Hey folks,

I'm just about to (finally, after a cash-flow problem) order my Yamaha RBX375 5-String beginner bass, and I was looking around Amazon for a series of books that'll help me along in terms of technique - I'm already fairly up on my general theory, having played piano for 8 years.

I saw this - http://www.amazon.com/Leonard-Bass-Method-Easy-Use/dp/0793563836/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-9105303-2336710?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174678489&sr=8-1

It seems to have received good reviews, but I see it's only for four strings. Does it make that much difference? I was looking for something that would help me make the most use of the extra string.

Any thoughts/suggestions on this subject?

Thanks in advance,



~Loki

There are five string materials out there, but seriously, it doesn't matter that much. Basses are tuned in fourths regardless of the number of strings. You can use this perfect symmetry to your advantage - you can transpose an idea instantly by simply playing the same pattern from a different starting note. Extended range basses allow you to continue higher and/or lower while in the same position without shifting, but the theory is all the same.

one thing that I found helped me really use the fifth string apart from the B-D# notes was to try and play things that I already knew but in a different position higher up the next, using the B string but not as 'that spare low string' but just as a normal string like all the others. also any new things you learn play around with those positions to see what you find most comfortable, trying to use to low B.

when i first started i played my fivestring like a four string for FAR too long, once you get around that everything should make a lot more sense :)

I have the book that you're looking at getting...

It's a good book, and probably one of the best for a beginning player. Ed Friedland is one of the better known teachers out there. He also has a slap bass DVD that's pretty good too.

As was mentioned, adapting any material to a five string bass isn't that much more difficult.

It does not really matter if it`s 4-string or 5-string. Just memorize the note order on the B-string (from open to the 12th fret: B open, C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B), and you should be fine.

I'd be down for the Ed Friedland book. I own several of his other books [the man has written a lot], and i think they're well worth it. He's also a member of our boards. I'm not sure how much he comes around though.

With regards to playing a 5-i think it's a great thing. I second the idea of playing the tunes/riffs in different positions. It's amazing how much tone change you can get by shifting things to different strings.

that's all.