Trystan Casey
The bass guitar, also known as the electric bass guitar or simply bass, is the lowest-pitched member of the guitar family. The number of frets on a bass guitar varies, with some models having 20, 22, or 24 frets. The addition of frets makes it easier for bassists to play in tune and allows guitarists to play the instrument more easily as well. The Fender Mustang, for example, has 20 frets, while the Precision and Jazz basses are believed to have 20 frets as well. The number of frets on a bass guitar is generally considered inconsequential as most bassists rarely play above the 12th or 14th fret, and those who do know how to utilize the higher frets are usually jazz soloists.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of frets | 20, 22, 24 |
| Number of strings | 4, 5, 6 |
| Fretless bass | Yes |
| Scale length | 30" (short), 32" (medium), 34" (standard), 35" (long) |
| Neck length | Independent of the number of frets |
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What You'll Learn
Electric bass guitars typically have 20, 22 or 24 frets
The number of frets on an electric bass guitar varies, but they typically have 20, 22 or 24 frets. The frets on a bass guitar enable bassists to play in tune more easily than on upright basses and allow guitarists to play the instrument more easily. The addition of frets was one of the reasons why the bass guitar replaced the double bass in popular music in the mid-1950s.
The Fender Mustang, for example, has 20 frets. Some bassists have questioned whether this is too few frets for a longer-scale bass. However, others have pointed out that most bassists rarely play above the 12th fret, and some comment that they rarely play above the 14th fret, let alone the 20th.
The number of frets on a bass guitar can vary, with some models offering 22 frets, and others featuring 24. The extra frets are added to the body end of the neck, not the headstock end, so the neck length remains the same. This means that the distance between the frets changes when the number of frets is altered, which can affect muscle memory.
Bigger frets, or jumbo frets, are common on bass guitars. These keep the fingers and strings from touching the fretboard, which could slow the player down. Some basses also feature a zero fret, which is placed where the nut normally sits, with the nut moved back. This is to make the tone of an open string the same as a fretted note.
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The Fender Mustang has 20 frets
The Fender Mustang Bass is a popular electric bass guitar that has been on the market since 1964. Over the years, Fender has released several variations of the Mustang Bass, including the Fender Pawn Shop Mustang Bass, the Squier Vintage Modified Mustang Bass, and the Player Mustang Bass PJ. While the Mustang Bass typically has 19 frets, there are some variations with 20 frets, such as the Fender Player II Mustang Bass PJ.
The Fender Mustang Bass is known for its short scale length, which makes it easier for players to reach the lower frets. This feature, combined with its comfortable neck and fingerboard design, makes the Mustang Bass a popular choice for beginners and experienced musicians alike. The Fender Player II Mustang Bass PJ, for example, has a thin neck that allows for fast and fluid playability, making it a good option for those who like to play fast solos.
The Mustang Bass also offers a variety of pickup configurations, including the traditional split-coil Precision Bass pickup and the Jazz Bass pickup. The Fender Player II Mustang Bass PJ features both of these pickups, providing players with a flexible and thunderous bass tone. Additionally, the Mustang Bass typically has a 30" scale length and a string-through body design, contributing to its unique sound and playability.
The Fender Mustang Bass has been used by notable musicians, including bassists from The Rolling Stones and My Chemical Romance. Its versatile sound and stylish design have made it one of Fender's most enduring bass models. Whether for beginners or experienced players, the Mustang Bass offers a range of features that cater to different musical styles and preferences. With its combination of playability, tone, and aesthetics, the Fender Mustang Bass continues to be a popular choice for electric bass guitarists.
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Fretless basses have no frets
Electric bass guitars commonly have four strings, with five- and six-string models also available. The first commercial fretless bass guitar was the Ampeg AUB-1, introduced in 1966.
The absence of frets on a fretless bass means that players must rely on their ears and muscle memory to find the correct pitch. This offers a unique tonal expressiveness, enabling smooth glissandos, slides, and microtonal nuances. Fretless basses are favored in genres like jazz, fusion, Latin, and world music, where players seek rich, singing tones and the ability to explore melodic improvisation.
