Do you want to play a guitar that sounds deep and cool? A baritone guitar is like a regular guitar’s big brother, with a deeper voice.
To play a baritone guitar, familiarize yourself with its longer neck and lower tuning, focusing on mastering adjusted chord shapes and barre chords specific to its deeper tone.
In this article, we’ll learn about playing this amazing instrument, its special chords, and sounds. By the end, you’ll know how to make music that’s both fun and different with a baritone guitar! Let’s start our musical adventure!
How to Play a Baritone Guitar
Playing Chords on a Baritone
Playing chords on a baritone guitar involves adapting to its extended scale length and lower tuning, typically B-E-A-D-F#-B.
This tuning means that chord shapes will sound lower than on a standard guitar. For instance, a G chord shape on a baritone will sound like a D chord.
The key is to understand the relationship between the chord shapes and the notes they produce. Beginners can start with simple open chords to get used to the sound and feel of the instrument before moving on to more complex shapes.
(Image credit: ESP)
Barre Chords on a Baritone
Mastering barre chords on a baritone guitar’s longer neck requires some adjustments in hand positioning and strength. The extended scale length can make stretching for certain chords more challenging, so it’s important to practice hand flexibility and strength exercises.
Start with basic barre chords at the lower frets and gradually work your way up the neck. Consistent practice will help in building the necessary finger strength and dexterity for comfortable playing.
What Is The Difference Between Baritone Guitars And Regular Guitars?
Baritone guitars differ from standard guitars in several key aspects. The most notable is the scale length, which is longer in baritone guitars, typically around 27 to 30.5 inches compared to the standard 25.5 inches.
This longer scale allows for lower tunings while maintaining string tension. Baritone guitars also have a deeper, richer tone, making them ideal for musical styles that require extended lower range.
When to Use a Baritone
Baritone guitars are particularly favored in genres like blues, jazz, and rock for their deep, resonant tones. They shine in music that requires a lower register or a distinct sonic character that standard guitars can’t provide.
Baritone guitars are also used for creating ambient, textural soundscapes in experimental and progressive music. Their unique sound quality can add a new dimension to chord progressions and melodies, offering a fresh perspective compared to standard six-string guitars.
What Is A Baritone Guitar?
A baritone guitar is a unique stringed instrument known for its deep, resonant sound. It bridges the gap between a standard guitar and a bass guitar, typically tuned from B to B or A to A, lower than the standard E to E tuning of a regular guitar.
The baritone guitar’s longer scale length, usually ranging from 27 to 30 inches, allows for heavier strings and lower tunings while maintaining tension and playability. Its distinct tonal quality makes it versatile for various musical genres, from jazz to metal.
A Brief History of the Baritone Guitar
The baritone guitar has its origins in the late 1950s and early 1960s, emerging as a response to the demand for new sounds in popular music.
Its development was influenced by the quest for lower-pitched instruments that could provide a new sonic palette for guitarists.
Over the years, the baritone guitar has evolved, seeing various design modifications and gaining popularity across different music genres. Its rich, deep tone has attracted many guitarists looking for an alternative sound to the standard guitar.
Who Plays Baritone Guitars?
Baritone guitars have been embraced by a variety of famous musicians across genres. In the realm of rock and metal, artists like James Hetfield of Metallica and Brian Welch of Korn have utilized the baritone’s extended range for heavier riffs.
Musicians like Duane Eddy have also made use of the baritone’s deep twang for their music. The versatility of the baritone guitar has made it a favorite among many musicians for its ability to add a unique depth and character to music.
Final Thoughts on Baritone Guitar For Beginners
For beginners interested in baritone guitars, it’s important to understand its unique characteristics. The longer scale length and lower tuning require some adjustment in playing technique compared to a standard guitar.
However, its rich, deep sounds make it a rewarding instrument to learn. Beginners should start with basic chords and scales, gradually exploring the baritone’s range. It’s a great instrument for those looking to expand their musical horizons and experiment with different sounds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is the Point Of A Baritone Guitar?
The baritone guitar occupies a unique space in the musical world, offering a deeper and richer sound than a standard guitar but higher than a bass guitar.
It’s particularly effective for playing lower-pitched melodies and chords, adding a distinct warmth and depth to music. The baritone guitar is favored in genres like metal, jazz, and country, where its tonal qualities can provide a broader sonic palette.
