Quick Buying Guide The Rough Guide to Buying an Instrument 1. Instruments as Gifts 2. Which Instrument Should I Buy? 3. Acoustic Guitars 4. Electric Guitars 5. More On Electric Guitars 6. Basses 7. Amplifiers

Certain personality types are drawn to the bass. Perhaps it's the desire to be a part of a team, performing an essential function, yet not at the center of attention. Bassists seem to be more patient, as well, since their parts are more repetitive than guitarists. We like to call this "the pocket." Basses tend to be simpler than electric guitars. Basses traditionally have four strings, which correspond to the lowest four strings on a guitar. You should avoid five or six string basses for a beginner; they are much more difficult to play, and require fancy amplification. If your child is interested in bass, have him or her play with the instrument. It is a very different experience than playing a guitar. In general, it is more difficult to play a song on a bass, which provides only the low bottom end sound, than to strum out a tune on a guitar. Young players are drawn to bass because they like the deep, sonorous sound, and the connection to the groove of a song. Bass players like to practice to a CD, or even to an inexpensive drum machine. Good bass players are also hard to find, so raising one will make you a hero in the eyes of a future band! Next: Amplifying the Electric Instrument ©2003-2004 Too Many Guitars.