complex harmonies and extended chordal possibilities. Many R&B and funk players also enjoy the 5-string for its versatility in laying down smooth, deep grooves.
Standard 5-string bass tuning is B-E-A-D-G, adding the low b-string. However, it is also relatively common to add a high-C to instead give an extended upper-range. In this case, the tuning would be E-A-D-G-C. A versatile instrument, indeed!
If you’re accustomed to playing a 4-string, transitioning to a 5-string may take some getting used to. The neck is wider, the scale length is longer, and you’ll need to adjust your technique to account for the additional string. However, most players find that once they’ve adapted, the benefits far outweigh the learning curve.
The downsides are the extra weight versus a 4-string (typically), plus the wider neck can be a stretch for those with smaller hands. On cheaper instruments, the low B can also tend to sound a little muddy.
Well-known 5-string bass players include Robert Trujillo, Henrik Linder, MonoNeon, Clay Gober, Brian Marshall, and Norm Stockton amongst others.
3. 6-String Bass Guitars: For the Advanced Player
The 6-string bass guitar is the ultimate tool for bassists looking to expand their musical range both upwards and downwards. With two extra strings compared to a standard 4-string, the 6-string bass offers unmatched versatility but also requires a higher level of technical skill and dedication to master.
While 6-string basses are less common in mainstream music, they are a staple in more complex genres such as progressive rock, jazz fusion, and technical metal. The extra strings allow for more intricate chordal playing, tapping, and harmonics that would be challenging to achieve on a 4- or even 5-string.
Standard 6-string bass tuning is B-E-A-D-G-C. The low B string offers those deeper, thunderous notes and a high C string opens up new melodic possibilities. Whether you’re laying down thick, rumbling grooves or soaring through intricate solos, the 6-string gives you the ability to do it all on one instrument.
The downsides are that the neck is wider than on a 4- or 5-string, which can be difficult for players with smaller hands or those not used to the extra stretch. Additionally, because there are more strings, muting unwanted string noise becomes more important to prevent muddiness in your playing.
Famous 6-string bass players include John Myung, Jimmy Haslip, Phil Lesh, Stefan Fimmers, Jon Stockman, Anthony Jackson, and Anthony Jackson amongst others.
4. Fretless Bass Guitars: Smooth and Expressive
The fretless bass guitar is an instrument like no other, offering a unique, smooth sound that’s hard to replicate with a standard fretted bass.
Known for their expressive, gliding tone, they allow for more fluid playing and subtle nuances, making them a favorite for jazz, fusion, and experimental music.
The most obvious difference between a fretless bass and a traditional fretted bass is, of course, the lack of frets. Without the metal bars that define the notes, players rely solely on finger positioning to play in tune. This gives you the freedom to slide seamlessly between notes, but it also means you need a keen ear and strong muscle memory to hit the right pitch accurately.
The sound of a fretless bass is often described as “mellow,” “warm,” or “fluid,” with a singing, almost vocal-like quality. The absence of frets removes the slight metallic buzz that occurs when strings hit frets, allowing for smoother transitions between notes.
This gives fretless basses a more organic, expressive sound that fits well in more soulful, melodic music.
Famous fretless bass players include Jaco Pistorius, Pino Palladino, Mick Karn, Tony Franklin, and Gary Willis amongst others.
5. Acoustic Bass Guitars: Perfect for Unplugged Sessions
The acoustic bass guitar offers a warm, natural sound that stands out in more intimate and unplugged settings.
Unlike its electric counterpart, the acoustic bass doesn’t require amplification to produce a rich tone, making it perfect for small performances, jam sessions, or cozy acoustic gigs.
Acoustic bass guitars are built with a hollow body, similar to acoustic guitars. Their bodies are generally larger than electric basses, which gives them a deep, resonant tone.
The acoustic bass guitar shines in genres like folk, bluegrass, country, and acoustic rock, where the emphasis is on warm, natural tones.
Acoustic basses typically don’t project as loudly as other acoustic instruments like guitars or drums, which is why many acoustic basses come equipped with built-in pickups. These pickups allow you to amplify the bass when needed, giving you the best of both worlds—acoustic tone and electric volume control.
6. Short-Scale Bass Guitars: Compact and Comfortable
Short-scale bass guitars offer a more compact design, making them ideal for younger players with smaller hands, beginners, or even for traveling. With a shorter neck and smaller body, these basses offer easy playability without sacrificing rich tone.
A short-scale bass typically has a scale length of around 30 inches, compared to the standard 34-inch scale of most bass guitars. The shorter distance between frets makes it easier to play. A great feature for those with smaller hands or for players transitioning from guitar to bass.