Playing a fretless bass requires a higher degree of finger precision and ear training. Beginners may find the learning process more demanding, as accurate finger placement is necessary to produce the desired pitch. The lack of frets also means that string pressure must be controlled more precisely to prevent unintentional buzzing or note muting.
While fretless basses offer unparalleled tonal versatility and expressive possibilities, they may require more maintenance than fretted basses. The metal frets on a fretted bass provide a protective barrier between the strings and the fingerboard, reducing string wear and minimizing the accumulation of dirt and grime.
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Fret markers are inserted at certain frets to help bassists keep their bearings
Electric bass guitars typically have 20, 22, or 24 frets, though some models may have as few as 12. Fret markers, also known as fret dots, inlays, position markers, or side dots, are often inserted along the top edge of the fretboard at certain frets. These markers help bassists keep their bearings and navigate the neck of the instrument more easily, especially when starting out. They are usually made of eye-catching materials like mother of pearl or pearloid.
The number of frets on a bass guitar can vary, but most bassists rarely play above the 12th or even the 14th fret, even during soloing. This is because the bass parts in most styles of music tend to focus on lower-register notes. Additionally, the design of the bass guitar, with its longer neck and scale length compared to a standard electric guitar, can make it less ergonomic to play in the upper registers.
While some bassists prefer the look and feel of a fretless bass neck, the addition of frets offers several advantages. Frets enable bassists to play in tune more easily and make the instrument more accessible to guitarists, who are familiar with fretted instruments. Furthermore, the inclusion of frets allows for the use of jumbo frets, which can enhance playing speed by keeping the fingers and strings from touching the wood of the fretboard as frequently.
The scale length of a bass guitar refers to the length of the vibrating strings between the nut and the bridge saddles. On a modern 4-string bass guitar, a scale length of 30" (76 cm) or less is considered short scale, while 32" (81 cm) is medium scale, 34" (86 cm) is standard, and 35" (89 cm) is long scale. It's worth noting that the scale length of a bass is independent of the number of frets, as the extra frets are added to the body end of the neck rather than the headstock end.
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Some basses have a zero fret, which changes the tone of an open string
Electric basses typically have 20 or 24 frets, though some have as few as 12. The number of frets on a bass guitar is largely inconsequential because most bassists rarely play above the 12th or 14th fret. The Fender Mustang, for example, has 20 frets. The extra frets on a 24-fret bass are added to the body end of the neck, not the headstock end, so the neck length remains the same regardless of the number of frets.
The zero fret gives an open string the same tone as a fretted string. When you play an open string on a non-zero-fret instrument, it has a different timbre than the fretted notes. However, when you play an open string on a zero-fret instrument, it sounds the same as the fretted notes because, in essence, it is fretted as well. The zero fret also eliminates the need for a perfect nut setup and placement, which can be advantageous in certain situations, such as when a guitar is displayed in a music store and the sales personnel lack the skill or time to properly set up the guitar.
While some bassists appreciate the consistency of tone that a zero fret provides, others have noted that it may cause problems for guitarists who bend strings a lot, as it can cause wear and tear and slight grooves in the fret. Additionally, the zero fret may not be suitable for those who are used to the unique thump of open notes, as the zero fret gives a tighter tone to open notes. Ultimately, the impact of a zero fret on the tone of an open string may be minimal, and some bassists may not even notice a difference in playability between a zero-fret and a non-zero-fret instrument.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric bass guitars can have anywhere between 20 and 24 frets. Fretless bass guitars also exist.
The difference between a 20-fret and a 24-fret bass guitar is that the latter has four additional frets at the body end of the neck. This means that the scale length of the bass is independent of the number of frets.
Having more frets on a bass guitar can allow for easier playing in the upper registers, as the pocket end of the fretboard will have wider spacing. Additionally, the extra frets can provide more room for soloing and playing in higher octaves.
The Fender Mustang and the Precision and Jazz basses all have 20 frets. The Fender VI, a six-string bass, has more than 24 frets, as it is tuned one octave lower than a standard guitar.
