YAMAHA Bass Guitar, Dark Blue Metallic finish

Product Information

You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test. Traditionally a bass guitar has four strings, tuned E, A, D, G. However, you can get 5 and even 6 string basses (and more!) that extend your frequency range. Basses with additional strings have a lower bottom string, so a 5-string will usually be tuned B, E, A, D, G, though of course you can pretty much tune it how you want. A travesty of design? Not at all. The Aerodyne Special, in Dolphin Gray or California Blue, is a pared-down, minimalist triumph. Obviously, it’s unlikely to appeal to traditionalists, which is why the new pups, though vintage-voiced, are clearly capable of a contemporary growl and the Babicz Z-series bridge is a distinctly modern touch.

Ultimately, the total freedom to play what you want is what we all want to do. Start simple though and master that before you move on. When you feel comfortable, always push yourself to the next level. Related Lessons Note: this scale is the same pattern as that used in the E blues scale open position scale, but played on the adjacent strings. Since its introduction in 1976, the Music Man StingRay has come to define the company’s bass-making. It is the most-recognisable model – well, the Bongo might be more of a head-turner, but this is the one that made it famous.

Technically, you can use a bass through a guitar amp, however it isn’t recommended. Guitar amps aren’t designed to handle the lower frequencies put out by a bass guitar - you could actually end up causing some real damage to it, so we’d definitely suggest looking at one of the best bass amps in our guide. How we test the best bass guitars Knowing where to start when finding the best bass guitar for you can be a pretty daunting task. There are many factors to consider, especially if you’re looking for a beginner bass guitar to start your bass playing journey on. Here are some of the most important things you’ll need to decide on, before you go looking for your brand new bass guitar. Long scale vs short scale bass guitars

The above TAB shows how Pattern 1 from the Blues Scales Bass Patterns section below can be used to play an F blues scale. Here’s a nice little pattern you can use. Since there are no open strings being used here you can actually move the pattern around if you want to play in different keys. Fender, realizing this a couple of decades ago, responded with the Japanese-made Aerodyne Jazz Bass, which has just been further refreshed – future-proofed, if you like – with the even more futuristic 2022 Aerodyne Special. Frankly, the 4003S isn’t everyone’s cup of Lapsang Souchong, but bassists who become smitten will go to the ends of the earth and beyond to buy a good one. Which is just as well, because the 4003S is made in small, seemingly inconsistent batches, which plays havoc with both supply and pricing. So what makes the Mustang so special? Well the 30” short-scale makes for one incredibly accessible little bass. It might feel a little short to some, but if you have recently moved onto bass from guitar this will feel incredible.

The tonic note of a scale is the note that the scale is named after, i.e. the ‘A’ notes in an A major scale, or the ‘C’ notes in a C major scale. Here at MusicRadar, we are experts in our field, with many years of playing, creating and product testing between us. We live and breathe everything music gear related, and we draw on this knowledge and experience of using products in live, recording and rehearsal scenarios when selecting the products for our guides. Note: not all of the patterns contain two tonic notes. Although you won’t be able to use these shapes on their own to play an entire scale, you’ll still be able to use them combined with the adjacent shapes to play full scales, multi-octave scales, or while improvising. The BB435 nails that vintage-modern vibe, and like all great instruments it has a timeless quality, capable of holding its own in any company. Now, Yamaha does a very neat line in pro basses – the BBP35 is an exceptional top-line version of the BB435 that we’d recommend in a heartbeat – but this is an exceptionally priced instrument. As to which is better, there is no real right or wrong answer, although people will argue that point. Whatever sounds best to you is best, and that’s the end of it – and we'll have no arguing, thanks. Four-string vs five-string vs six-string