Going from a 4 string to a 5 string

[Jim624]

I am just an amateur who enjoys getting together with some friends and playing old rock songs. Was a rhythm guitarist in the past and never learned to read music well enough to play from it. Just got a 5 string and having problems getting my fretting hand to not play wrong string. Any suggestions of exercises or other ways to adapt? Really like having the B string as some stuff includes Eb notes.

 

[bholder]

My advice - first just practice 4 string stuff without playing on the low B until you're satisfied your fingers can find the low E reliably. From then, start adding the low B notes for "spice", then on to full integration into playing.

TL/DR; Practice, practice, then practice.

 

[FatStringer52]

Two things that really helped me when I made the transition: 1) when you are playing music, simply use the B string as a thumb rest and play it like a 4 string until you get comfortable with the fingerboard. After that, gradually incorporate the B sting into your playing, 2) when you are practicing, run scales and arpeggios (fully extended) all over the neck. Best of luck with your transition . . .

Edit: I see while I was typing bholder said basically the same thing I'm saying!

 

[Stubb]

I played a 5 exclusively for 15 years, and a few weeks ago got a 5. The 4 is in the closet until I feel ready to switch between them. I started working through a walking bass book and instead of playing, for example, F blues at the first few frets, I'm remapping it so I play the low F on the B string. It took a while to get used to, but my goal is to be able to sightread seamlessly anywhere on the neck. It's getting there, after probably an hour a day on average after 2 weeks.