six string

[earth]

returned a 4 string bass i bought at the local pawn shop because the previous owner had done some "creative soldering" to, and it conked out on me in like two weeks.
when i returned it, the girl at the counter said she would let me exchange it for another, so i grabbed this 5 string, and they gave me a even swap for my inconvenience. so i play this five string for like a week and for some reason hungered for six.

so after saying all that, here's the issue. when i watch the videos on you tube and what not, every six stringer is playing solos and all kinda crazy stuff.

my question is there any people here who play a six stringer and just use it to add some creativity to the groove. or is six stringing all about showin' off ?

[David1234]

My 6 string spends a lot more time in its case than my 5 strings.

But it records well and can be very versatile.

If it's easy to get hold of a 6 for a few weeks do so. Most people find the transition to 6 a bit more taxing than the transition from 4 to 5. Having to reach 'over' a high C string in the left hand is something you know about every note you play. It's for some people but not for everyone.

[MrLenny1]

A six string gaves you a lot of range to work with so it lends itself
to be a solo instrument more than a 4 or 5 string.
I don't have a six but I have a 5 with low B and a five with a high C.
It lets me get close to a six range but I haven't been tempted to go with
a six yet.

[Joospocks]

You don't have to use the high notes for showing off or soloing. A lot of people use it for chords, and it gives you extra range in any given position. It's up to you to decide whether that extra range is going to be useful. as David suggested, if you have the chance to try one for an extended period of time, (maybe rent) you can try to decide if the extra string is useful range or simply a hindrance for you.

[Kobaia]

Anthony Jackson and John Myung i know both dont like soloing much i'd look up their videos

[metalinthenight]

Originally Posted by Joospocks

You don't have to use the high notes for showing off or soloing. A lot of people use it for chords, and it gives you extra range in any given position. It's up to you to decide whether that extra range is going to be useful. as David suggested, if you have the chance to try one for an extended period of time, (maybe rent) you can try to decide if the extra string is useful range or simply a hindrance for you.

BIG +1

6 Strings do not equal flashy solos.

[markkoelsch]

I own 4 and 6 string basses. I play pretty much the same way on both...the 6 just gives me more range.

That range tends to open up certain possibilities for soloing.

Still, like it always does, it comes down to you. I played my 6 in a straight rock band, and never showed off. Conversely, I have played it on some fairly aggresive and complicated stuff to. That being said, I have done the same thing with a 4 string, and a 6 string fretless.

It is you that makes the music...not the number of strings.

[notrly1337]

do u guys use the high c or low b string more?

[Gawd]

I play six exclusively. The main advantages it gives are options for chord voicings, and closed position range, for example I can get a two octave scale in one position. I use the high C and low B as much as the other strings.

[nervous]

Originally Posted by Gawd

I play six exclusively. The main advantages it gives are options for chord voicings, and closed position range, for example I can get a two octave scale in one position. I use the high C and low B as much as the other strings.

A big +1 on this.

As a recent convert to the six I have to say that in the past I never really got it. They honestly just seemed excessive. But once the light bulb came on I totally understood just what it could offer me and the transition has been surprisingly easy. Sure, maybe I miss the Jazz bass skinny a little but the new creative possibilities and the mental challenge are making playing fun again.

[Mayers]

I see more flashy bass player on a 4 strings than on a 6 ...

Look for Anthony Jackson ( the father of the 6 strings ), John Patitucci, John Myung even Alain Caron plays some nice groove before any solo.

[Atticus]

Les Claypool can solo pretty well, but I think of him more for just playing some pretty awesome bass riffs. Granted, on many songs he records with a four, but then you see him live when he's using the six, and they go into Tommy the Cat...

[nervous]

Another BIG advantage to committing to a six exclusively is that you reduce the level of temptation in the TB classifieds about 90%!

