Good songs for getting comfortable with the B string?

[Altitude]

Here's "Get a Job" by Greyboy Allstars. It's in D. I actually don't think their guy is using a 5-string in this recording, but I covered it a long time in one band and I did. It's easy to incorporate the low D octave and do a couple simple fills on the B string leading up to it. Also a fun song to play.

 

[mattj1stc]

2 different thoughts, both of which will make you use the low C.

If you're more of a rock/metal person, then there's 3 days grace - animal I have become.

If you like pre-disco disco, then there's the Bee Gees - jive talkin. I think it was done with a bass synth originally, but you can play it note for note with a 5er.

 

[Altitude]

Here I am covering that song way back in 1988 when I was 17! I love that song.

I did not own a 5-string then, and so I had to tune down my E. You can hear me do it at the very beginning of the track.

 

[dalkowski]

Here I am covering that song way back in 1988 when I was 17! I love that song.

I did not own a 5-string then, and so I had to tune down my E. You can hear me do it at the very beginning of the track.

NICE cover. It's the song that introduced me to notes below E.

 

[Altitude]

NICE cover. It's the song that introduced me to notes below E.

Thank you. That singer went on to win a Grammy in the Tejano category. Drummer became a first call jazz guy in Austin. We're all still friends.

 

[Funky Ghost]

This one fits the bill wonderfully.

 

[dalkowski]

This one fits the bill wonderfully.

This and Protection = my 2 fave MA sides.

 

[Funky Ghost]

This and Protection = my 2 fave MA sides.

That and Safe From Harm are mine

 

[dalkowski]

That and Safe From Harm are mine

Yes, a winner all the way.

 

[Clark Dark]

I got one word for ya....

GOSPEL

there, I said it

 

[Bassngtr]

1. My band added 'Cars' by Gary Numann last year. The low D is important in the riff. REALLY fun to play and IMO a good way to get used to the B string. I agree with others who say playing up the neck on the B string is the REAL value of a 5. More position options!!

2. Which Sire did you buy? I bought an M2 5er a year ago as a backup, but it became my #1 as soon as I took it out of the box. Nicest neck I've ever held, never mind played. I chose the M2 because I did not want the extra pickup functionality the M7 has. Buying my Sire is of my best decisions ever!!

 

[Pings Bass]

2-octave scales and arpeggios around the circle of 5ths up and down the neck

 

[Hevy T]

Take anything in drop D and move it over to the 5ver! Another Brick in the Wall - if you are into classic rock. Kerosene by Marinda Lambert for a country rock vibe. Uptown funk if more into pop

I personally just do the droop D tuning, I have small fingers and don't really care for 5 strings

 

[Relsom]

Check out The Turning Point by Toto. Relatively simple and really gutsy down low, right where it was played.

 

[Brookmichael]

Audioslave and Chevelle if you like to rock

 

[doyo]

I love playing "Whole Lotta Love" on the 5th string. To me it is easier and sounds better. Except for the mid section of course.

 

[Lagado]

Practice the major scale within a 5 fret pattern, 2 octaves in one position. I don't play a 5 anymore much, I was only using the B string 10% of the time if that. It didn't seem worth the muting all night just for that.

 

[Michedelic]

I bought/received a Sire Marcus Miller 5 string for my 30th not too long ago. It's wonderful, I love it. I just find that the B string is never used...so has anyone got any recommendations for good (and not too difficult) songs that might help me get more comfortable and more used to including the B string in my playing?

Marcus, huh? How about...


That’s the track that seduced me.

 

[foolforthecity]

Uptown Funk, report back when you can do it up right.

A New Day Yesterday (Bonamassa version) for some timing practice

 

[Thumpin6string]

I usually take any tune in B, C, D, or E and play it an octave lower on the B string. Also, playing an E at the fifth fret of the B string rather than an open E helps get your head and hands used to using that string. I find the B string helps keep your fingering more in one place rather than all over the neck, if that makes sense.