Sorry picture took so long really enjoy the bass and it certainly is a challenge string spacing is my biggest issue so far
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First 5 string
- Thread starter Atknerd
- Start date
I have the same bass (in natural). Fantastic instrument for the money. As others have said, leave the 4 alone for a while and play the 5 exclusively, until it becomes comfortable. Get used to the spacing, at both ends. Patterns you play on the 4, you can move up the neck and a string lower, to include the B string. Find a few tunes that require an E flat, or low D. Instead of playing an open E, play it at the fifth fret on the B. Play scales, starting on the B. Plenty of ways to adapt to the B string.
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For me, my first 5 string was Fender Deluxe. It was too heavy, first time ever using a 5kg bass. It will take a while to get used to using the B string. I think practicing scales for chord tones on one string helped me find notes on the B string much faster. Also, play some phrases from many artists. Alex Webster has a lot of tasty lines using the B string. If you find yourself like B string, try some 6s. 6 is also another world you can enjoy.
As others are saying. Play it on a steady basis. My first issue was mixing
the open E string for the B so play the low E on the B string. Play the
low B just like the other strings. IOW don't overplay it.
I've been playing 5's since 1991 and all my basses are 5's.
Good luck & have fun nailing a low C on an ending.
the open E string for the B so play the low E on the B string. Play the
low B just like the other strings. IOW don't overplay it.
I've been playing 5's since 1991 and all my basses are 5's.
Good luck & have fun nailing a low C on an ending.
The biggest challenge for me moving to a five-string was re-learning the tactile cues my right (plucking) hand was sending to my brain. Putting mental-energy into being steadily mindful of "where" my E,A,& D strings were under my right hand helped me a lot. Seems simple, but that's what I wish someone had emphasized more to me. Having internalized a "different set" of tactile cues "for bass" means going back and forth between a 4, 5, (or 6) is now no more difficult for me than switching to a standard guitar. My brain instinctively "knows" what I'm holding.
also: For ME, youtube videos on "floating thumb technique" just fatigued my brain and slowed me down with the insistence that I learn an entirely new right hand technique in order to play a five-string bass, (though I'm sure some use it to great effect). As it is now MY muting involves both hands, pretty much as it always has been (IMO) for a lot of both bass and guitar players.
I agree that leaving the fours cased for a while is probably a good idea (sobriety helps too
): When a five finally "clicked" for me (no longer felt alien) it was a pretty sudden occurrence. Most of all enjoy the process and have fun!
also: For ME, youtube videos on "floating thumb technique" just fatigued my brain and slowed me down with the insistence that I learn an entirely new right hand technique in order to play a five-string bass, (though I'm sure some use it to great effect). As it is now MY muting involves both hands, pretty much as it always has been (IMO) for a lot of both bass and guitar players.
I agree that leaving the fours cased for a while is probably a good idea (sobriety helps too
): When a five finally "clicked" for me (no longer felt alien) it was a pretty sudden occurrence. Most of all enjoy the process and have fun!
