The Bass VI: Baritone Guitar or Bass?

Since its debut in 1961, the Fender Bass VI has fascinated musicians and stirred debate. With six strings and the familiar E-A-D-G-B-E tuning of a guitar but pitched a full octave lower, some players call it a "bass"; others insist it behaves like a baritone guitar. In this guide, we’ll answer that question by exploring the Bass VI’s history, specifications, and playing techniques.

Along the way, we’ll compare it to baritone guitars using physical facts like scale length and tuning, and show why, despite its guitar‑like feel, the Bass VI is fundamentally a bass. We’ll also highlight relevant instruments and learning resources available from Music Street so you can decide whether this quirky six‑string belongs in your collection.

What Makes a Baritone Guitar?

To understand whether the Bass VI could be called a baritone guitar, we need to define what a baritone guitar is. Baritone guitars were developed to fill the gap between a standard guitar and a bass.

They have a longer scale length than a regular guitar, typically 27 to 30 inches, and use heavier strings so they can be tuned lower without the strings feeling slack. Many baritones are tuned B-B or A-A, a fourth or fifth below standard guitar tuning. This configuration gives players a deeper range while still feeling like a guitar.

According to Gear4Music, “a baritone guitar is a longer‑scale guitar built to handle lower tunings, typically B-B or even A-A”. The longer neck increases string tension, which keeps low notes from sounding muddy. Music Street’s own baritone guide echoes this, noting that baritones have “thicker strings … which help it make those deep sounds”.

In short, a baritone guitar:

• Uses a 27-30 inch scale with a neck longer than a standard guitar.
• It is tuned a fourth or fifth lower than a normal guitar (B or A).
• Requires thicker gauge strings to maintain tension.
• Sits sonically between a guitar and a bass, making it useful for genres like surf, western twang, and metal.

These features distinguish a baritone from both standard guitars and basses. Keep them in mind as we examine the Bass VI.

Origins of the Bass VI

Fender introduced the Bass VI in 1961. It borrowed the offset body shape and tremolo arm from the Jazzmaster/Jaguar family and paired them with six strings tuned an octave lower than a guitar. With a 30-inch (76.2 cm) scale and three single‑coil pickups controlled by slider switches and a “strangle switch” tone circuit, the Bass VI looked like a stretched‑out guitar but sounded like a bass.

Early promotional material even called it a “new six‑string bass guitar”, emphasising that it was meant to take the place of a bass guitar rather than a baritone.

Musically, the Bass VI found early advocates in Jet Harris of The Shadows and the Beatles’ John Lennon and George Harrison, when Paul McCartney moved to piano. Because the instrument allowed guitarists to play familiar chord shapes an octave lower, it became a tool for creating rich textures in surf rock, post‑punk, and progressive rock. Its popularity waned in the 1970s but has since seen revivals thanks to modern reissues.

The “Vintera II ’60s Bass VI” captures the vintage feel with three single‑coil pickups and floating tremolo, while the “Squier Classic Vibe Bass VI” provides an affordable entry point-both available through our Fender Vintera II ’60s Bass VI and Squier Classic Vibe Bass VI product pages.

Scale Length & Tuning: The Key Differences

The Bass VI’s specification reveals why it isn’t a baritone guitar. Fender’s own article states that baritone guitars typically have a 27-inch scale and are tuned a fifth or a major third lower than standard guitar tuning (ADGCEA or CF‑Bb‑Eb‑GC). In contrast, the Bass VI has a 30-inch scale and uses standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning an octave lower.

This octave‑lower tuning puts the Bass VI squarely in the bass register. It uses special bass strings to maintain tension at that pitch, further differentiating it from baritones. American Guitar Academy explains that the Bass VI “feels like a hybrid in your hands” because its 30-inch scale and six strings let players blend bass and guitar roles; yet, it is tuned exactly one octave below a guitar.

