5 string or 4 string for starting out.

[Mr BattleArmor]

Thats the question

Thanks

 

[mcnach]

it doesn't matter.

if the style you want to play uses frequently 5-stringers... then get a 5. If 4-stringers, get a 4-string.
it's easy to switch so not a big deal.

the main problem I personally have with many 5-string basses is for slap. As I am used to 4-string basses, and many 5-string basses have a smaller distance between strings, I find it a bit hard to play on those when I slap. I can play slap, but I'm a bit sloppier. However, I could adapt after a day or two if I really wanted to.
No big deal. Or I'd get one with a bigger distance between strings.

Some people argue that as 5-string basses are really common today, it's best to start out on a 5-string and get it out of the way. Personally, I don't think it matters...

 

[two fingers]

I'm with mcnach. It shouldn't really matter. Good luck and welcome to the forum!

 

[tehbassist]

4 string is the way to start, to explain this in the simplest way possible, you need to get good at the first 4 strings before you add a fifth. Plus five strings are just for people to lazy to move up on the neck to play scales

 

[BobWestbrook]

I'm too lazy to move up the neck to play scales.

Work smarter, not harder.

But, I agree, probably better to learn first on a four and then move to a five if desired.

 

[ggunn]

Thats the question

Thanks

This question comes up so much it oughta be a "sticky". My HO is that if 5 strings is where you are going to end up, then start out on a 5 string.

 

[bassanddrums]

I started on 4 because I was playing for school band and I figured it would be easier to sound adequate on 4 sooner.

But I have a 5 now

 

[Bryan R. Tyler]

This question comes up so much it oughta be a "sticky". My HO is that if 5 strings is where you are going to end up, then start out on a 5 string.

Yup- it is sticky worthy And I agree- always start out with what you want to end up with if you know in advance. Otherwise you're just going to get comfortable on an instrument you'll have to give up one day and then try to relearn to play all over again.

4 string is the way to start, to explain this in the simplest way possible, you need to get good at the first 4 strings before you add a fifth

Flawed advice- how many guitarists are told to buy a three-string guitar before buying a six-string? And why would you need to "get good" on the first four before getting a fifth (or sixth)? Start out with a five and you'll gain the skills to play well on all five in the same time it would take to play well on four, and then be unskilled at using the fifth when you add it.

 

[Fendercustom7]

I played a cheap 4 string for about a year before a great deal on a 5 opened up and I even though I didn't know much about it, I played it anyway. It served me well, and I'm stuck with 5's forever. I say get a cheap 4 and then after a year or so, try out a 5 and make the switch if needed.

 

[Mr BattleArmor]

The 5 string is just the added B right? I am thinking a 5 string as of now simply because it seems like a better idea to me as far as versatility is concerned. But not sure yet.

 

[Bryan R. Tyler]

The 5 string is just the added B right? I am thinking a 5 string as of now simply because it seems like a better idea to me as far as versatility is concerned. But not sure yet.

Or a high C; while pretty much every fiver comes with a low B, you can easily change it to be strung E-C.