5 or 4?

[tom dicus]

I have never had a 5 string.
That said, I had a thought today and in need of some advice.
It seems to me that the strings are closer on a 5er so would it be safe to assume having a 5 string could make learning EADG faster or easier because of that?
Thanks
Cheers!

 

[pie_man_25]

If anything, I've found the five string a bit harder to get my head around because of the narrow spacing. With that said, I started on a 4-banger myself.

 

[Wasnex]

I have never had a 5 string.
That said, I had a thought today and in need of some advice.
It seems to me that the strings are closer on a 5er so would it be safe to assume having a 5 string could make learning EADG faster or easier because of that?
Thanks
Cheers!

My 6-string Yamaha TRB6P has wider spacing than a standard 4 string. String spacing varies from model to model, so find a model that has the spacing you want.

If you already play a 4-string, it generally takes a bit of time to transition to 5- or 6-strings. Basically you will have to relearn some aspects of playing that are automated. For example I used to automatically reference everything to the E string. So when I started playing a 5-string, I would sometimes get confused and play everything off a fourth. Learning the B string was a bit counter intuitive because I tried to continue referencing everything to the E string. I really didn't feel at home until I started referencing the Low B string.

It'll go faster if you don't switch back and forth. In other words, if you want to learn 5-string, don't play the 4-string until the 5-string feels like home. I still have 4- and 5-string basses, but the TRB6P has been my #1 since about 1995.

IMHO, there are certain aspects of technique that are easier on extended range instruments, and certain aspects of technique that are more difficult. The 6-string allows me to play linear patterns with less shifting up and down the neck. But it requires more advanced muting technique to control all of the strings. Also I find certain types of patterns that alternate across adjacent strings are harder to play accurately, since there are more strings to keep track of.

Unless you plan to solos or chords, 5-strings are probably sufficient. IMHO, the low B string is very useful. There are lots of tunes that have bass and synth lines that were originally written below the open E. Also lots of singers can't sing songs in the original key, so it's nice to be able to transpose down while retaining the shape of the original bass line.

 

[chris_b]

5 string basses come in all sizes. Wide or narrow string spacings, wide or narrow necks and different weight, scales, pickup configs and controls. Choose the one that suits you.

IMO narrow string spacings do not make anyone play faster. Better technique is the only thing that does that.

 

[tom dicus]

Thanks to all of you.
These thoughts never occurred to me.
I appreciate it very much.
I think I'll just stick to the 4 strings until I'm good.
Right now, I'm far from being a good bass player.
But I'm not giving up!
Cheers everyone!

 

[buldog5151bass]

String spacing is not an indication that the instrument will be easier to play. Everyone is different. I am comfortable on a P bass neck. I can't comfortably play my Epiphone Viola, because the strings are too close together, especially at the bridge.

 

[Wasnex]

Thanks to all of you.
These thoughts never occurred to me.
I appreciate it very much.
I think I'll just stick to the 4 strings until I'm good.
Right now, I'm far from being a good bass player.
But I'm not giving up!
Cheers everyone!

IMHO if you plan to play 4-string indefinitely, stick with. If you plan to play 5- or 6-string, make the transition as soon as possible...less stuff to unlearn and it's best to avoid the whole 2 steps forward, 1 step back shuffle. I transitioned from 4 to 5 to 6...and my playing took a hit for an extended time with each added string.

 

[BassAndReeds]

If I were a pick only player, I'd try a close string spacing bass (16 to 17mm). But as a fingerstyle player, I play 19mm now on my 5ers.

 

[Kmonk]

The string spacing isn't really going to have an impact on your speed. The biggest challenges people have when switching from a 4 to 5 are fingering accuracy due to the difference in spacing and remembering that the top string is a low B and not an E.

 

[Chrisk-K]

It seems to me that the strings are closer on a 5er so would it be safe to assume having a 5 string could make learning EADG faster or easier because of that?

I don't see any logic in tbe above argument.

 

[Stevorebob]

I own only 5-string basses, but I wouldn't recommend moving to a five just for the narrower string spacing. Make the move if you want the additional hand-position options and extended range. Otherwise, I suggest stick with a 4-string.

 

[Artman]

Have you been playing for a long time? If so, it might take a little extra focus to adapt at first. If you're a newish player, it might be easier to pick up a fiver and just learn on that right from the beginning. Some people have difficulty switching from 4 to 5. Some folks say it's no big deal. I guess you should just find a fiver or two that you can sit down and noodle with for little while to see how it works for you before spending your cash.

 

[jpmcbride]

I don't see any logic in tbe above argument.

I think the OP was assuming that (1) most 5vers have closer string spacing, and (2) closer spacing is easier to play. The logical conclusion to these assumptions being that it would be easier to play EADG (standard tuning) on a 5 string. He probably had in mind that it would be easier to play the 4 "regular" strings, and could incorporate the B string when he wanted. The logic is OK, but the original assumptions are wrong as other posters have said. A five string is a different beast and not for everyone. IMO, if you're interested in 5 strings, go to your local store and play a few to see what you think. Its not for everyone.

 

[Ric5]

I have never had a 5 string.
That said, I had a thought today and in need of some advice.
It seems to me that the strings are closer on a 5er so would it be safe to assume having a 5 string could make learning EADG faster or easier because of that?
Thanks
Cheers!

The 5 comes in handy when you need to play songs that require notes lower than the low E

 

[Herrick]

Tighter spacing on Warwick 5s and Ibanez SR 5s make playing more difficult for me.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

From your description, it sounds like you're just starting out. Since you're learning, it's a good time to just get used to a five string if you think that's what you will want to play. This will probably be disputed, but I'd say that if you play with guitars, stick with four. If you play with horns, keys or choirs, get the five string. The Eb on the B string is, IMHO, the most important not on the B string. Any flat key signature other than F is going to have an Eb and keys, horns, choirs love their flat keys.

 

[tyohars]

The string spacing isn't really going to have an impact on your speed. The biggest challenges people have when switching from a 4 to 5 are fingering accuracy due to the difference in spacing and remembering that the top string is a low B and not an E.

I never have a 5's, but been try it few times, thunderbird 5 and jazz 5. I always forget that the top strings is b, not e. Lol. I don't know of it's just my foggy brain or what.