Instructional DVD for switching to 5-string ???

dgce · #1 10-17-2010, 04:03 PM

I've been playing bass for more years than I want to say (frigg'n old, man). Well I'm finally making the switch from 4 string to 5 string bass. Can anyone recommend any instructional DVDs? I really like Ed Friedland, however I can't find any 5 string info on his website.

Anyone?

J-B'ass · #2 10-17-2010, 06:19 PM

Although I don't have a particularly comprehensive awareness of the DVDs on offer, I'd be a little surprised if there was one just about switching from 4 string to 5 string.
It's not too big of a change, I think the change from 5 to 6 is probably bigger than from 4 to 5.
I guess the main things to look out for would be remembering where all the notes are. Make sure you get some scale practice in just to give yourself a map of which notes are where with an extra string.
It might feel quite different too because of string spacing and other factors, so some random fumbling might creep in, but keep at it and your technique will adjust itself in no time.
It's cool that you're making the change, it seems like 5 string is almost becoming the new standard now.

dgce · #3 10-17-2010, 07:24 PM

Oh I'd say 5-strings are the standard though your average mom-n-pop music shop tend to have more 4s than 5s.

I'm not too worried about the switch; I've been playing for quite a while now. But I figured a comprehensive video might offer some handy tips, exercises, and general info that might spare me some trail and error time.

Thanks.

Eublet · #4 10-17-2010, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgce

I'm not too worried about the switch; I've been playing for quite a while now.

Not to discourage you, but IME the folks who have been playing the longest on 4's are the ones who have the hardest time adjusting to 5's, particularly if they beyond their 30's. Bad habits on 4 strings become deal killers on 5 and 6 strings. IMHO a bass player is best served to start playing 4 and 5 strings as early as possible.

funkybass · #5 10-18-2010, 11:02 AM

There is a Roy Voght DVD on www.basscentral.com called getting the most out of your 5 string you might want to check out.

dgce · #6 10-21-2010, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funkybass

There is a Roy Voght DVD on www.basscentral.com called getting the most out of your 5 string you might want to check out.

Thanks for the suggestion. I tried to find some samples of this DVD on Youtube. I could only find some performaces but no lesson samples. I'd be game to give this DVD a shot, but its old; late 80s early 90s. Much has changed since then, in particularly video production. I'll keep this one in mind but I will keep looking around.

Thanks again!

Robert Spencer · #7 10-22-2010, 12:20 PM

I bought all of Scott Groves Bass videos and glad I did. He is always there to answer emails with personal input.
He has a video Switching From 4 To 5 String Bass available . Here is the preview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn8aNcIviYQ
Take care. Bob

bass12 · #8 10-22-2010, 01:06 PM

I'm in my mid-thirties and switched to playing 5 string basses a year ago with no difficulty. Don't psyche yourself out about the switch - just put in some time and you'll be right.

dgce · #9 10-22-2010, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Spencer

I bought all of Scott Groves Bass videos and glad I did. He is always there to answer emails with personal input.
He has a video Switching From 4 To 5 String Bass available . Here is the preview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn8aNcIviYQ
Take care. Bob

I did see this clip on Youtube when I was searching for Roy Voght clips. The production piece concerns me a bit with Scott Groves. He may be a fine instructor but the presentation looks a bit amateur-ish. I don't require a big Hollywood production but sound and visual clarity could be better.

Still, I appreciate the suggestion.

dgce · #10 10-22-2010, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bass12

I'm in my mid-thirties and switched to playing 5 string basses a year ago with no difficulty. Don't psyche yourself out about the switch - just put in some time and you'll be right.

Oh I'm not worried. I'm sure I could get the hang on my own. But I figure if there is some help out there available, why not take advantage of it?

Eublet · #11 10-22-2010, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgce

I did see this clip on Youtube when I was searching for Roy Voght clips. The production piece concerns me a bit with Scott Groves. He may be a fine instructor but the presentation looks a bit amateur-ish. I don't require a big Hollywood production but sound and visual clarity could be better.

Still, I appreciate the suggestion.

For real. At least ditch the muscle shirt and put on something that looks halfway decent.