4 to 6string

Blankwall · #1 08-10-2006, 11:06 AM

I know there is a 4 to 5 string thread but what do you guys think about going from 4 to 6. Im definitly goin to get more than 4 strings but wasnt sure how difficult the transitions from 4 to 6 would be. Let me know your own expeiences and any suggestsions. Thanks

iplaybassguitar · #2 08-11-2006, 11:15 AM

i know that in music stores whenever i play a six string, i get lost...
the four to five transition wasnt too bad for me(thats what i play now), but everytime i pick up a six, the neck feels way too wide and i get lost, but thats just me...dont take my word for it, go try out a six string and see how you like them, and try out fives too...no harm in trying everything, pick the bass that feels best for you

spindizzy · #3 08-11-2006, 11:38 AM

I went from four immediately to seven many years ago.

Although there is a transition period which I think is different for everyone it was not in my opinion difficult. The first step is understanding where on the six your comfort zone is. Naturally that is the EADG strings that your are most familiar with.

Next you start to encounter and then adjust for the extra strings that get in the way of how you play particular techniques. I think this is most pronounced for slappers who are used to thumping the open E a lot and popping the G. You invariably still want to play on those strings but now you have obsticles in your way that force you to be more precise in execution. If you slap than it is probably best if you pay attention to the string spacing of the six you buy and try to avoid anything too tight. Now many players of ERBs (4 stings+) have demonstrated the ability to slap and pop with little difficulty even with very tight string spacing so my comment above is a guideline not a rule. I use 18mm spacing on my seven and find that it is fairly easy to get in between any string for slap and pop. I have small hands though so, again, you have to know your own physical attributes and adjust accordingly.

Finally after getting used to the greater number of strings using your knowledge of four to build a bridge to the unknown you will then need to start to depart from your safety zone and explore the ability to get more notes out of single positions and stop spending the bulk of your time on the "home base" four strings and utilize more evenly all the rest.

Long winded reply I know but there is a progression as you adjust and this will give you some idea on where to start. The simple answer to your question is "it depends"...on you, how much time you are willing to spend and the level of patience you have for being a little uncomfortable at first.

spindizzy · #4 08-11-2006, 11:46 AM

One additional thought and consideration you should have is that muting becomes very important the more strings you have. I would strongly recommend that you do a bit of research here at TB and elsewhere on all of the technique options available for muting. Both left and right hand muting techniques, floating thumb, "scrunchies" around the fretboard, palm mute and, if your flexible enough, even forearm muting can be useful. I literally use them all on my seven, some here some there all depending on the music or the type of technique I am employing to strike a note(s).

Blankwall · #5 08-14-2006, 09:09 AM

Popping and slapping isnt a big thing with me i mostly play with a pick i am very fast leaner i could play all the tabs i had the first day i got the bass and i mostly want the 6 for the variations of chords that you can play is playing a guitar like plaing a 6 string bass? thanks for the replies

WillBuckingham · #6 08-14-2006, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blankwall

is playing a guitar like plaing a 6 string bass?

No . . . good luck . . .

bassbengoa · #7 08-14-2006, 09:41 AM

Use your fingers for 6 stringers

Blankwall · #8 08-14-2006, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassbengoa

Use your fingers for 6 stringers

I can use my fingers awesome but i cant play chords with them. How do you do that?

IronTusk · #9 08-14-2006, 10:51 AM

You can play chords just fine with your fingers. Either rake the chord with your thumb (almost as you would with a pick) or grasp the strings with three fingers and pull gently.

mrwink · #10 08-14-2006, 10:53 AM

When I got my 6-string I decided to go cold turkey and didn't touch my other basses for about 3 months... it was a quick transition and returning to 4/5 strings is cake... the only thing that really throws me now is string spacing... going from my jazz or SR5 to my narrow 6 is rough - especially for the little bit of slapping that I do!

EADG mx · #11 08-14-2006, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blankwall

Popping and slapping isnt a big thing with me i mostly play with a pick i am very fast leaner i could play all the tabs i had the first day i got the bass and i mostly want the 6 for the variations of chords that you can play is playing a guitar like plaing a 6 string bass? thanks for the replies

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punctuation

iamlowsound · #12 08-14-2006, 08:21 PM

I went from a five to a six and I found it quite easy. Just pratice a lot and you will be good.

lowsound

ballison · #13 08-14-2006, 08:28 PM

I went directly from a 4 to 6 and had no trouble at all. your experience may vary, but I really dont think you'll have too much trouble.