First time five string player

[HailCorduroy]

Mine is on a UPS truck somewhere right now. Luckily my son already has one so I've been playing his getting ready for it. I just started playing with some guys that do some drop D stuff and some songs that were done w/ a 5 string and go lower than D (like "Groove Machine" by King's X). They are much easier to play w/ a 5-er.

 

[stoolpigeon]

Like others before, I played 4s exclusively for 15+ years...been playing nothing but 5s since 2003....love em....and yes not just for the low B, but for the ability to play more notes in one position. I agree with the comment above though...that low D is priceless.

 

[Ric5]

I have been playing bass for 40+ years. This Christmas, I received a 5 string bass as a gift from my children. It is an older Guild Pilot model with great action and a big booming sound. The problem is, I'm not sure how to approach playing it. Up until a week ago, I have never played anything but a 4 string or an 8 string in octaves. Every tune I know has no need for a low B. Now I am sure I can improvise and find good use for those extra low notes. Any ideas where to start with hand placements.

Thanks

G

About 10 years ago I got in a band where I had to have notes lower than E. I experimented with detuning and kinda liked DGCF. But I needed notes lower than D so I get a 5er tuned BEADG and got hooked on the 5 and sold off all of my 4s.

The B string is really nice for classic rock, blues, country, jazz, gospel, metal, and modern rock.