An electric bass guitar is a stringed instrument similar in appearance to an electric guitar but typically has a longer neck and a larger body. It usually has four strings, tuned an octave lower than the guitar, which allows it to provide the low-end sound essential in many music genres, including rock, jazz, and funk. Electric bass guitars are played by plucking or picking the strings, and they can be amplified using an electric pickup system. They are often used in bands to support the rhythm and harmony, making them a crucial component of the rhythm section in music ensembles.