4 String to 5 String?

[bassman2020]

I'm learning bass guitar using a 4 string bass and I'm progressing very well. At what point is it good to move to a 5 string or is it even good to move to a five string? Many great bass players are always pictured with a 4 string so I' wondering if switching is necessary. What are the things I should be considering? Thanks

 

[germ_77]

I don't think there's any specific reason that you would need to switch to a 5 string.

I think it's more preference, it's nice that you have more notes available in one position so you don't have to move your hand up and down the neck as much.

The reason I got one is some of the guys I jam with play in standard, others a half step down and others a full step down.

I got sick of changing tuning depending who I jammed with so now I just leave it in standard and learn to play the down tuned ones using the b string.

 

[eriky4003]

plus side - bstring rocks and can make playing some passages easier as you're higher on the fretboard (with a closed E).
You may get over the hurdle of being already used to 4 strings that jumping to a 5 is easier.
minus side - generally you'll have a wider neck, strings are more expensive. I've also found slapping on a 5 accurately is a lot harder than on a 4.

 

[Frank77]

Switching is not in itself necessary after you reach a certain level. As others have mentionned, it's more a matter of whether or not you need the extra low notes and the availabilty of more notes in one position.

One thing to consider, in addition to what eriky4003 said, is that right-hand muting becomes quite important when you go beyond a 4-string. Anchoring your thumb on the pickup won't cut it anymore, as you'll get more annoying and unwanted ringing harmonics from adjacent strings. You might have to change your right hand technique to a "floating" approach rather than an "anchored" one if that's what you're currently using on your 4-string.