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Getting used to a 5
- Thread starter dc-upright
- Start date
BUNK... I had a hard time as well. I started back in the 90's when the country bands on the radio discovered that low D note. So for the first couple months I just used the B string as a thumb rest and landed on that D note when needed. It taught my hand where the 4 string bass was at first. Then I started listening to Kathy Mattea's stuff and noticed all the Eb and C# tunes with that nice solid bottom note and I was hooked on a 5 string from then on. I play both country and classic rock stuff between the two bands and it really comes in handy. A lot of the classic rock does not utilize the low string but it's really fun experimenting and finding where the bass line can incorporate the low octave. I use it sparingly but landing on the low octave note at the last chord of a song, especially a ballad just gives the ending a more defined musical exclamation point. And in country tunes, a lot of walking bass lines so if we are in G i start on the G note on the low B string. the scale becomes a simple pattern that you can reach without any stretching at all.I just started playing a 5 last week, and this is an accurate description! Thanks for all the advice. I like the notion that the 4 string bass is still there....
Have fun!
Once you realize that the 5 is just a 4 string with an extra string, it will become easier. Another thing that helped me is to play scales or arpeggios on ALL the strings. Get used to playing songs where you used an open E, now use the 5th fret on the low B. Once you get comfortable on the 5 string you'll be ready to get a 6.
Stick with the five string for a while. Try playing only 4 lowest strings. Like just your normal stuff just transposed to using the lowest four strings. That’s what helped me a ton
I think one of the best ways to adapt to a five is listen to players that play five strings. Nathan East, Lee Sklar, Mike Porcaro and Jimmy Johnson who BTW is one of the earliest five string players along with Anthony Jackson.
If I remember correctly, I think I saw somewhere that Anthony Jackson came up with the 5 string bass concept.
As others have said, don't play your 4-strings for a while, just stick with the 5-string until you feel comfortable.
When I got my 5-string a little over a year ago, I definitely had issues, especially when playing octaves. I've gotten much better at it now, and feel that I'm as proficient as with my 4-strings. However, there are still some songs that I'm more comfortable playing on 4-strings. I've also found that if I don't play the 5-string as much, I'll backslide a bit and have to work a bit harder to get back up to where I want to be.
When I got my 5-string a little over a year ago, I definitely had issues, especially when playing octaves. I've gotten much better at it now, and feel that I'm as proficient as with my 4-strings. However, there are still some songs that I'm more comfortable playing on 4-strings. I've also found that if I don't play the 5-string as much, I'll backslide a bit and have to work a bit harder to get back up to where I want to be.
what I did.....Only play the 5 string and use the B as a thumb rest unless lower notes are required....I know it's wrong by other players standards but I didn't like the feel of that floppy B even though I only played this one for 10+yrs.
I think I saw Nick Lowe with a Kramer(?)5er late '70s, looked like crazy tight spacing though.
I got mine way back because the band I was in decided to add Atomic Dog (LOL, I can't think of anything opposed to coutry) to the playlist and the D-Tuner on a four sounded too weak.
I agree with what's been said. Only play the five for awhile. I worked though my real book using the B string root notes and walking from there for a few days. Picked it up pretty quick. It is a different instrument. I play solo shows and do a lot of low drone loops with the B string for example. My tenor player likes to play in Eb, so I love having that in a comfy spot on the neck as another example. Have fun!!! BASS.
Ronnie Millsap had some low D on his songs early 80s, I had a fiver built in '85 for that reason plus we has a keyboard player with a heavy left hand....
Anyone try stringing their 4 to a low B to get used to the low register forms then going to a 5?
I had a friend who went to 5 and he set his #2 4 string bass with a low B and said it kept things standardized and said he didn't really miss the G (except on chords and the odd arpeggio run that would be vertical on the 5 and needed to go more horizontal on the 4 which didn't come into play often with his style of music).
I had a friend who went to 5 and he set his #2 4 string bass with a low B and said it kept things standardized and said he didn't really miss the G (except on chords and the odd arpeggio run that would be vertical on the 5 and needed to go more horizontal on the 4 which didn't come into play often with his style of music).
If we're remembering the same youtube short I think it was the 6 string.
I started on 5 string and then went to 6. I didn't play 4 string for my first couple years.
But one thing I suggest is to treat your 5th fret on the low B as your new and only low E. Shift all your 4 string songs to use the B as your starting point.
I thought about it, but depending on the 5-string you have, there might be a string-spacing issue that needs to be accounted for. That was one of the issues that I had to overcome when I got a 5. Also, my 5-string is 35" scale, all my 4-strings are 34". For some, it may not be a big deal, but it does throw me off a bit when switching between the two.
When I went from 4 to 5, I adjusted very quickly. Use the B as an anchor point - that's a great piece of advice. It helps tremendously with muting and having a good reference point.
My problem now is I just picked up a cheap 4 string, after not owning one for several years. I can't play the darn thing - I'm ALL messed up!
My problem now is I just picked up a cheap 4 string, after not owning one for several years. I can't play the darn thing - I'm ALL messed up!
My approach to my first 5.., My “home base”note was the G, 3rd fret on the E string. That was my starting point, & slowly incorporated the B string into play.. I played a gig just one week later “with a sink or swim “ approach, (& I made it) after switching from years of playing 4’s.. I woodshedded that first week, 2-3 hours a day just getting used to the feel & scales, etc. I’ve never looked back or regretted moving to the 5, it’s very nice to have a robust low B string ! (I found playing 6’s were easy after adjusting to the 5, as well)
Forget the open E string exists and start using the 5th fret on the B for your low E. Doing this will help you realize the potential of the extended range and that it’s not always about going lower.
