Playing Like a Bassistīesides this, it helps to understand how bassists typically play their parts. To put it simply, if you play guitar through an octave pedal, run into a guitar amp- it will resemble a bass, but it won’t work in the song like a bass. This is the crucial difference between guitar and bass amps– they are designed with these two different roles in mind. Vocals, guitars, and keys rest on top of this foundation. Put another way, in most songs, the 20-250Hz of the frequency range is almost entirely dedicated to the bass and drums. Meanwhile, the bass and drums work in tandem to form the foundation for the rhythm and harmony. But it doesn’t drive the rhythm or harmony of the song- it’s more like the guitar enhances it. Usually, the guitar is used to create rhythm and sonic texture. It plays a totally different role in songs. There’s more to bass than a guitar with four thicker strings. On the other hand, maybe that’s what you’re into- a bass that does things that a true bass couldn’t. But if you play it like a guitar, it might not sound as much like a bass as you might hope. It will instantly resemble a bass, that’s for sure. If you just pitch your guitar down using an octave pedal and think you are good to go, then you may be disappointed. You can also sculpt your tone with EQ, consider using a bass amp or amp sim, and should be aware of how bass playing style differs from the guitar.Ĭonclusion Bass Playing vs Guitar Playing Octave pedals are the bulk of the approach, but there’s more to it than that. To effectively use your guitar as a bass, read on for some tips. The intro to Seven Nation Army is a better bassline than many basslines I have heard played on bass. But it just goes to show that a guitar can be pressed into service as a bass, and well. He had most people fooled, myself included. In keeping with the strict guitar-and-drums-and-definitely-not-bass ethos, Jack White actually recorded the bass line with a semi-acoustic guitar played through an octave pedal which probably felt like something between a bass and acoustic/electric hybrid. Funnier still, if you look at the recording credits, you will not find a bass listed for Seven Nation Army. It’s funny then, that this iconic riff, introduced on the bass, was performed by a band famous for lacking a bassist. Hell, it’s a musical achievement on the level of the intro of Beethoven’s Fifth. It’s instantly memorable, impossible to forget the second you hear it. The rest of the entire song flows from the first seven notes. In a time of beats and synths and pop vocals, the White Stripes managed to craft a rock riff in the tradition of Sunshine of Your Love and Smoke on the Water. I actually think it’s the greatest rock and roll riff anyone has written since the 80s, and nothing has bested it since. If you didn’t sleep through the 00s, you can probably sing the riff to Seven Nation Army from memory. We may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page.
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