5 Top Tips to SUPERPOWER Your Bass Tone!

Bass players are always on the hunt for the perfect tone, but it can be tricky to nail down. For many of us, the quest for better tone inevitably ends with buying new bass gear – more basses, more amps, more pedals… but it doesn’t have to be that way! It’s time to cut to the chase – in today’s lesson we’re going to show you the 5 crucial steps to getting a great bass sound.

Tip 1: Tone is subjective

Not everyone will agree with what you think sounds great. What sounds amazing to one bass player, might sound terrible to another. Some people prefer a clean, crisp tone; others prefer a muted, old-school sound. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what sort of tone you are looking for.

Tip 2: Tone is in the hands

Play fingerstyle or with a pick, and you'll get a vastly different sound. There's also a huge range of tonal colour and dynamics that depend on where and how hard you attack the strings. Experiment with different techniques, and hone your chops to perfection. Your playing will improve and so will your tone.

Tip 3: Strings

Not all strings are created equal. The wrong strings – so ones that are too heavy, too old, too light, too anything – can seriously get in the way of your bass tone. How you manipulate the strings defines your playing style, and choosing the right set can make all the difference.

Read more on changing bass strings here.

Tip 4: Pickups

Different pickups can radically change or expand the tonal options available from your bass. Some pickups emphasize the low end and others will boost the treble or be ‘scooped’ (low mids, but higher bass and treble). The most important factor with pickups is their placement. Pickups placed closer to the neck will have a deeper sound. Pickups near the bridge are more nasally. Ask around to see (and hear) what other bassists are playing, especially those who play similar styles to yours.

Tip 5: EQ

EQ stands for equalisation, and whether you're playing live to thousands or creating mixes in your bedroom, it’s an essential subject when it comes to shaping your bass tone. It can be used to boost or cut specific frequencies, allowing you to customize your sound to better suit your bass playing. By adjusting the EQ, you can change your overall tone, making it sound brighter, darker or anything in between. Think of it as a tool to help you define your sound within a band mix.