The instrument’s standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning allows guitarists to transfer chord shapes directly while still delivering deep bass notes. On a baritone guitar, the same chord shapes would produce B-E-A-D-F#-B or A-D-G-C-E-A, which is a fourth or fifth below, a completely different sonic register.

From a physics standpoint, scale length determines string tension. A longer scale, like 30 inches, increases tension for a given pitch, which is why the Bass VI can use heavier strings and still be playable. Baritone guitars with 27-28 inch scales maintain just enough tension for B or A tunings; stringing them an octave below a guitar (E-E) would leave the strings floppy and intonation poor.

Therefore, the Bass VI’s scale length and tuning confirm that it functions as a bass, not merely a down‑tuned guitar.

Side‑by‑side comparison

The table shows that while scale lengths can overlap slightly, the Bass VI’s 30‑inch scale and octave‑lower tuning make it a bass, whereas baritone guitars aim for an intermediate register.

Playability and Technique

Many players who first pick up a Bass VI describe it as “a guitar with heavy strings”. Guitar World’s review notes that when you play lead lines, you get something between the higher strings of a bass and the lower notes of a guitar. On the one hand, the strings are “too slinky to be a bass,” yet you can’t bend them as easily as on a guitar because of the longer scale. This unique feel encourages different techniques:

• Bass techniques - Fingerstyle or pick playing delivers deep, rounded bass tones. According to the American Guitar Academy, players can “lock into a rhythm section” and provide a satisfying low‑end punch. Using the neck pickup on a Bass VI through a quality bass amp gives a tone that would fool listeners into thinking it’s a traditional bass. The narrow string spacing also makes fast riffs and single‑note runs possible.
• Guitar techniques - The familiar E-A-D-G-B-E tuning allows guitarists to play open chords and melodic lines. Players like Robert Smith of The Cure have used the Bass VI to strum dreamy chords an octave lower for a haunting effect. With the bridge pickup engaged, the instrument produces a much more guitar‑like tone with bright midrange and treble. Adding effects like reverb or delay yields surf and post‑punk textures.
• Hybrid roles - Because the Bass VI occupies both bass and baritone ranges, it is perfect for minimalist bands or solo performers. Music Street’s article notes that the instrument’s greatest asset is its versatility; it can serve as both a bass and a baritone in the same arrangement. Guitar World also remarks that once you adapt to the longer scale, the instrument becomes a powerful songwriting tool.

From a scientific perspective, the Bass VI’s ability to cover both roles stems from its extended frequency range. The low E (41.2 Hz) is the same as a standard bass, while the high E (82.4 Hz) is still within the bass’ treble range, allowing chords and double‑stop melodies without the muddiness you might get on a four‑string bass.

The three‑pickup configuration with a bass‑cut “strangle” switch lets players tailor the tonal spectrum. Combined with a floating tremolo, it enables expressive techniques not typically available on bass guitars.

Why the Bass VI Isn’t a Baritone Guitar?

Although some players refer to the Bass VI as a baritone guitar because of its six strings and hybrid feel, authoritative sources make clear that it is not a baritone. Fender emphatically states that the Bass VI is a six‑string bass guitar, not a baritone, because it uses bass strings, has a longer scale, and is tuned an octave lower.

Warmoth’s forum conversation echoes this view: a baritone is generally tuned to A or B and uses lighter gauge strings, whereas the Bass VI’s 30-inch scale and heavier strings make it fundamentally a bass.

Practically speaking, trying to set up a baritone guitar to cover the Bass VI’s range would fail. A 27‑inch baritone neck tuned E-E would experience low string tension, causing poor intonation and buzzing. Conversely, tuning a Bass VI up to B would require smaller strings and defeat the purpose of its deep bass voice. Thus, while the Bass VI can mimic some baritone roles, it sits firmly in the bass family.

