1. Tuning: The electric bass is tuned differently from a guitar. The standard tuning for a four-string bass is E-A-D-G, with the lowest string being an octave lower than the lowest string on a guitar. Some basses also have five or six strings and may have different tuning configurations.
2. Strings: Bass guitars typically have thicker strings than guitars, contributing to their lower pitch and fuller sound.
3. Scales: Bass guitars usually have longer scales than guitars, meaning the distance between the nut and the bridge is longer. This longer scale contributes to the lower pitch and tighter tension of the strings.
4. Body construction: While similar in appearance to conventional guitars, electric bass guitars often have larger bodies and are shaped differently, with cutaways and contours optimized for playing in the lower register.
5. Function: The electric bass serves a distinct role in music compared to guitars. In a typical ensemble, the bass guitar provides the harmonic and rhythmic foundation, forming the low end.
Considering these factors, the electric bass is regarded as a different instrument from the guitar, despite being part of the same instrumental family and sharing historical and technical elements.