Are Chords Different On A Baritone Guitar?
Chords on a baritone guitar are played similarly to those on a standard guitar, but they sound lower due to the different tuning. While the chord shapes are the same, the pitch they produce is different. So for producing the same sounding chord as on a regular guitar you need to use a different chord shape (depending on the tuning used).
Players often need to transpose chords or adjust their playing style to accommodate the deeper tonal range.
(Image credit: Hagström)
Can You Play A Baritone Guitar In Standard Tuning?
Playing a baritone guitar in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e) is possible but not common. The longer scale length of a baritone is designed for lower tunings, and standard tuning may not utilize its full potential.
However, adventurous players might experiment with standard tuning for a unique sound, though it may require lighter gauge strings and adjustments to the guitar setup.
Can A Normal Guitar Be A Baritone Guitar?
Converting a standard guitar into a baritone is not straightforward due to differences in scale length and construction.
While it’s possible to tune a standard guitar lower, achieving the true sound and feel of a baritone guitar typically requires an instrument specifically built for lower tunings and longer scale length.
Who Uses Baritone Guitars?
Baritone guitars are used by a variety of artists across different genres. Metal musicians often use them for their ability to deliver heavy, deep riffs.
Country players like them for the twangy, rich sounds. Even in rock, pop, and jazz, the baritone guitar finds its place for its unique tonal qualities.
Is A Baritone Guitar Just A Bass?
A baritone guitar is not just a bass guitar. While it shares some sonic characteristics with a bass, it has a higher range and plays more in the guitar register.
The baritone is tuned lower than a standard guitar but higher than a bass, making it distinct in its role and sound. But there have been baritone guitars used as bass before.
Is It Worth Getting A Baritone Guitar?
Whether or not to get a baritone guitar depends on your musical needs and interests. If you’re looking to explore deeper ranges and want an instrument that offers a different sound from standard guitars, a baritone can be a valuable addition.
It’s especially worth considering if you play genres like metal, jazz, or country, where the baritone’s unique sound can shine.
What Is the Best Tuning for A Baritone Guitar?
The best tuning for a baritone guitar often depends on the musical style and player preference.
Commonly, baritone guitars are tuned to B Standard (B-E-A-D-F#-B) or A Standard (A-D-G-C-E-A), providing a deep, rich sound.
For heavier music genres like metal, tunings like A Standard or even lower can be preferred for their depth and power. Meanwhile, B Standard is versatile for a range of styles from jazz to country.
What Is A Baritone Guitar Used For?
Baritone guitars are used in a variety of musical contexts due to their unique tonal range. They are particularly favored in genres that benefit from a deeper, more resonant guitar sound, such as metal, country, jazz, and blues.
What Does A Baritone Guitar Sound Like?
A baritone guitar has a distinct tonal quality, deeper and richer than a standard guitar, but not as low as a bass guitar. It fills a sonic space with warmth and resonance that standard guitars can’t reach. The sound is full and robust, with a clarity in the lower registers that makes it perfect for both rhythm and lead playing.
(Image credit: Gretsch)
Can You Play Leads On Baritone Guitar?
Absolutely, baritone guitars are quite versatile and can be used effectively for lead playing. Their extended lower range adds a unique character to lead lines, especially in genres like metal, rock, and jazz.
The longer scale length can require some adjustment in playing technique, but it also offers new possibilities for creative expression in solos and melodic passages.
Is A Baritone Guitar A Bass Guitar?
No, a baritone guitar is not a bass guitar. While it shares some characteristics with bass guitars, such as a longer neck and lower tuning, it’s tuned higher and played more like a standard guitar. The baritone guitar bridges the gap between the standard guitar and bass, offering a middle ground in terms of pitch and tonality.
Can A Baritone Guitar Be Tuned To Drop C?
A baritone guitar can be tuned to Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D) or similar lower tunings, allowing for even more depth and heaviness in the sound. It’s important to use appropriate string gauges and possibly adjust the guitar setup for such low tunings to maintain tension and playability.
What Brands Make Baritone Guitars?
Several well-known guitar manufacturers produce baritone guitars, catering to a range of styles and budgets. Brands like Fender, PRS, Ibanez, ESP, and Schecter offer various models of electric baritone guitars. Acoustic baritone guitars can be found by brands like Alvarez, Guild or Taylor. Each brand brings its unique design and tonal characteristics, providing options for different musical needs.