The baritone alternative

If you’re drawn to the sonic space between guitar and bass but prefer a true baritone, consider a dedicated baritone instrument like the Aria Jet‑Baritone. This 30‑inch‑scale guitar (available at Aria Jet‑Baritone 30" Baritone Electric Guitar) is designed for B‑to‑B tuning and offers the deep twang of surf music while remaining unmistakably a guitar. For a broader selection, explore our Bass Guitars collection, where you’ll find four‑, five‑, and six‑string basses as well as extended‑range instruments.

Choosing Your Bass VI & Supporting Gear

If you’ve decided a Bass VI is right for you, keep these points in mind:

• Define your role - Music Street recommends deciding whether you’ll use the Bass VI primarily as a bass, a baritone, or both. For deep bass lines and occasional chords, choose models with vintage‑style pickups for warmth; for melodic solos, a comfortable neck profile and modern pickups help with articulation.
• Consider scale length and neck profile - All Bass VI models feature a 30‑inch scale, but neck shapes vary. Vintage “C” shapes suit players seeking an authentic 1960s feel, whereas modern “C” profiles offer contemporary comfort. Our Fender Vintera II ’60s Bass VI captures the classic feel, while the Squier Classic Vibe Bass VI provides a budget‑friendly option.
• Experiment with strings and tunings - Heavy gauge strings (e.g., .024-.100) are designed specifically for the Bass VI. Flatwound strings can create a smoother tone; some players even experiment with A-A or B-B tunings for baritone‑like sounds. Always use strings built for the Bass VI to avoid intonation issues.
• Choose the right amplification - Because the Bass VI covers both bass and guitar frequencies, pairing it with a dedicated bass amp ensures the low strings are reproduced clearly. Bass amps are designed to handle lower frequencies and provide features like extended headroom and larger speakers. Guitar amps can be used for higher‑register parts, but may not reproduce the low E accurately.
• Explore effects and layering - The Bass VI responds well to effects. Reverb and tremolo enhance surf or post‑punk textures, while fuzz and overdrive add aggression. In the studio, layering clean and overdriven tracks can create a thick, multi‑octave sound.

For a broader context on instrument choices, our Different Types of Bass Guitars article compares four‑, five‑, and six‑string basses and explains why a six‑string instrument like the Bass VI suits jazz fusion and solo work.

If you’re new to Fender instruments, consult our Beginner’s Guide to Fender Guitars for help choosing the right model. To see how Fender guitars shaped music history, read 5 Iconic Musicians and the Fenders That Made Them.

Why Buy from Music Street?

As a family‑run UK retailer, Music Street combines decades of expertise with a passion for great instruments. Every guitar and bass we sell, including the Bass VI, undergoes a professional setup before shipping to ensure optimal playability and tone.

We carry premium brands like Fender, PRS, and Duesenberg as well as boutique lines; our About Us page shares our story and commitment to customer service. Whether you’re hunting for your first six‑string bass or a vintage reissue, our team of musicians is ready to offer honest advice.

Conclusion

The Fender Bass VI defies easy categorisation. Its six strings and familiar tuning tempt guitarists, yet its 30‑inch scale and octave‑lower range firmly root it in the bass family. Scientific facts, like string tension, scale length, and tuning, show that the Bass VI cannot simply be called a baritone guitar.

From a practical standpoint, baritone guitars are tuned to B or A and occupy a different sonic niche. The Bass VI’s ability to play both bass lines and melodic chords makes it a unique hybrid tool, not a baritone substitute.

If the idea of exploring lower registers with guitar‑like familiarity excites you, the Bass VI may be the perfect instrument. You’ll find quality options like the Fender Vintera II ’60s Bass VI and the Squier Classic Vibe Bass VI at Music Street. On the other hand, if you want a dedicated baritone, models like the Aria Jet‑Baritone 30″ guitar deliver the down‑tuned surf twang you crave.

Whatever you choose, understanding the differences between these instruments empowers you to make the right musical decision. Visit our Bass Guitars collection for more instruments and discover the perfect low‑end companion for your musical journey.