Is Bass Guitar Easier Than Electric Guitar?

(Last Updated On: February 7, 2024)

The Bass guitar is the base of the entirety of music!

Without bass, there’s nothing to hold the music down or bring the whole thing together. 

The bass player is the most important component in forming the perfect band. 

They decide what they consider the “feel” that the song is playing by playing patterns of notes following the rhythmic patterns they create by playing the drums.

Bassists are usually quiet people that appreciate the free-spirited character of the instrument. 

While other instruments must remain with their written pieces, Bass players have more freedom to play whatever is best (especially in jazz and blues progressions).

Therefore, the bassist usually learns to master chordal patterns and scales to put down an amazing bass line!

Is Bass Guitar Easier Than Electric Guitar?

Yes, the Bass guitar is undoubtedly easier than the electric guitar because of less complexity than the latter.

Bass guitar needs just the basic chords to play in synchrony; on the other hand, we need to change chords multiple times on electric ones.

Bass guitar Vs. Electric guitar in terms of Tuning and Sound:

A Different Tuning – 

  • The differences in tuning or ‘Pitch’ are the most obvious factor that makes these two instruments completely distinct.
  • One can tune a typical six-string electric guitar to E-A-D-G B-E’s traditional tuning.
  • In contrast, the standard bass guitar has four strings tuned in the same manner as the lower four strings in the guitar but with their tuned just one octave beneath the pitch.
  • The bass guitar is a different instrument, but it has different strings than the electric guitar.
  • And this is among the major factors that cause the different sounds of both instruments.

Sound – 

  • However, there isn’t a connection between the music’s sound and its ease. However, we’re talking about music!
  • In the heavy genres, particularly genres such as metal and rock often, you’ll hear an unusual sounding electric guitar, which is caused by the distortion.
  • Generally, the sound is extremely clear, deep, and clear for bass guitars without adding distortion to it, much like an acoustic instrument.

Bass guitar comparison with an electric guitar:

The size of the difference – 

  • In addition to the tone that is heard, the instrument’s size will be a major factor at the beginning of your musical journey.
  • Most bass guitars are more substantial in size than electric guitars. 
  • In terms of the scale length of a bass guitar, the standard length for a four-string bass is approximately 34 inches.
  • The scale length of an electric guitar is about 25 inches.
  • Some basses are short-scale available; nevertheless, they’re larger than the normal electric guitars. 
  • This extra length of the bass scale does not mean it’s got more frets than an electric guitar. It’s an instrument that is larger.
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Ease in the playability – 

  • If you believe that bass will be easy to learn, just because we’re dealing just with four strings isn’t a comprehensive assertion or anything. 
  • Based on the genre and the kind of music you’ll play, both the bass guitar and electric guitars are extremely difficult to play or even very easy.
  • Generally, the Electric guitar appears to be easy to play for beginners because of its (relatively) lightweight and dimensions compared to bass. 
  • The bass may be larger for your hands or may fit comfortably in your lap. It all depends on how you move.

The Bass guitar has a heavier string, which is difficult to play for beginners.

On the other hand, it is easier to play electric guitar using a guitar instrument, not your fingers.

Some recommendations:

01. Glarry Electric Bass Guitar Full Size 4 String – $99.19 to $120.98

  • STABLE quality and great FEELINGS
  • The 4-string bass guitar is constructed from top-quality basswood for the body and solid rosewood on the bridge and the fingerboard. 
  • The ergonomic cut-out surface of the full-size bass guitar and 20-feet gives you a great feeling of the frets when playing.
  • PERFECT accessories Included: 1 electric bass guitar 1x guitar bag that can be used as a portable 1xShoulder Strap, 1xBass pick 1xAmp Cord. 
  • You can start playing Glarry bass straight when you open a package.

02. Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Right, Walnut Flat – $180.99 to $190.97

  • Mahogany back and top material type.
  • Walnut flat color and three total colors available.
  • 39 x 11.5 x 2.3 inches item dimensions.
  • And this is a compact and lightweight body with Dynamic P Pickup for the perfect sound.

