The main thing that turns me off to the 5 is how you lose laying into the E string. It's just not the same when it isn't the last string. For the few times a night it's nice to hit a low d or C, it's not worth the trade off.
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Does Anyone Else Hate The 5 String For THIS Reason?
- Thread starter plangentmusic
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Practice your technique, I have no problems doing this.
many people will say 5/6 string basses stop you doing this that or the other, it is just that they haven't put enough practice in to achieve it, yes the string spacings tend to be different, and the necks on ERB's tend to be wider (which is why people find it hard to start with) but put the practice in and it will pay dividends.
this is my opinion, I am entitled to it, it is also my experience (I use two 5 string Jazz basses all the time) so before you flame me take a little advice from Bill Hicks (RIP)
"...you may stop your internal dialouge.
but bill b, b ,b...
STOP! I'm right, get over it"
many people will say 5/6 string basses stop you doing this that or the other, it is just that they haven't put enough practice in to achieve it, yes the string spacings tend to be different, and the necks on ERB's tend to be wider (which is why people find it hard to start with) but put the practice in and it will pay dividends.
this is my opinion, I am entitled to it, it is also my experience (I use two 5 string Jazz basses all the time) so before you flame me take a little advice from Bill Hicks (RIP)
"...you may stop your internal dialouge.
but bill b, b ,b...
STOP! I'm right, get over it"
Not the same thing. The E is the deepest -- unless of course you use a B, but laying into that is TOO low in most cases. Just a taste thing.
Not at all. If anything, I think it's better not being able to bear down on one string moreso than others. It forces you to even out your attack across all of the strings.
The B string does go above the 5th fret, contrary to popular belief, which is why I play 5.
I do fine with the 4. And on the occasion where someone asks for a 5 or 6 (which has happened maybe twice in the last 20 years) I'll use it. But it doesn't speak to me.
From a building and technique perspective, there are things that will fly on a 4, but not a 5 (or more). That's just the nature of the beast. These things take a effort to learn and internalize, but thankfully are still beneficial for going back to 4.
If you're paying attention to what notes you're playing, as opposed to which fret/string you're on, its totally fine.
There's nothing like laying into a low B either. Practice your craft a little, it's not that hard to switch to 5 string.
I've practiced plenty thanks. Not everyone wants to do what you might want to do.
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