The electric bass is a stringed instrument which is usually played with the fingers, a pick or thumb.  It’s primary purpose is to provide bottom end to the song.  It creates a bridge by connecting the harmony to the rhythm, or anchoring the chords while providing a ‘beat’ or ‘groove’.  The electric bass (also known as the bass guitar or simply bass) is similar in appearance to the electric guitar but with a longer string length.  It usually has four strings although some instruments have 5, 6 and even 8 strings.  They are usually fretted instruments, although there are also ‘fretless’ basses (ala Jaco Pastorius)

Since the 1950’s, the electric bass has largely replaced it’s predecessor, the upright bass.  With the popularity of rock and roll, the music required an instrument with more punch and clarity than the upright bass.  Previously, the upright bass was used primarily in classical, jazz and blues which could be played at quieter volumes.  Rock and roll was a different story and the fender precision bass was born.  Since every style of music requires a lower end or anchor, the bass is virtually ubiquitous to all types of music, including rock and roll, jazz, classical, country, bluegrass, reggae, funk, salsa, etc.  It is a good idea to take private bass lessons, private electric bass lessons or private acoustic bass lessons in order to develop the skills required to play in an ensemble.