Bass guitar

:For other uses of the term see Bass (disambiguation).

Etymology

There is much debate about what to call the instrument. While "bass guitar" (pronounced "base") is a common term many people prefer "electric bass" or simply "bass". This confusion is found among musicians, manufacturers and fans of the instrument. The majority are happy to use the terms interchangeably but some express a strong preference for one or other of them.

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The instrument clearly shares common characteristics with the guitar family, particularly the electric guitar, in terms of how it is held and played. However, it also draws on the double bass for inspiration. Early uses of the instrument saw bass guitarists doubling the double bass part or replacing that instrument entirely with their new, more portable and easily amplified alternative. Modern bass playing draws on both guitar and double bass for inspiration as well as an increasing vernacular of its own.

Related Topics:
Guitar - Electric guitar - Double bass - Vernacular

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As a point of interest, Fender's early dominance in the market for mass produced bass guitars led to the instrument frequently being called the "Fender bass" although, with the plethora of alternative manufacturers producing similar instruments, this term has fallen out of fashion.

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