Electric bass
Electrically amplified bass guitar, usually with four strings tuned E-A-D-G.
What it means
The electric bass is an electrically amplified bass guitar whose string vibrations are converted into electrical signals by pickups and then amplified. In its common four-string standard form the strings are tuned E-A-D-G, an octave below the four lowest strings of a classical guitar.
Musical use
The electric bass emerged in the 1950s, notably through the development work of Leo Fender, as a more practical, portable alternative to the double bass then standard in dance and popular music ensembles. Since then it has been a central instrument of the rhythm section in rock, pop, jazz, and many other genres, where it interlocks the harmonic foundation with the drums rhythmically.
The electric bass should be distinguished from the acoustic double bass, which sounds through its large resonating body without electrical amplification and is usually played bowed or plucked in orchestral and jazz settings. It differs from the six-string electric guitar through its lower tuning, longer scale length, and usually four rather than six strings.
Performance practice
On electric bass, first practise a clean attack, whether plucked with the fingers or played with a pick, and aim for an even tone across the strings. Since the bass often carries the underlying rhythmic pulse together with the drums, practise with a metronome or a drum part to stay rhythmically precise.