The Electric Bass debuted in 1951 with Leo Fenders Precision Bass. Since then there have been variations on Leo's design and there are now a variety of basses available.

In the past, most bass players were made by default. He was either the guy who wanted to be in the band who didn't have any equipment yet, or the 2nd or 3rd guitar player in the band who's ability on the guitar was somewhat questionable.

Through the years the role of the bass guitar has grown and developed as creative musicians such as James Jamerson, Paul McCartney and Jaco Pastorius, have stretched the boundaries of the instrument and brought it to the forefront.