Why we are addicted to bass
Inexplicably, as music lovers we are addicted to bass.
Scientists have found evidence that bass is in fact in our biology. You might not need any more convincing on whether you like bass or not. Only now, there is a study that backs up why you are addicted to bass.
A study published in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. Reportedly, it is our “superior time perception for lower musical pitch explains why bass-ranged instruments lay down musical rhythms”.
As human-animals our brains are created to recognize rhythms more effectively when they are played at lower tones. While a guitar offers a song it’s all important melody, it is the bass line of the song that you physically respond to. This is what you nod your head and move your feet to. It is the foundation of the track that carries all other musical components along.
Bass is Ace
This would make the argument that the bassist is in fact the most important member of the band. Without the bassist there would be no core rhythm. Typically, the bassist’s presence is often overlooked since they don’t stand centre stage.
But their presence is vital and these musicians play a supporting role in why we are addicted to bass. So next time you watching a band live, pay attention to the bass player and maybe even get them a beer afterwards. As for electronic dance music- well we all know what happens when the bass drops!!!
“Results from a biologically plausible model of the auditory periphery suggest that non-linear cochlear dynamics contribute to the observed effect. The low-voice superiority effect for encoding timing explains the widespread musical practice of carrying rhythm in bass-ranged instruments and complements previously established high-voice superiority effects for pitch and melody,” reads the report on why we are addicted to bass.
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