5 string vs 4 string

[Dano59]

I realise this has more than likely been covered in the past but I could not find anything through a search so here we go.

I am a bran new 49 year old bass player. As a kid learned some guitar and have played drums over the years a little but main deal is Blues Harmonica and vocals.

My church is ging to be loosing our bass player in about 6-8 months and I have always loved the base and so I am "on a mission from God" (Blues Brothers reference) to get up to speed to take over the spot for the church.

I just picked up a 5 string bass from the present church bassist (accualy will get it at church tomorrow) and a SWR LA12 from a member on here to use at home to learn with.

The present bass player is going to help me out quite a bit but would like some opinions as to the basic diffrence in learning and playing a 5 string vs 4 string and if the 5 was a mistake? Although with the deal I got on the bass I don't see how I could go wrong with it.

Thanks all

 

[Joe Nerve]

Ya got an extra string. No mistake. Just a preference or sometimes necessity thing.

 

[Ric5]

The 5 is 1 better than the 4.

 

[rezin]

not a mistake at all, you've still got E, A, D, and G. You just have a B also.

 

[smogg]

not a mistake at all, you've still got E, A, D, and G. You just have a B also.

+1......... just another wrench in the tool box, no big deal

 

[bassrique]

I don't know much about "worship and praise" music, but I understand much of it has notes below the low E of a 4 string.

A 5er may be a little harder to mute, but it also has the advantage of being able to move that 4 string first position [down by the nut] up a bit. What I mean is you can give your fingers and shoulder a bit of a break by playing the same notes higher up the neck. You'll also have two octaves w/in reach w/out much movement.

Having said that, as you get better over time, don't use the fifth string as a crutch, as I've seen some do.

And since just about everything is new to you, you may want to consider starting out with what's called the "floating thumb" technique for your plucking hand, as it'll make muting easier. Check out the archives here and YouTube for more on that.

 

[emblymouse]

Since you are starting from scratch I can't see a downside, unless it's just physically to much to wrap you hands around. Go for it sir!

 

[kxt]

my church's main bass player says his low b is indispensable for the worship service (contemporary style) and for accompanying our choir (does a lot of brooklyn tabernacle-type stuff, except without all the instruments ). personally i like the feel of a 4, but then i usually play keyboards or sax for church so don't know very well how it goes from the bass side.

 

[dean owens]

not sure what sorta church you're in (so i'm not sure the music) but i play in church. honestly, playing in church is what makes it so i "have" to play a 5-string. there are always songs in E-flat and although i could move up and down the neck to go from an F-sharp up to and E-flat and back again... it's so much easier to have the E-flat on the b string and stay in the "same place" and not have to jump all over the neck.

i don't know that i play a 5-string "correctly" but i pretty much play it like a 4-string until i need a lower note. such as the E-flat. or in slower songs sometimes having a low D or a low C can really add some power if played in the right place.

also, the B gives a nice place to rest the thumb when you're playing the E. i don't do the floating thumb, but i do rest my thumb on the string above the one i'm playing. it helps to mute and gives me a consistent plucking position. and having the B makes this always feel right - except for the few times i'm on the B. then i use my bridge pup for my thumb.

anyway, i think a fiver is a good choice. and it shouldn't be that hard to learn on.

 

[PilbaraBass]

if you're starting out on a 5-string...make sure you learn about floating thumb technique...it's the way to go, anyway, IMO...

but with floating thumb, you'll learn to keep all those strings properly muted.

If I had to start over, I'd wish I'd had leaned on a 5 string...only because for 17 years, I didn't play one...

 

[Dano59]

Thanks for all the input and it sounds like everyone has about the same oppionion, now how often does that happen LOL.

I will go check out the floating thumb technique.

Thanks again

 

[Solarmist]

Once you know a 4banger - it's a natural transition from 4 to 5 being based in 4ths, however I don't see a problem starting out on a 5er - really it's all personal preference - that's it.
What do you feel comfortable with?

You could always get one of each ..... ya know