Nubie: 4 string or 5?

[John5129]

I am just getting started and am about to buy my first bass. I like a particular model, but it is a five string. I am concerned it will complicate my learning. Should I be?

[Mike Shevlin]

Go for it - u will probably want a 5 eventually anyway. Why not start off with one.

[danders]

I went through the same thing a couple of years ago. I had bought a 4 string and was not overly comfortable finding particular notes on that when someone suggested if I was going to try eventually to play a 5 string I might as well learn on one. It was a tough change at first but the extra string wasn't too hard to get used to.

I can switch back and forth between 4 and 5 strings now without too much trouble. String spacing is the hardest thing to adjust to. I'd say go with the 5.

[Rudreax]

What kind of music do you intend to play?

[John5129]

Mostly classic rock stuff. I like metal, but I don't see myself play much of it. My sons play guitar and drums, so I thought I'd join them, have some fun and keep myself challenged at the same time.

[behemecoytl]

I'd say get the 5. imho, 5s have more options on how and where you can play. you can also go under the low E and come up to it...

it's not harder to learn on a 5- but the one reccomendation I would make (whether you get a 4 or 5 this applies) is to get a quality instrument. i have found that the low B on a cheap 5 is often very floppy, and sloppy. in general, i think it's better to learn on a good instrument.

but if you play it, you like it, then there you go. you can always try others or switch again later.

[DudeistMonk]

I would say get the 5, unless you plan on playing a lot of slap...Slap gets a lot harder when the strings are spaced tighter (although raking/playing fast across strings gets easier).

Other than that consideration I love all the extra fingering options the 5 string gives, and being able to do the occasional "Surprise! This note is really low!"

[UncleBalsamic]

Get you want, whatever it is.

[mambo4]

I actually love the limits of a 4...it forces me to adapt my fingering and choice of register in ways that expand my overall understanding.

That said, with a 5 you can use the same closed, movable fingering patterns in more keys and over chords, so it kinda gets you more range with less knowledge.

[lament]

"4 strings should be enough for anybody"

[Craigster]

I'm in the "Start with a 5" camp. You have all the options of a 4 but plus! I play both now. Since I play a lot of Gospel I need a 5 to hit the Eb's and with the extra string you can save motion going up and down the fretboard. Moe options=Moe interesting...

[Soverntear]

if you want a 5 get a 5, worse comes to wqorse, you dont like it and getting a trade for a comparable 4 would be easy enough

[BigOldHarry]

I think I'd have you start with 4.

[Bryan R. Tyler]

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

I think I'd have you start with 4.

If you taught guitar, would you start them on a 4-string guitar too?

[PSPookie]

It doesn't matter. Just pick up a bass and start playing. Once you've done that you'll figure out how many string you want pretty quickly.

I prefer 5.

[Absentia]

what is said particular model?
try all kids if the glove fits get it.

[Dertygen]

5 fiver.
No joke.
Start with standard tuning, BEADG
The C major scale would be soo much easier to learn (and subsequently the other scales too).
Plus, more range.

[FBassed]

I just made the jump to a 5 string and wouldn't go back. I'm taking lessons now having decided to learn theory, etc, and I'm finding it's "easier" on the 5. Only downside is a lot of books are written for the 4 but more and more include the 5. Go for it.

[John5129]

Thanks for the input everyone. I went with the five string, an Ibanez SR405QM and a Line 6 LD15. Now come the lessons. Woo Hoo!!!

[Dertygen]

Originally Posted by John5129

Thanks for the input everyone. I went with the five string, an Ibanez SR405QM and a Line 6 LD15. Now come the lessons. Woo Hoo!!!

Now comes the vain attempt to find books for 5!

Woot!