How to EQ Bass Guitar:
EQ is a fundamental part of mixing. Through the use of parametric EQ, pass filters and shelving filters, you can manipulate the frequency response of the instruments in your session. This process allows you to alter the character of an instrument, increase separation, create effects, and more.
In this lesson, we’ll focus on the key frequencies that you need to know when equalizing bass guitar. Bass guitar recordings can exhibit a number of different qualities at different frequencies, like roundness, muddiness, and punch. By learning the sound characteristics that occur at various frequencies in your bass guitar tracks, you can use bass guitar EQ to achieve your desired sound. If you want to increase a particular characteristic, then you boost its related frequencies. If you want to lessen a particular characteristic, then you cut the relevant frequencies.
Each of the following bass guitar frequencies comes from the free Mixinglessons.com EQ Settings Cheat Sheet. The EQ Settings Cheat Sheet gives you a breakdown of the key frequencies that you need to know to EQ drums, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, and vocals.
Click here to download your free copy of the EQ Settings Cheat Sheet.
Key frequencies:
50-100Hz: Bottom
100-200Hz: Roundness
200-500Hz: Muddiness
500-1000Hz: Punch
2.5-5kHz: Pop
Cutting or boosting these key areas can help you to tailor the frequency response of the bass guitar track in your mix. Of course, no two recordings are the same. Use these frequencies as a starting point, but don’t be afraid to experiment to achieve the sound you’re looking for.
What are the key frequencies that you like to focus on when you EQ bass guitar tracks? What character are you looking to get out of the bass, and what EQ moves do you feel have the biggest impact on your mixes? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Don’t forget to download your free copy of the EQ Settings Cheat Sheet to kick-start your EQ for drums, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, and vocals.