Best to learn on a 5 string first?

[AnotherNewGuy]

Just starting out I have the opportunity to start learning on either a 4 or 5. Most books are geared for 4, but a 5's 'look better'. If I get comfortable with a 4 will it deter me from going to a 5 later on? I tend to be the type that once I'm comfortable with something, I stick with it.

Sorry if this has been covered, but I could not find it on this forum.

Thanks in advance.

[madbassplaya]

i started on a 5 string. i played fours for a while, but now i'm back to a 5 and 6 string bass.

[LaklandBass]

Both sides can be argued. A 5 will be tougher for you to play at first but it'll be great for training you to deal with the B string.
A four will help you learn faster because youll probably be more comfortable on a 4 string..... however there will be a transition period when you eventually take on a 5 string.

[lowendfriend]

I started 4 and then went to 5. Wish I had started 5.

[OriginalKeyster]

I started on 4 (wasn't playing for long) and switched to 5, had few problems if any. If 5 is your goal, start there.

[Mr wiggl3s]

Depends on what you want.

The 5 string offers a lower tuned fat string. That's pretty much it.

[wdinc01]

I don't think it would make a difference either way, although I think going from four to five is easier than going from five to four. I don't use my low B string much, but it's still good to know how to use it.

However, if you do get a five string, I would recommend just using the top four strings mostly when you're building dexterity. Once you've got those covered, you can start exploring the B string, and it will be less work for you.

[grifff]

Originally Posted by wdinc01

I don't think it would make a difference either way, although I think going from four to five is easier than going from five to four.

+1

[tobie]

Originally Posted by lowendfriend

I started 4 and then went to 5. Wish I had started 5.

Almost the same here, except that I can not afford a 5 now that I already have the 4. Ironically the 5 would have cost me only a little more than the same model in a 4!

[Stumbo]

Do you have a rig that can handle the low B for rehearsals/gigs?

A 5's neck is usually wider. I've have/played both.

I would play the one that is the most comfortable.

Comfort usually means easier on the hands and more/easier practicing.

[Bochafish]

Great question, I'm kinda 50/50 on it. I started on a 4. When I picked up a 5 for the first time, the neck made more sense to me for some reason. (I am a very visual learner) You can play more notes in the same position.
That being said, the neck is a little tougher to play, and you have to worry about muting more. When I switch back to my 4 now, it feels like I'm playing a tiny little bass, which is nice.

Good luck with whatever you decide, it's a super fun instrument to play.

[sackvegas]

Bocafish nailed it, less shifting with the 5 also you can play songs that are in drop D without tuning down

[Gopher Bob]

Started on a 5 myself and feel like 4 strings are easy to switch to while 6 strings are a bit tough

[mplatvoet]

I just got a 5 string and played for more than 10 years on a 4. No problem for me on the 5, I love the B because of the wider range of notes that I can play in one position. The neck is wider on the 5 but not as thick as on my 4 string. This way, the strain on my left hand is pretty much the same.

[Rudreax]

If one starts on a 5 string, without ever having played a 4 string before in their life, how would it be harder? You're learning a totally new instrument, regardless of the number of strings on it.

Like Stumbo said, go for whichever one is more comfortable and fits with your musical needs. If you think you'll be using the added tonal and physical range of a 5er, get it.