An investigation of the electric bass guitar in twentieth century popular music and jazz

Abstract

The acoustic bass played mostly an accompanying role in popular music during the first half of the Twentieth Century, whereas the arrival of the electric bass guitar in the early 1950s presented new opportunities for acoustic bassists and musicians, composers, producers, engineers, the recording industry and the listening public. The distinctive sound of the electric bass guitar encouraged musicians to explore new timbres. The musicians who embraced the electric bass guitar developed its language, discovering and employing different techniques. The instrument became a catalyst for change and took on a more prominent role, forever changing the sonic landscape of popular music and jazz in the Twentieth Century.

Date of Award	2005
Original language	English