The bass guitar is a great instrument for new players to see progress quickly. Though, once you get the basics down, you may find yourself reaching a learning curve as chords and techniques become more challenging. Choosing the right type of bass–short-scale or long-scale–can make a difference in your learning experience.
Today we will look at the difference between short-scale and long-scale bass guitars so you can find the bass most suited for you. We’ll also look at affordable bass guitars specially curated and recommended by trusted industry expert, NAMM member, and self-taught bass player Rob Ware. As someone who has experienced the trials and tribulations of learning how to play the bass, Rob Ware understands what beginners need to get started, offering personal advice to guide each player through their unique process.
As the name suggests, a short-scale bass guitar is relatively short in length, typically spanning 30 inches or less. With a shorter neck, a smaller body, and a lighter weight, the short-scale bass is generally considered easier to play than the long-scale bass. The shorter neck means that the frets are closer together, allowing for a smooth transition between notes. The small size requires less stretching on the neck and around the body, making them ideal for children or those with smaller hands.
On a short-scale bass guitar, the strings have less tension, which makes them feel easier to bend. This can be beneficial if your playing technique uses string bending, but if not, you may notice that the notes sound out of tune. To fix this, many short-scale bassists will use thicker strings to balance out the tension.
The Danelectro Fifty Niner Short-Scale Bass Guitar is a standout choice for a short-scale beginner bass. Its C-shaped maple neck and rosewood fingerboard coupled with the short scale length create a comfortable fretting experience for both beginner and longtime bass players. It’s a 4-string bass guitar with a classic, punchy tone giving it a versatile sound that blends smoothly with any music genre.
For an affordable acoustic option, check out the Mitchell Acoustic Short Scale Bass Guitar. An acoustic-electric mix provides players with greater flexibility between bass guitar types. Its mahogany body and short scale create a warm, rich acoustic tone that is accurately amplified when plugged in. With a 24-inch scale neck and light weight, this bass is especially comfortable and easy to play, making it a great choice for beginners.
A long-scale bass guitar is usually 34-inches or longer. The size of the bass affects its sound, with long-scale basses offering a deeper resonance than short-scale guitars. The increased string tension helps define the sound and produce more energy to create a powerful and moving tone. The tighter string tension and longer necks on long-scale basses allow for increased sustain, which means that they can hold notes for longer without losing volume.
Long-scale basses are great for bass-players seeking to add complexity to their sound. They are well suited for producing a full, deep low end that can provide the necessary foundation for a musical arrangement in a variety of genres, such as funk or metal. The longer neck and added tension create a balanced response across all strings, making long-scale basses better equipped for more advanced techniques such as fingerpicking or tapping.
The Danelectro ‘59 DC Long Scale Bass is a 1990s classic, producing a resonant tone and an improved sustain. It features Danelectro’s signature Lipstick pickups that deliver a unique, round sound iconic to the 90s alt-rock scene. Its body is constructed of lightweight hardboard and plywood that make it easy to handle and play.
As a beginner, you may be wondering whether the short-scale or long-scale bass guitar is more suitable for you. Both short and long-scale basses can be good beginner bass guitars, depending on your needs and goals.
Short-scale basses are generally better suited for beginners, especially children and those with smaller hands. The lower string tension requires less finger strength to press down on the strings, making it easier to produce clear notes. Additionally, the closer frets allow for proper positioning of the hand and smoother movement across the fretboard. With their lighter weight and smaller size, short-scale basses are more comfortable to hold for long practice sessions, making them a practical choice for those just starting out.
Though they may be slightly more complex to play than short-scale basses, long-scale basses are a suitable option for beginner players, depending on personal preference. Since the short-scale and long-scale basses have fundamentally different acoustics, one may be preferred over the other depending on your desired sound. With a longer neck and larger size, beginner players can quickly build finger strength and flexibility, which can help them refine their technique.
Everyone learns at their own pace, so there is no set timeline for mastering the bass guitar. Basic skills can be hammered down in a few months, depending on how you are learning and how often you practice. In the beginning period, you will be able to learn fundamental skills such as proper hand positioning and basic chords. With consistent practice, you can be on your way to comfortably playing simple songs in about 6 months. In a year or so, you will be able to move from basic to intermediate skills.
From teaching yourself to online lessons to in-person coaching, there are many paths for learning how to play the bass. Especially when you are self-taught, maintaining your motivation to practice is the only way to make progress. Finding a guitar that works for your path can help keep you motivated and successful.
Today, we looked at the key differences between short-scale and long-scale bass guitars. Averaging 30 inches, short-scale basses are suitable for beginners, children, and players with smaller hands or a smaller frame. The shorter neck means the frets are spaced closer together, which can make it easier to move between frets. In combination with lower string tension that is easier on the fingers, this makes it a strong choice for beginner players to successfully play notes and chords. Although long-scale basses are larger than short-scale basses, they can still be suitable for beginners and experienced players alike, especially those looking for a classic, sharp bass tone. Additionally, the bigger spacing between frets can feel more comfortable for some. Both types of basses have their advantages, and it is up to each player what feels most comfortable for them.
Equipped with musical expertise and knowledge, Rob Ware is up to date on the latest industry trends, guaranteed to present only the top recommendations for affordable bass guitars and other instruments alike. Beginners can trust Rob Ware at Rhythm Section Bass Guitar to find a high-quality and affordable 4-string bass guitar suited for your performing needs. Keeping your new bass guitar safe and protected is equally important, so be sure to check out Rob Ware’s recommendations for guitar display cabinets and other equipment as well!
Our Band UNRESOLVE was honored to share the stage with some tremendous SC Low Country Musicians at Awendaw Green this past Saturday. The Festival benefitted Low Country Recover Groups to include Operation Rise Again and Magdalene House of Charleston.
Finding the perfect gift for a bass player can be tricky, especially if you don’t know the ins and outs of the instrument. Luckily, you have come to the right place! This gift guide will walk you through the best...
The joy of finding the perfect gift that uplifts your loved one’s musical passion is a feeling that can’t be beat! But, finding a gift for a musician can feel intimidating when high-quality instruments and gear are often costly and...
{"one"=>"Select 2 or 3 items to compare", "other"=>"{{ count }} of 3 items selected"}
Leave a comment