When is the best time for the switch

[notverygood]

from 4's to 6's? When you're inside of a year exp. like me , or after a few years? I've read several posts from people saing that they could not get used to a ERB after years of playing 4's. Is it easier to go from 6 to 4 or from 4 to 6?

[J-B'ass]

4 string basses are quite different in feel from 6 strings; different things are possible on each. If you want to play a 6 then go for it; it's better to get used to it sooner.
It's a bit more to handle in terms of learning scales and learning the notes, and the scale length may well be bigger so make sure you warm up and don't push yourself too hard. But if that's where your heart is then don't let anything stop you.

I went from 4 string to 6 string via a 5 string (one with a low B, and one with a high C), but this is by no means necessary.

[crustychef]

I went from 4 to 5 after 3 months. I figured if I'm learning a new instrument then what's the difference. I also bought a fretless around the same time too. Hasn't really been an issue. I'd start with what you want to learn how to play and call it good. I don't understand the training wheel mentality. You don't get that with other instruments. Like when I played saxophone for 10 years I didn't get to start on one with a 1/3 less keys nor did I start on a 3 string cello.

[basmartin]

For me, learning to play on a 5 took no time at all, but playing a 6 messes up my brain. I don´t no why. Maybe that I´m used to play a regular guitar and somehow get mixed up by the string intervalls, but if I tune a 6-string bass with the same intervalls as on the guitar, it would still mess up my brain.

So if your anything like me, if you want to play a 6 string bass, do it as soon as possible because it might get harder to learn if you get too used to 4 strings.

[Marton]

I've been playing for 7 years and still uses 4 strings. You should do the same .