The shorter scale also makes it easier to execute fast riffs and more complex techniques. Another benefit is the lighter weight, which can be a relief during long performances or practice sessions.
Short-scale basses tend to produce a warmer, rounder tone with less sustain, which can be a desirable characteristic for certain musical styles. However, the shorter strings may feel looser under your fingers, and some players find that the low notes lack the same depth and clarity as a standard-scale bass.
It’s important to try both to determine which one fits your style and sound preferences best.
A famous example of these types of bass guitars is the Hofner violin bass that Paul McCartney used to help define the early sound of rock. Other players known for using short-scale basses include Jack Bruce, Bill Wyman, and Jack Cassady.
7. Semi-Hollow and Hollow Body Bass Guitars: Vintage Vibes
Hollow-body bass guitars feature fully hollow chambers inside their bodies, much like traditional acoustic guitars. This creates a resonant, and warm sound.
Semi-hollow basses, on the other hand, have a solid center block running through the body to reduce feedback while still maintaining much of the resonance that makes hollow-body instruments special.
The result is a bass that balances the depth of hollow tones with the stability of a solid-body bass.
Both semi-hollow and hollow-body basses are renowned for their warm, airy tones that differ from the punchier, more aggressive sound of solid-body basses.
Hollow bodies offer a naturally woody, organic tone with a bit more low-end resonance. Meanwhile, semi-hollow models provide a balanced tone that retains warmth but allows for more control and less feedback.
These basses excel in styles where a full-bodied, vintage tone is preferred, such as blues, jazz, classic rock, and Motown.
Are you drawn to vintage aesthetics and love the idea of a bass that delivers natural warmth and resonance? A semi-hollow or hollow-body bass could be a great fit for you.
8. Extended Range Bass Guitars: 7-String and Beyond
For bassists who want to push the boundaries of musical exploration, extended-range bass guitars—those with 7, 8, or even more strings—offer a world of creative possibilities.
These lesser-seen instruments are designed for advanced players looking to cover a broader spectrum of sound. They seamlessly blend rhythm, melody, and harmony all in one instrument.
Extended-range basses are mainly used in progressive rock, jazz fusion, metal, and other technical genres where intricate playing and expansive tonal range are key.
The biggest challenge with an extended range bass is its sheer size. With additional strings, the neck is significantly wider. Therefore, navigating all the extra notes requires strong finger dexterity and precise technique.
The main advantage of an extended range bass is its versatility. With more strings, you can cover a broader range of notes, allowing you to play both basslines and lead parts simultaneously.
The extra strings on these types of bass guitars also open up new avenues for advanced techniques. This makes them ideal instruments for solo bassists and experimental players.
Players who are known for using extended-range basses include Danny Hauser, Bill Dickens, Eric Czar, and Al Caldwell.
9. Multi-Scale Bass Guitars: Optimal Tension and Tonality
A multi-scale bass, also known as a fanned-fret bass, features varying string lengths (scales) for each string.
The lower strings, like the low B on a 5-string bass, have a longer scale to provide better tension and deeper, clearer lows. The higher strings, like the G string, have a shorter scale for easier playability. The frets are angled or “fanned” across the fretboard to accommodate these varying lengths. It might look unusual at first, but offers significant benefits.
Many players find that the fanned frets feel more ergonomic, reducing hand strain during longer playing sessions.
Traditional basses can suffer from floppy low strings, especially on extended-range instruments like 5- or 6-string basses. Multi-scale basses keep the lower strings tighter, resulting in a more focused and punchy sound. At the same time, the higher strings remain easier to play due to their shorter scale.
This makes multi-scale basses great for players who want a balance of rich low-end and sharp, articulate high-end tones.
Multi-scale basses are becoming increasingly popular in genres like metal, progressive rock, and djent, where tight low-end clarity is essential. These instruments also shine in genres like jazz and fusion. These are genres where players need both extended low-end range and clear articulation for melodic playing.
Just don’t expect to find a fanned fret bass from more traditional brands such as Fender!
10. Left-Handed Bass Guitars: Options For Southpaw Players
Finding the right instrument as a left-handed bass player can feel challenging. Fortunately, a wide range of left-handed bass guitars are available to meet the needs of southpaw musicians.
Whether you’re just starting out or are an experienced player, there are plenty of options to explore.
Luckily, you’re in the best place for information on left-handed basses! A great place to start is my beginner guide to left-handed bass guitars.
Choosing the right bass guitar is a personal journey that depends on your style, genre preferences, and skill level. Whether you’re drawn to the traditional feel of a 4-string, the versatility of a 5-string, or the smooth tones of a fretless, there’s a perfect bass for everyone.
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