Number of strings for Bass Guitar

Well, this is a tricky one. Now, if you don't know the difference between 4,5 or 6, 8, 10, 12 (I hope they'll stop here) stringed Bass, read on....and if you do, also, read on.

I think that majority of players are 4-stringers. Wrong? So, why is that a case? Is it because it's kind of standard, or mainstream, or something darker......

Fact:
Bass Guitar (a modern one, like yours) is designed based on double bass. This instrument has a very thick strings, therefore a rather wide neck. The average human hand has a certain range (catch, span), and because of that, the number of strings on double bass was restricted to four.

4-STRINGS
So, basically, the tuning is the same with those two. It's (from low to high) E - A - D - G (the highest open string-G, is an eleventh, an octave and a fourth, below middle C). This is also a tuning of a 'regular' 6 stringed guitar, only Bass is one octave lower.
Keep in mind that there are also different tunings for 4-strings, that give totally different workplace for you.



If words like - octave, fourth, eleventh and some others - if they sound strange, if you don't know the meaning, don't worry. You can learn that on a hop! I'll write about the same, if there is some interest. You can use comments. Or mail. (people that know this - don't laugh)

5-STRINGS
They provide a greater lower or upper range than the 4-string Bass, and has better hand position for notes. Tunings are:
B-E-A-D-G (usual one, rock, metal music), sometimes A-D-G-C-F
E-A-D-G-C (Tenor tuning, in jazz music)
C-E-A-D-G (not so usual)



6-STRING
This is a 4-string bass + low "B" string and a high "C" string. Not so common, but some of the artist use them for studio recordings. Tunings:
B-E-A-D-G-C (usual)
B-E-A-D-G-B (you notice the first 5 strings? like on the guitar)
E-A-D-G-B-E (completely like guitar)
E-A-D-G-C-F and F#-B-E-A-D-G (rare ones)



100-STRING
The 8, 10, 12 and 15-string basses, are basically built on the same principle as the 12-string guitar (regular one). The point is to group strings, so that they make unison or octaves. They are played simultaneously. There's no super human after all.....

8 String


10 String
12 String
15 String


Enjoy the day...