Sometimes, especially if you are starting in the music world, differentiating a guitar from a bass can be difficult. It is no secret that these two instruments have many things in common. Below we will go over the main differences to help you tell them apart!
— February 19th, 2020
If you are unclear about the difference between bass and guitar, it can be challenging to know which one you want to learn, or which instrument you’re listening to or looking at. But, if you take a look at the acoustic versions of each instrument, the differences are more apparent.
For starters, they are completely different sizes. Plus, the guitar has six strings and one soundhole, with the bridge situated below it. Basses have four strings: E, A, D, and G. The strings have the same names as the low four strings on the guitar, whose strings are E, A, D, G, B, and E.
Nonetheless, the difference between bass and guitar strings is that the bass E, A, D, and G are an octave lower than those on the guitar — this is important to know when thinking about the relative functions of a bass and a guitar.
Other key differences include:
The guitar’s range of notes is much higher than the bass’s range.
The strings of a guitar are smaller in diameter than bass strings.
The guitar’s range of notes is broader than the bass.
The bass is a little bit simpler to figure out as a first instrument, mainly if you are coming from another instrument such as the piano.
The bass’ strings are significantly larger than those on a guitar.
The bass is not an instrument that is meant to be strummed, although some players will from time to time.
Thus, next time you are trying to figure out which instrument is your favorite band playing think about these critical elements!
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This article is a re-post, with small modifications, of “The Difference Between Bass And Guitar – An Essential Guide” an article published on nationalguitaracademy.com
