Getting my first 5 string, give me your advice!

[HEADbass]

I like my 5er for nice deep tones, you can enjoy it without knowing tabs or tuning.

Fun fact, when you learn a riff you can play it wherever on the neck, higher or lower, it's still the same shape.

Stay motivated

 

[rogerbmiller]

My advice is:

1) keep it to standard BEADG tuning
2) Be sure to get a comfortable 5. Try them out. It feels weird at first and you get used to it. But if it feels good from the start all the better.
3) Practice. You will get used to thinking in terms of that extra string quickly. Just put in the hours.

Good luck.

 

[Big Shrek]

I am sure it would be better for me to know more about reading music, note positions on the fretboard and things like that but I am 44 years old and it took me 3 years to just get ok playing tab along with rocksmith so I do not have high hopes for picking any of that up at this point.

Save yourself a lot of headaches, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks.
Go get some lessons. Being able to do the BASIC things on a bass is what
every bass player needs, even if only doing it for fun/themselves.
It's worth the $80 for four lessons a month. Or even if you have to
find someone who'll do one $25 lesson a month, just do it. Or take a
college course in it at the local community college...

Once you have a solid bit of training behind you, and I'm only talking 3-4
months here, Bass Playing becomes FAR more enjoyable because you then
know what you are doing! After that you can just watch UTUBE Flea videos
or whatever for specific songs...

The longer you don't know the basics, the less enjoyable bass playing will be,
because you are struggling more and getting less out of it.

 

[BassUrges]

Learning the basics - - scales and when to apply them - - actually reduces the time needed to learn tunes and the effort needed to memorize them.

This. There are guys with amazing ears who can just play. But for me, knowing theory makes it possible to memorize songs. Instead of trying to remember where each finger goes each moment, all I have to recall is the progression, and I can play a suitable 1-3-5/Walk up to next chord line off of just that.

Then when someone asks for a transposition—it's easy.

 

[Element Zero]

In all fairness to the OP. Your judgment of his desire to play along with music is like saying that anyone who enjoys video games should go out and play football, basketball, go to war, etc.....
Not everyone has the desire to play for people, to people or with people. Some of us just enjoy the bass.

Ouch. Yeah. You're right. Sorry OP.

 

[Oldschoolplayer]

I've been a 4, 5 string player for awhile. Just don't let it intimidate you. Just let it flow. No one ever taught me 5 string. Its fun! Alot of fun! Bass player for 50 years. Peace.

 

[madbass6]

I am getting my first 5 string in the mail next week.

I have been playing for a few years now but I am not exactly an expert. I am 100% taught by Rocksmith so basically all I can do is read tab. I dont know notes anything like that. That being the case is there stuff I should know about playing a 5 string over a 4 string?

My current plan is to just treat it like a 4 string but tune the 5th string to drop D so that I can switch back and forth from song that use standard E tuning and drop D tuning without having to mess with anything.

Before commuting I recommend going to your local GC an

I am getting my first 5 string in the mail next week.

I have been playing for a few years now but I am not exactly an expert. I am 100% taught by Rocksmith so basically all I can do is read tab. I dont know notes anything like that. That being the case is there stuff I should know about playing a 5 string over a 4 string?

My current plan is to just treat it like a 4 string but tune the 5th string to drop D so that I can switch back and forth from song that use standard E tuning and drop D tuning without having to mess with anything.

My advice is,
next time consider asking for advice before placing the order not wile waiting its arrival! Hope it works out for you.. Gd luck!

 

[BaltBass5]

Get a 4 string and set it up BEAD

 

[flojob]

This is my third attempt. How'd I do? It does look pretty good to me.

View attachment 2802533

Looks like a wishbass with hooves.
"If only it were a 5 string..."

 

[BrickBatMansion]

I started playing in 1975 in high school. On every test paper or homework paper, I would draw a blank neck with 4 strings/frets and the dots on the neck. Then string by string, I would write the note on each fret. It didn't take too long to have the neck memorized. I was also questioned by all my teachers.

On another note(!) I'm impressed that you use your pinky as much as you do. That is a major thing with a lot of players. Last but not least, lose the "poopy/lazy" attitude regarding learning this stuff.

You have way more potential than you realize.

 

[Maxdusty]

Boy, some comments here are brutal but frank and honest opinions.
My feeling is it's never too late to learn and enjoy playing the bass. There are many ways to improve and get the most out of it. Some can learn on their own, some may need a few instructional classes - whatever works best for you and at your own pace.
Regarding the five string bass, think of it as a four string bass with much more options- bottom four strings are what you're already use to in a bass , the top string is going to be useful for rattling windows and bones. It's going to be beautiful.

 

[Spidey2112]

This is my third attempt. How'd I do? It does look pretty good to me.

View attachment 2802533

Man, you are... so close.

 

[motoman]

Hi passive jay you sound a lot like me same age same struggles trying to learn bass I have both a 4 and a 5 string basses . I really like my 5 string I,m the same as you just playing for enjoyment by myself. I started on only learning tab too. But now I,m trying to branch out and learn more. It may take me a lot longer then other people but the way I see it it,s not like I have anyone knocking on my door wanting me to play in a band.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Man, you are... so close.

You should give it a try, yourself.

 

[RickyT]

My current plan is to just treat it like a 4 string but tune the 5th string to drop D so that I can switch back and forth from song that use standard E tuning and drop D tuning without having to mess with anything.

That's shaging stupid. Don't do that.

Find a teacher and learn how to play properly.

 

[Ric5]

Why would you tune it like that? Just keep the 5th string tuned to B and play the 3rd fret for D.

To the OP ... the quote above is good advice ... ^^^^^^

If you want an open D then tune your 5 string ADGCF ...

or tune your 4 DGCF ...

But the open D is way overated. Use your frets ... tune your 5 BEADG ...

 

[4SG]

Advice on getting a 5-string...remove the fifth unnecessary string?

 

[mikewalker]

Yeah, pity you already ordered one of those evil Pentastring "debbilmusic things" ...

If you just want "open D", put on slightly heavier strings and then tune your four string down two semitones.
MAYBE a slight tweak of the truss rod and bridge saddles, then you are good to go
Anytime you want the "open E" again, just slap a capo behind the 2nd fret!

A lot cheaper than buying a five-string...
Then you could put that money where it really belongs ( upgrading your amps & speaker cabs...)

 

[Whippet]

i agree i need lessons, just do not have the money for them really. So i am trying to figure out what I can with the help of you fine fellows

Buddy, just get the book Bass Aerobics by John Liebman and Building Walking Bass Line by Ed Friedland.
Work on it for a few months and I guarantee you, you will start seeing fret board, finger position, and notes in your sleep and you will be done with tabs for the rest of your life.

Then you will truly be able to unleash the power of the 5th string. Right now you're like He-man with the sword but no skill to use it correctly.

Trust me, those two books is all you need. Building Walking Bass Lines will be tough for a month or so, but when you get a hang of it, you will want to join a band.

 

[Passive Jay]

Thanks everyone