The electric bass is a derivation of the double bass - the earliest known as
the "viola da Gamba" which was eight feet tall and had seven strings. It
was played with a bow, and had a fretted neck, which is now removed. The
number of strings on early basses ranged from 3 to 7. Germany and Austria
used basses with 4 to 5 strings whereas France and England used 3 string
basses until the 4 string became the main bass.
Bass is used in Jazz, Blues, and Rock. It was used initially as a rhythm
instrument until bassists such as Charles Mingus began playing more melodic
lines using it as a solo instrument.
In 1951, Leo Fender created the first electric bass guitar.
About Drums::
Drums have been used throughout all kinds of civilizations to make music, to
warn of danger, and to instruct armies.
Tom-toms originate from Africa. They were hollowed trunks and animal
skins. Greeks and Romans eventually began using tom-toms in their armies
and orchestras, but they did not use the African rhythms and patterns.
Eventually, the Moors invaded Spain bringing the drums and African rhythms
with them. They also brought the tambourine - this had animal intestines
stretched across the skin. It is the predecessor of the snare drum which
now uses metal strings as opposed to intestines.
The bass drum is a big, low-tuned drum which gives the basis to rhythms.
The Indians were the first to use this drum, and the Turks were the first to
bring this drum to Europe.
The different types of drums and rhythms first started to come together in
America which is very culturally diverse, eventually developing the first
drum set.
Teen Bass and Drums Player Index
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