I'm considering getting a 6-string bass, but I play mostly metal/rock (huge Dream Theater fan). Is a 6-string recommended for metal? I'm considering Warick RB Corvette Basic 6 SBHP, is the model good for metal?
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6-strings for metal
- Thread starter Trym Brovold
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- 6string bass bassguitar metal warwick
If you feel that you need the low B and high C string, then sure.
There used to be a sticky at the top of the page for this topic, but I can't find it...so I found this instead:
Answered: The Best Bass For Metal (with data!)
There used to be a sticky at the top of the page for this topic, but I can't find it...so I found this instead:
Answered: The Best Bass For Metal (with data!)
Thanks man! Do you recommend a 5-string instead then, as the high-C really ain't no use off (for me)
It's really about what you need for the music you're going to play. There are plenty of 4 string metal bass players out there.
I do use a 5 string although I own a bunch of 4 string basses as well and use all of them for any of the different types of music that I play.
I see. I was getting a Warwick 5-string, but it was delayed until next year, so now I'm getting a new model instead. Do you have any suggestions for 5-string basses for metal? I've been looking at Warwick and Spector a lot
Dingwall, Spector, and Musicman would be my top choices. I think…
6 -> 12?
... I'll get my coat.
But in all honesty, 6 should be enough even for the most challenging of metal songs
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There is a difference between what you want, what you need and what you're comfortable with.
I want to play 6 strings and I'm comfortable playing a 6. I could get away with a four string with a D-Tuner for about 95% of the songs I play, but I enjoy the options I get with a six, so a six is what I play.
I always felt that metal is very open to whatever shape, size or form of bass you bring.
I want to play 6 strings and I'm comfortable playing a 6. I could get away with a four string with a D-Tuner for about 95% of the songs I play, but I enjoy the options I get with a six, so a six is what I play.
I always felt that metal is very open to whatever shape, size or form of bass you bring.
You can use any number of stings for any style of music. It’s all personal preference. Do you need a 6 string? Absolutely not. I could play all of my bands material on 3 string, but I use a 6 because that’s what I play.
It’s a great opportunity and excuse to learn extended range though. You gain a lot more with a 6 than with a 5, so if you’re eyeing a 6 string I say go for it!
It’s a great opportunity and excuse to learn extended range though. You gain a lot more with a 6 than with a 5, so if you’re eyeing a 6 string I say go for it!
Huge Dream Theater fan here too… but their super noodley playing ain’t what I play lol. There’s lots of “metal” out there. Michael Lepond of Symphony X rocks a 4 string as does Jean-Michel Labadie of Gojira. 2 stellar “metal bands” but not a 6 stringer in sight.
Just depends on what you wanna play.
Just depends on what you wanna play.
You could actually play metal, with a sunburst precision bass, with tort. Flats obtional. Not joking.
If you need a 6 then sure, go for it. I use a six for both my bands, but only use the high C (okay, actually A# in my case, in one of them. I don't need six strings for my death metal act, but I use it anyway because it's more comfortable than my five
To give some context, the question "What's the best bass for metal?" has been asked so many times over the years that it's become a meme of sorts.
The thing is, you can use any bass for metal since there are so many other factors involved, arguably making far more impact that the bass itself. A 4-string precision bass with flats would seem like a terrible choice....yet it worked great for Steve Harris (Iron Maiden). I'd say they definitely count as "metal".
I get where you're coming from OP, but you'll get a lot more mileage from an inquiry focusing on tonal character than a genre. If you asked about "...an aggressive, bright tone with strong low-end" you could get much more specific, helpful suggestions as that gives us more to go on.
The thing is, you can use any bass for metal since there are so many other factors involved, arguably making far more impact that the bass itself. A 4-string precision bass with flats would seem like a terrible choice....yet it worked great for Steve Harris (Iron Maiden). I'd say they definitely count as "metal".
I get where you're coming from OP, but you'll get a lot more mileage from an inquiry focusing on tonal character than a genre. If you asked about "...an aggressive, bright tone with strong low-end" you could get much more specific, helpful suggestions as that gives us more to go on.
I use a 6 string (Ibanez EHB) for almost everything, including a lot of metal. It's more comfortable for me, has more range, and lets me hang out out between the 5th and 10th frets really easily.
Metal bassists can be found with just about any tonal character you could name. There are burpy mid-hump guys, flat guys, and of course the Ding-glass sound. Get something that feels and sounds good to you, and it will work be fine.
Metal bassists can be found with just about any tonal character you could name. There are burpy mid-hump guys, flat guys, and of course the Ding-glass sound. Get something that feels and sounds good to you, and it will work be fine.
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the 6 can open up easier positions than a 5, if you need to hit high notes without moving up the neck. it's not always about the 4-5 extra notes on the C.
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