The History and Origins of the Six-String Bass

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he six-string bass didn’t emerge as a novelty. It emerged from necessity.

As music evolved, bassists were asked to cover more harmonic ground, move fluidly between registers, and support increasingly complex arrangements. The six-string bass answered that call—not by changing the role of the bassist, but by expanding what was possible.

Long before electric bass guitars existed, extended-range bass instruments were already in use.

Classical and orchestral double basses were built with five or six strings to access deeper fundamentals required by certain repertoires. The idea of adding strings was always practical—not excessive.

When the electric bass became popular in the 1950s, the four-string format quickly became standard.

For decades, it worked well. But as arrangements grew denser and bassists took on greater harmonic responsibility, limitations became clear, especially for players working across genres.

In the 1970s, bassist Anthony Jackson envisioned a new instrument he called the contrabass guitar.

Tuned B–E–A–D–G–C, it offered consistent tone, reduced position shifts, and full access to melody and harmony. Working with luthiers like Carl Thompson and Fodera, Jackson helped define the modern six-string bass as a complete musical instrument.

Jazz, fusion, and progressive players were among the first to adopt the six-string bass.

Musicians such as John Patitucci, Alain Caron, Oteil Burbridge, and Steve Bailey demonstrated that six strings enabled smoother voice leading, chordal playing, and melodic freedom—without abandoning the bass’s foundational role.

As amplification, strings, and instrument design improved, six-string basses became more accessible and reliable.

They found homes in progressive metal, gospel, R&B, and modern pop—anywhere musical range and efficiency mattered more than tradition.

The six-string bass is often misunderstood as excessive or flashy.

In reality, it reduces movement, increases consistency, and allows bassists to cover more musical ground with less effort—especially when moving between styles.

Today, the six-string bass is a deliberate choice.

It isn’t a replacement for four strings, and it isn’t a specialty instrument. It’s a complete bass for players who value range, efficiency, and musical breadth.

The six-string bass isn’t about playing more notes.

It’s about having the right notes available* when they matter* without compromise.