bajo
/ˈbaxo/
The Spanish phrase for bass instrument is bajo.
In a musical context, bajo refers to a low-pitched instrument. Note that outside of music, bajo can also be used as an adjective to mean 'low' or 'short'.
Which one should you use?
To specify an electric bass guitar, use the phrase bajo eléctrico.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, contrabajo is often used to refer to a double bass and bajo eléctrico is used for electric bass.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word bajo functions as both a noun (the bass) and an adjective (low/bass).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbaxo/
Did you know?
- In some Caribbean musical styles, the bajo is not just an instrument but refers to the 'tumbao', the specific syncopated rhythmic pattern the bass player must maintain.
- Because bajo also means 'short', a musician might jokingly be called a bajo if they are both the bass player and the shortest person in the band.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, calling a double bass a contrabajo literally translates to 'against-bass'. This identifies it as the instrument that plays the lowest possible register.
Examples in context
- Me encanta tocar el bajo en mi bandaI love playing the bass in my band
- Necesito comprar un bajo nuevoI need to buy a new bass
- Mi amigo tiene un bajo eléctrico increíbleMy friend has an amazing electric bass
- Él toca el bajo en una banda de jazz.He plays the bass in a jazz band.
- Él toca el bajo en la banda.He plays the bass in the band.
- Necesito un bajo nuevo para la orquesta.I need a new bass for the orchestra.
- El sonido del bajo es muy fuerte.The sound of the bass is very loud.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are at a music store.
- Alejandro¿Te gusta este bajo, Lucía?Do you like this bass, Lucía?
- LucíaSí, es un bajo muy bonito.Yes, it is a very beautiful bass.
- AlejandroCreo que compraré este para mi clase.I think I will buy this one for my class.
- LucíaEs una excelente elección, Alejandro.It is an excellent choice, Alejandro.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bajo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
