6 string directions

[GM60466]

I was in GC this afternoon and for some reason I walked out after purchasing a used Brice 6 string bass. It is a nothing special bass with active electronics.

....So where do I start?

I've been playing for about 40 years, so I have the 4 string down pretty good. I play a lot of jazz.

I been listening to Dean Peer's new release Airborne. I don't understand all of the effects he is using. He gets great harmonics and a very unusual tonal spectrum.

Any starting points would be helpful

[JimmyM]

the low string is tuned to B, the high string is tuned to C. move fingers, make pleasing sounds, have fun.



it's really not much more than that. no big mystery.

[kb9wyz]

Book: 6 String Bassics Pub by Hal Leonard, forgot the author. Lots o good exercises for the new to a 6'er.

[TimXSweeney]

I've own a Brice right now and they are an decent cheap way to get into the 6 world. Especially if you replace the pots and pick ups.

As for getting started, start running those scales and arpeggios in inversions and different fingerings. You now have the luxury of never shifting again! learning heads really helped me to start using the high C and taking your favorite basslines and transposing them to Eb, D, Db, C, and B got me using the low B string. Play "All Blues" in D and you will never look back!

As for reading, piano and cello music (down 2 octaves to use the lowest C) helped me.
Best of luck and happy shedding!

[TimXSweeney]

Also, you can learn a chord solo or two. after i did that my entire understanding of harmony changed.

[perfektspace6]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

the low string is tuned to B, the high string is tuned to C. move fingers, make pleasing sounds, have fun.



it's really not much more than that. no big mystery.

+1.

[bassteban]

Brace yourself for stupid uninformed comments/questions such as *That thing looks like an aircraft carrier!* or *Is that some kind of oversized guitar?* or *That's not a bass- they only have four strings*

[queevil]

I haven't played 6 string much but what you may run into is the issue where you have the unintentional sound of open strings ringing out underneath the notes that you intend to play because the open strings aren't being muted. So, you may find that you need to pay more attention to the way that you mute the open strings on your 6'er than you do the 4. Congrats on the new bass.

[Hippos Melas]

Originally Posted by bassteban

Brace yourself for stupid uninformed comments/questions such as *That thing looks like an aircraft carrier!* or *Is that some kind of oversized guitar?* or *That's not a bass- they only have four strings*

This. Have fun with it too.