Five string bass (BEADG): how do you guys play it?

[Nyarlathotep]

I have to say, my fav movement of late is to use the D (I tune ADGCF) string as kindof my "base" and move around from there. Usually up, but sometimes down, which is where the Low A string comes in. Also, if I want a REALLY phat D I just hit the 5th fret on the A. BAM!!!!!! Awesome

Just a little update that I hope makes sense....

 

[Ancient Mariner]

To make sure I still maintain the technique for a 4-string. Also, some things are easier to learn on a 4-banger (and transfer to the 5), since much (all?) of the instructional material is written for the EADG fretboard.

Thanks for the replies so far

To those 5 string players who still play the 4 bangers occasionally, on what occasions do you use the 4er?

 

[MrPlain]

I love my 5 string. I do use the low B a lot. The main reason I bought it was because of the style of metal I was playing. I got sick of having to constantly change tunings on my 4 strings. I love the low B and I try to utilize as much of all the strings as possible.

 

[NickBass81]

the 5 string bass is my main instrument....I started playing it 8 years ago 'cause I loved the lower octave and to avoid detuning it every time I needed notes lower than E...I love the feel of the instrument!!

 

[lexxmexx]

After playing my new fiver for awhile, I am really getting the hang of it and my muting technique has improved tremendously. I am starting to use the B string quite often but the problem now is that my pinky can't seem to reach the B string from fret 7 and above.

I am already wearing my bass very high, can't afford to go even higher as I am already looking very silly.

 

[Nyarlathotep]

^ I just use frets 1-5 on the 5th string. If im looking to hit the 7th fret, I just go 4th string, 2nd fret.

It would different if im looking for the 7th fret on the 4th string.

Thats just me tho.

 

[ZonGuy]

I went 4->5->6 over a period of 4 years. I feel completely at home on my 6, but the 4 is fun to fool around on.

If I take only one bass to a gig, it would be a five, unless there is no guitar player in which case the 6 goes. I love noodling on the high strings on a sound check and watching the music director chew out the guitarist. Hehe.

 

[GreyBeard]

I've been playing 5 string exclusively for about 12 yrs now. I think I use all 5 strings about the same. I seldom go below low D on the B string but I use the B string for E-Eb-& D all the time.