Bass

In singing, the bass (or basso) is the low male voice and the lowest of all six voice types. A bass is typically classified by a vocal range extending two octaves from around the second E below middle C to the E above middle C (E2–E4). The tessitura, or comfortable range, is normally defined by the outermost lines of the bass clef.

The deep, booming sound of the bass seems to come from dark caverns and the bass is usually called to perform the roles of kings, priests, fathers/grandfathers, gods, and Satan.

Some pop singers are basses, although the vocal subcategories used in opera are not applied to them. Examples include Barry White, Isaac Hayes, Thurl Ravenscroft, William Warfield, Harold Reid, Vladamir Miller, Burman Porter, Gary Miller, Wes McKinzie, Tim Duncan, Robert C Guy, Duane Adams, Gary Evans, Richard Sterban, Eric Bennett, George Younce, Christian Davis, Mike Holcomb, Jeff Pearles, Tim Storms, JD Sumner, and Steve Cross.

In popular music, there is not much attention paid to the bass. In classical music, basses are prized.

Based on vocal weight and voice type, basses can be further divided into the following subcategories:

Basso cantante: a light, lyrical voice suited to smooth, sweet singing. Usually in Italian and French opera; the closest German and English equivalent is the bass-baritone.

Basso-buffo: "buffoon bass", comes in both lyric and dramatic weight, but generally this deep, flexible voice is usually used for comical roles.

Basso-profondo: "deep bass", comes in lyric an dramatic weight, and is the lowest, darkest bass. Usually reserved for serious, elegant roles. Examples include Feodor Chaliapin, Maxim Mikhailov, Martti Talvela, Matti Salminen, Kurt Moll, an Kurt Rydl.

by Lorelili June 27, 2013

Bass

The most important instrument in rock music. Along with the drums, forms the rhthym secion of the band, making a backbone for the song. Played with the fingers, instead of with a pick, as with an electric guitar. However, in faster-paced music, in order to keep up with the rest of the band, the bassist may use a pick, but playing with the fingers is much more fun and cooler-looking.

Famous bassists include Cliff Burton, Geddy Lee, and John Entwistle.

by Bjorn Turok December 20, 2007

bass

1. Instrument designed as a modern replacement for the Double Bass (or Contrabass or Upright Bass or String Bass or whatever you wanna call it). It is tuned the same as the Upright Bass (or Contrabass or Double Bass or String Bass) or an octave lower than the bottom four strings of a guitar (both mean the same thing, so it's not that big of a deal what you say).
2. A fish.

1. Anyone who thinks bassists are failed guitarists should probably be shot.
2. Let's call our clan the Large Mouth Vampire Hunters!

by FireAarro February 29, 2004

bass

Commonly known for range of sound from 80 hz to 20 hz, this is the very low end of the human hearing range.

Not to be confuesed with

Below 20Hz sounds = Infrasonic.

OR
Above 20,000Hz = ultrasonic.

Hey that new song has good sounding bass line.

OR

Hey your system has good bass output.

by micb July 6, 2003

bass

basicly a 4 string low guitar tuned E,A,D,G and way better insturment than a guitar.sounds and looks way better too(my opinion).

listin to billy sheehan play bass

by fudgehole December 28, 2005

bass

an instrument shaped, held, and fingered much like a guitar, only cooler. bass players happen to be much much sexier than guitar players, despite popular belief. i would bang any bass player in a second, provided he was any good. double points if he's british..

Lisa: that guitarist is a glory hog, but the bass player is talented
Me: and damn sexy.
Lisa: agreed.

by Katie May 13, 2005

bass

Short for either the bass guitar (also known as the "electric" bass) or the upright bass (also known as "bass fiddle", "double bass", "contrabass", "string bass", or "acoustic bass"). Although different in design, both of these musical instruments essentially serve the same role: providing a low bottom-end to the music and a link between the rhythm and lead sections of a band. Though plenty of exceptional players have shown that the bass can additionally be a versatile lead instrument in its own right.

"At night I could hear the bass reverberate through the neighborhood. The guitars and drums were muffled, but the bass traveled everywhere. I loved that, and wanted to have the power to shake buildings. Also, the bass was big and manly; guitars were little and wimpy, with these thin little strings that looked like Velveeta cheese cutters." - Billy Sheehan

by Bill M. August 30, 2004