At what point should a new player try a 5 or 6 string?

[TheSeagoats]

The best answer anyone can give is: whenever you feel you need one. Playing a 5 or a 6 just to play one is a bit of a waste if you don't have a direct benefit in mind from playing on one. If you think that you'd like having access to the extra low notes, like the tighter fret spacing and range across the neck by playing at the fifth fret, or like having the higher string to help with chording then a 5 or 6 would be a great purchase. Buying one just because you feel like you've "leveled up" to that point is a bit of a beginner thought process, one that I admit that I had when I was first starting out. I got my 5 and started overusing the low notes because they were there. If you feel you have a reason to have one, buy one today, if you can't give a reason then don't.

 

[ChrisBowsman]

The answer for me is: 6 or 7 months.

 

[jbhaugh]

Thanks. The extended range would be handy. I want to record some simple bass loops to pull into my Elektron Digitakt. Those loops don't always bottom out on E.

Since you can articulate a reason for wanting extended range in the lower register, I would say you are ready. I feel like a lot of players who get a 5 "just because" end up mostly using the B string as a thumb anchor.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

never. 4 strings rule!

 

[Wisebass]

Hi RABJ

Only after mastering a 4 string, or early so that your fingers get used to stretching the extra distance?

Now!


greetings

Wise(b)ass

 

[Tim Schnautz]

Only after mastering a 4 string, or early so that your fingers get used to stretching the extra distance?

Any time they want

 

[pie_man_25]

It's your bass, do it how you want. I started with a four and got a fiver. Nothing wrong with starting with a five though, I imagine.

 

[RabidMusic]

Rather than ask another stupid question I got on YouTube to research slapping a 5 string bass. I started playing music in the 70's. I WANNA SLAP! ... After watching a couple of bad sounding videos I got worried, then I happened upon the Mannybass Slap Bass Tutorial. THE GUY WAS USING A 6 STRING! And nailing it!

That did it. Gonna get me a 5 string now! Thanks everyone.

 

[Chad Michael]

One thing to keep in mind: a new set of strings for a four, will run you about $19.95. A new set of strings for a 5 will run you about $29.95. Figure that one out.

…. And get a fretless and an upright too.
…..

Yes....

 

[MordBass]

We'll put it this way... "When should a player NOT move to a 5 or 6 string"?

When the extra string(s) cause enough confusion or challenge that they discourage the player from continuing to learn.

 

[rashrader]

Do you wanna play bass? Then do it.

 

[Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati]

It doesn't matter.

Even never in my opinion ..

 

[Pops OB]

Only when they want to try one, if ever.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Only after mastering a 4 string, or early so that your fingers get used to stretching the extra distance?

Frankly, if I was starting out again, I’d start with a 5 string which would cover most you what you will need for commercial work. Back when I started music was not written and or arraigned for Basses to play notes below E. Today, it’s rare when it isn’t.

There are a lot of really cool things you can do with a six string, especially if you are into chording, but at the same time, you would still be able to do commercial work.

IMO, The sooner you start the switch, the better regardless of whether it’s a 5 or 6 string. As to which, I would give some thought as to what type of music you are interested in playing, and what bassists that play that style are using.

 

[Chewy_B_i_T_s]

5 moons after the first frost in the year of a mass cicada emergence.

 

[bobba66]

It may be too late already.

 

[BEADG63]

ASAP...Do it now.

 

[Iofflight]

Try it whenever you feel like it, there is no right or wrong string count to start with. I found out pretty early on that 5s aren't for me. I'll be surprised if I ever find one that is but I don't rule it out.

 

[socialleper]

There is no "leveling up" to the process. The necks are bigger, but maybe that is something you should learn to deal with sooner than later. If you have some formal training going on, that is more to learn, but guitar players do it as a matter of course.
People here on TB make way to big a thing about certain topics. A bass is a tool. That's it. No one asks "When am I ready to learn how to use vice grips," or "When am I ready to use the color purple."

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Any time they decide they want to give it a try. Start on 5, start on 6, it's all good. I would recommend checking out the floating thumb technique and I'm sure there are a million videos on YouTube to guide you on that. The biggest issue going from 4 to 5 or 6 is muting technique and controlling that additional droning string.

Four string is a little easier to play than five and that's why it's often recommended for beginners. Anything to help you get over the hump and not give up.