Some other questions,

Related Questions and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q1.) Is learning the bass easier than the guitar?

Answer: This is common confusion about whether it’s hard to play the bass or other guitars.

 In simple words, a bass is easy, to begin with because it has very few notes to focus on.

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Q2.) Is it hard to learn the bass guitar?

Answer: Well, just like any other skill, it takes a lot of hard work and practice the bass guitar but still a lot less complicated than the other versions.

Q3.) Can we claim that the bass guitar is the easiest to learn?

Answer: Well, to put it simply, the bass is one of the easiest versions of guitars to learn.

Anyone can learn the same whether you are a music enthusiast or a beginner.

Q4.) Can we play the bass alone?

Answer: Well, most bass players enjoy the band, and many of them enjoy it as a SOLO machine.

So, yes, you can play it solo.

Q5.) Are bassists failed, guitarists?

Answer: No! Just like others, they are musicians first and others second.

They play on those fat strings for long.

Q6.) How much time should I be devoted to learning the bass?

Answer: Six months should be enough time for becoming a bass guitarist. And this also involves complex aspects like scaling and basic lines.

Q7.) Is it possible to play bass without the amp?

Answer: Interestingly, the bass guitar can play itself in ample ways.

The first condition is when you are playing solo and the second condition is if you can use your computer in the open.

Q8.) What are some simple instruments to learn?

Answer: Piano or Keyboard, drums, Ukulele, or Violin are easy for kids and children.

And among these, piano and drums are the simplest.

Q9.) Why is the bass relatively easy to play?

Answer: Bass comes with just four fat strings, two less than the electric guitar’s six.

Q10.) Is it possible to self-learn the bass guitar?

Answer: Yes, possible, but remember that a professional instructor will help you more.

And give yourself some time to learn.

Q11.) What are some of the toughest instruments to play?

Answer: French Horn, Bassoon, Oboe, and bagpipes are some of the hardest to play.

And this is because they are the hardest brass instruments to play, like French Horn.

Q12.) What is the first lesson one should learn on the bass guitar?

Answer: Major scale should come first for sure, which allows humming notes without the bass.

Next, learn the minor scales.

Q13.) Is it boring to play the bass guitar?

Answer: No, rather, it is one of the most versatile instruments to play and offers both solo and group fun.

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Q14.) Can we make music with just the bass?

Answer: Well, one can compose the same on practically any instrument, and rather it is easier to do so on a harmonic instrument.

Q15.) Are the bass guitars heavy?

Answer: Well, the bass guitar is also heavier than others and larger.

This noted problem leads to the strain if used for a long time.

Q16.) Is the bass a necessary part of a band?

Answer: Yes, the bass is a critical part of this band and provides the connection for a drumbeat that melodies beautifully.

Q17.) Is it rare to find a bass player?

Answer: Yes, unfortunately, there are not many bassists who are good also, and they are not abundant.

Q18.) How many hours should you invest in practicing the bass guitar?

Answer: If you are serious about playing and learning the same, practicing for two to three hours is necessary.

And if you want to dominate, then six to eight hours a day.

Final Verdict:

As we have mentioned before, the guitar game can be quite either be hard.

It all depends on the length you intend to spend playing this sport and what style you wish to play? 

These are all applicable to bass players too. Bass acts as the backbone to the band that holds the other instruments. 

In genres like Jazz and Blues, the bass is a part of the drummer. In the case of hard and metal rock, it gives an additional dimension to the guitar’s riffs.

On the other side of the instrument, the guitar plays an extremely diverse role within the group. 

Most of the time, bass and drums are thought of as part of the rhythm section, while the guitar is given some flexibility about solos and other embellishments.

For electric guitars, it is not necessary to be a pro guitarist to play rock music. It is enough to learn the chords in a few places and write songs.

While both bass and electric guitar have their place in the music world, and anyone can master any instruments to suit their music preferences.

For a beginner, an electric guitar is the better choice to start over bass due to its large bass strings and huge body.

Thanks For Reading!