[unclejane]

Originally Posted by earth

returned a 4 string bass i bought at the local pawn shop because the previous owner had done some "creative soldering" to, and it conked out on me in like two weeks.
when i returned it, the girl at the counter said she would let me exchange it for another, so i grabbed this 5 string, and they gave me a even swap for my inconvenience. so i play this five string for like a week and for some reason hungered for six.

so after saying all that, here's the issue. when i watch the videos on you tube and what not, every six stringer is playing solos and all kinda crazy stuff.

my question is there any people here who play a six stringer and just use it to add some creativity to the groove. or is six stringing all about showin' off ?

Since the other guys have already stated the advantages of a 6-string, I'll add the main disadvantage - ergonomics. This is pretty obvious, but the necks on 6+ stringers are wider and often thicker as well. The other disadvantage is poor balance on many of them - they tend to have bad neck-dive because the necks are bigger and heavier. Unless special care is taken with the 6 string models, the extra weight throws it out of balance.

So if you go with a 6 be certain about the ergonomics. In my case, anatomically I'm required to play with as straight of a wrist as possible - so I have to have my Bunny 6 really stuffed up under my chin (I usually play it seated.) to allow me to keep my wrist straight.

As for suggestions, the Carvin BB 6 is a well-balanced instrument on the strap (and the neck/string spacing is fairly narrow). But nowadays a lot of manufacturers are cluing in and making well balanced 6+ string versions of their basses too (i.e. Conklin and others)....

LS

[brstma]

My first six was a Yamaha John Patitucci signature model. I thought it was nice until I tried a Peavey Cirrus 6. Luckily I was able to return it and order a custom Cirrus for less money. Definitely try a few before you buy one.

[sonic assassin]

when i mine was still in one piece, i used it for a bit of both. sure, id cut loose some crazy run into high frets, but i do that with a 5. i could just go higher. high notes sing a little better. there was a good deal of chording. in that particular band, an open C note was kinda nice.

it got kinda nice to not have to crawl up the fretboard for a high note. i could hang out up top and still hit a high D.

switching back to 5 didnt hurt. made me a little more pocket, but i was new to the 6. i cant play this solo piece id written anymore, but i can live without out. i cant see myself going any higher than a 6 though. i started with a 5, so 6 is what a 5 string is to most people.

[MNAirHead]

I own a few..

Before comitting.. consider a 7 string.. tehy often make more sense if you intend on chording etc.

I've been tipped tons for playing a 7.. never a vintage fender.

[Martin89]

I know a local guy that plays a 6 string and he's big on the groove/walking-bass blues. He just has more range and really makes for some awesome and unique groovin'.

As far as soloing, I think people are more aggressive with the compact 4-string necks and picking up on fancy harmonics. You can do more with a truck off-road but you can do some real crazy stuff with a little Subaru.

[srayb]

I've been playing a 6-string fretted for over 15 years now. A lot has been playing original progressive songs... and I find now that I actually need 6 strings to play most of the stuff I've written. You just get real used to it after a while.

In the beginning you'll probably find yourself using the low B more... just to get a few lower notes below the E. The high string will allow you to do a lot of major-10ths... they sound real good.

It depends on the style of music you play as well. But also on how much you like to experiment as a player. It opens a lot of avenues there.

Someone mentioned that the neck can cause imbalance, but mine is perfectly balanced... sure, the whole bass is a bit heavy (which you will need to get used to), but it feels fine to me now (I usually stand for about 2 hours during a band practice and have no issues with it). Try to make sure you get a balanced one, as the worst thing is always having to hold up the neck with your hand.

As for solos, I rarely do them, but I do throw in a lot or improv throughout the rhythm in a lot of songs... the 6 strings are very useful for this too, as you can do a lot without having to change neck position as much.

Hope this helps you in making a decision.

[Chris K]

I understand all of the good reasons mentioned to go for a six string. On drawback that I feel just needs to be mentioned is string spacing. Five string is still available with wide spacing.