4 vs 5 vs 6 strings...

PrietoBass · #1 05-02-2009, 06:15 PM

Hi! I'm a total newbie, so please bear with me if this is too simple a question for you?

Why 4 strings vs 5 strings vs 6 strings? If more than 4 strings is better (wider tonal range?), why not 6 over 5 is always better? Why not 8 strings? When would you choose one over the other? Advantages vs disadvantages?

Thanks!

All_¥our_Bass · #2 05-03-2009, 05:33 AM

If your into two handed tapping, experimental or shred stuff a 6+ string basses might be your thing.

"You don't have to have a 13 string to thump roots in a rock n roll band", etc.

And last, but far from least, what are your wants and needs as a musician?

I actually prefer extended range basses and guitars myself. I feel a bit limted on the "regular" variety.

I actually think having more options and tonal range to always be a good thing. I don't know why it gets such a bad rap either since say, when would a pianist would prefer to have only 36 keys as opposed to 88.

Another thing (that I previously forgot) is comfort. Having lots of strings (and thus a wider neck) can be uncomfortable and/or cumbersome for some people.

Also, you have to have your muting technique up to par, more strings = more things that can ring without you striking them.

theunknowndude · #3 05-03-2009, 05:57 AM

I agree with the above statement,...

I personally got a 5 string to start with to play bass because alot of the bands I listened to were using them and I wanted that option of the B string,... little did I know, I actually find it ALOT more comfortable to have my thumb anchored on the B when playing E and above,... find it really uncomfortable to play 4 string basses with mostly E lines now... I tried my bass teachers 6, that was almost an impossibility what with good left and right hand muting of strings and still being able to play notes properly!

Todd Johnson · #4 05-03-2009, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrietoBass

Hi! I'm a total newbie, so please bear with me if this is too simple a question for you?

Why 4 strings vs 5 strings vs 6 strings? If more than 4 strings is better (wider tonal range?), why not 6 over 5 is always better? Why not 8 strings? When would you choose one over the other? Advantages vs disadvantages?

Thanks!

Hi PrietoBass....

IMHO....it's not so much advantages vs disadvantages...It should be about what you're the most PASSIONATE ABOUT.

Figure out what you're the most passionate about and MAKE IT HAPPEN!! Go do it.....Git er done etc...

You can always change your mind later on.

Once you decide on a bass....then I recommend getting the best teacher you can find and get to work. THAT will save you a lot of flailing around and developing of bad habits.

Cool??? Cool.........

I hope this helps....

PrietoBass · #5 05-03-2009, 10:36 PM

Hello folks! Thank you for your responses.

My wants and needs as a musician? My 16yo and 14yo sons are into music (guitar, keyboard, drums) and I'm looking for ways to "connect" with them. Learning guitar @ 46 I just don't have the time nor the inclination... but I found that the bass is more to my "liking" and "fits" me better. So I bought a used/starter 4-string Ibanez bass @ Guitar Center for $80 and a Fender app for $100. Turns out that I actually love it (!!!) and I seem to have some ability to pick it up better than any other musical instrument I have tried in the past (clarinet, keyboard, guitar).

I'm only asking because I've seen many people playing a 5-string and some others a 6-string and I wanted to know if I was missing something, or if my skills in the 4-string were transferable to 5 or 6 string basses in the future should I decide to go there.

My goal is to be able to jam along with my sons, or -sigh- to be picked to play with my church worship team. That would really really be a blessing to me.

I have been putting some serious practice/playing time using Bass Method, Sampson's Bass Guitar Secrets, Guitar Pro 5 and Ear Master Pro 5. Yesterday at a church event this lady was playing a 5-string and she sounded good. I forgot to ask her but I am going to connect with some friends of mine and ask them for references on bass teachers around this area (Colorado Springs).

Thx!

southernrocker · #6 05-03-2009, 10:41 PM

You can't rock a 5+ string like you can rock a 4. You can manhandle the 4. Geddy plays a 4.

chump stain · #7 05-03-2009, 10:59 PM

I think the advantage with 5 and 6 strings is (1) notes lower then E, and (2) it allows you to play across the neck instead of up and down the neck.

I use my 4 string for DGCF tuning, usually for rock type situations. My 5 string I use mainly for church where I'm looking at chord charts, and I can use less position movements so I can keep my eyes on the music if needed. The 6 string adds the high C, and is a lot like a 5 in that it allows you to play across the fretboard.

That's how I see it. There's no "best" just what's "best for you".

TheBear · #8 05-03-2009, 11:00 PM

They're just different tools to use in different situations, same principle as having metric and standard wrenches in your garage. I started out on a 4 string, then bought a 5 string for the low B. I tried a 6 long enough to know that I wasn't ready to get one, but it was interesting to play.

Here's the thing, though: just because you have more notes doesn't mean that you have to use them. It took me a while to learn this, but I eventually realized that using super low or super high notes on a bass may not serve the song. Sometimes, the extended range will really open up a new dimension of the song or your playing style, and sometimes not.

All that matters is that you get what you like and feel comfortable with.

PrietoBass · #9 05-04-2009, 06:20 PM

Well, I got a few leads for music instructors... The first option their web site is down with a 403 forbidden error. Called them on the phone; no answer and no voice mail option either. Second lead his phone number has been disconnected. Third option, lack of information on the page... called but no information given over the phone... must come into store to get basic rates, teacher, type of instruction, etc.

So I'll see how that goes. Thanks all for your replies.

The Butler · #10 05-12-2009, 02:23 PM

I don't know if we are allowed to promote websites so I will ask for forgiveness in advance. I am not affiliated with the site but Musicdojo.com is a great site. One of the people that is a huge influence on me is Adam Nitti. He's part of the site and a great instructor. Check it out & see what you think.
Steve

**lowendfriend** · #11 06-02-2009, 07:54 PM

I started (this time) with a 4 string fretless acoustic and bumped up to a 5 string Warwick. The good news as someone said earlier: playing across the neck (ie., closed form fingerings) instead of screwing with open string exceptions. The other is just that big BOMP of the Bstring. Downside, I'm tripping over the center strings in my move to the 5. When I'm tired I seem to lose it and I'm trippin' all over 4and 3 especially. I'm trying to go with floating thumb but it just loves to park itself on that pickup and says, "go on....you can reach that No.1 string!"