Home > Bass (musical term)
Bass ( SAMPA: [beIs], rhyming with "face"), when used as an adjective, describes tones of low frequency. Played in an ensemble/ orchestra such notes are frequently used to provide a counterpoint or counter- melody, in an harmonic context either to outline or juxtapose the progression of the chords, or with percussion to underline the rhythm. In popular music the bass part usually provides harmonic and rhythmic support, usually playing the root or fifth of the chord and stressing the onbeats.As a noun, a bass is a musical instrument or singer with a low range. As an instrument, it can be:
- an abbreviated name for double bass (this is usually the instrument referred to as a "bass" in Classical music and jazzFor other article subjects named Jazz see jazz (disambiguation). Jazz is a musical art form characterized by blue notes, syncopation, swing, call and response, polyrhythms, and improvisation. It has been called the first original art form to develop in th. Sometimes called a "string bass" to differentiate it from a "bass horn".)
- an abbreviated name for bass guitarThe electric bass guitar is a stringed instrument similar to the electric guitar, but larger in size and with a lower range. It is also closely related to—and inspired by—the double bass, and shares things in common with a range of bass instruments. It is (this is usually the instrument referred to as a "bass" in rock & roll)
- a bass horn, such as a tubaThe tuba is the largest of the low- brass instruments and is one of the most recent additions to the modern symphony orchestra, first appearing in the mid- 19th century, when it largely replaced the ophicleide. There is usually only one tuba in an orchest or sousaphoneThe sousaphone is a musical instrument named after John Philip Sousa, the famous march composer and conductor. The sousaphone was developed in the 1890s by Conn at the request of Sousa, who was unhappy with the tubas used at that time by the Marine band.-- a wind instrument that fulfills a role similar to a string bass
- an abbreviated name for bass clarinetThe clarinet (sometimes historically spelled clarionet is a musical instrument in the woodwind family. A person who plays the clarinet is called a clarinettist. Professional clarinets are made from African hardwood, often grenadilla or (rarely) Honduran r, bass tromboneNever look at the trombones. It only encourages them. Richard Strauss The trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. It is pitched lower than the trumpet, and higher than the tuba. A person who plays the trombone is called a trombonist. A tromb, bass saxophoneoctave lower than an Alto Sax. The saxophone or sax is a musical instrument of the woodwind family, usually made of brass and with a distinctive loop bringing the bell upwards. It was invented by Adolphe Sax in the mid- 1840s. The saxophone is most common, etc (less common usage)
For the term as it applies to singers, see basso.
See also
Musical terminology
