How do I get used to a 5-string bass?

[chadds]

Getting off of TB does wonders for your technique. Note to Self.

 

[lordradish]

Hello,
I have been playing a 4-string for quite some time now, and after trying many 5-string basses at the local Guitar Center, I really don't like the feel of 5-strings. I want to play a 5-string bass for classical arrangements, but I just hate the feeling of that one extremely thick string against my fingers after I pluck the E string. Thoughts?

If you use it as a thumb rest, you should get used to it quite quickly.

 

[lordradish]

It’s a bit strange at first but as others have said you soon get used to it.

I’ve played my 5’ers continuously for some months now and I find going back to a 4 string a bit strange. These days I make sure the backup bass I take to gigs is also a 5 string.

I don’t particularly like .130 B strings, I use .125 max which doesn’t feel too bad.

Four strings feel like there's something missing when I play them. That's what happens after playing 5's for 20+ years.

 

[GreyBeard]

Hello,
I have been playing a 4-string for quite some time now, and after trying many 5-string basses at the local Guitar Center, I really don't like the feel of 5-strings. I want to play a 5-string bass for classical arrangements, but I just hate the feeling of that one extremely thick string against my fingers after I pluck the E string. Thoughts?

As far as hating the feel of the B string, I got nothing that can help you get over this. I started playing in 1969 and switched to 5 string back in 1995 and have never looked back. I knew how I wanted to use the B string before I ever switched. I haven't really figured out just exactly why you are wanting to switch to 5. If I were you, I'd buy a Harley Benton PJ-5 ($133 + shipping) have it setup, and play the heck out of it. If it doesn't work out you can sell it for $100 or so and not be out much.

 

[DonaldR]

You get used to it. I just play it like a 4 string and pretend the low B is like a thumb rest - then once I am mentally used to skipping that low B string to play it like a 4 string, I can then “unlock” that B string and let my mind adjust to using it. If my muscle memory goes back to 4 string mode, I can go back to “locking out” that low B and continue playing. If that makes sense?

That’s how I did it when I started learning 5 string, and I resort to that when I pick one up after playing 4 for months. I’ll pick up a 5 string, ignore the B, play it as a 4 string to get a feel for the string spacing and wider/flatter neck, then after a minute or two start incorporating the low B in.

That's exactly how I also started on a 5. Bought it and gone to a jam the same day. But a Yamaha TRBX-505 is so easy to play that it surely helped.

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

You don't. You play four strings the way Go ... I mean ... Leo Fender meant you to.

 

[gstaats]

You don't. You play four strings the way Go ... I mean ... Leo Fender meant you to.

hmmmm....
Invalid Link Removed

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Hello,
I have been playing a 4-string for quite some time now, and after trying many 5-string basses at the local Guitar Center, I really don't like the feel of 5-strings. I want to play a 5-string bass for classical arrangements, but I just hate the feeling of that one extremely thick string against my fingers after I pluck the E string. Thoughts?

I'm the same way. But, you get used to it, by playing one.

 

[jimmydean]

Find the lightest gauge strings and a bass with comfortable string spacing . I don't remember the brand , it might have been Roto-Sound that had a 5 string set that was 35-120 .

 

[JimiLL]

This! . . . I could never get used to my 5 string until I did this

This is something I did myself automatically without much thought to it, so I’m sure it helped ease my transition whether I knew it or not

 

[JimiLL]

Four strings feel like there's something missing when I play them. That's what happens after playing 5's for 20+ years.

If I got called up on stage somewhere I don’t think I could even do it if it wasn’t a 5 string I’d be playing

 

[lordradish]

If I got called up on stage somewhere I don’t think I could even do it if it wasn’t a 5 string I’d be playing

I could but I wouldn't be thrilled about it.

 

[FeltTipPen]

There's no free lunch. You can only get used to it by doing it.

First, you have to decide that you want to play a 5 string. Then you have to decide that you like what it offers. The rest will fall into place pretty quickly, but it'll never happen if you don't want it and don't like it.

From the OP, I don't get the sense that you really want to play 5, so it's going to be tough to get used to under those circumstances.

Agreed. I wanted a 5 string soon after I bought my first bass. I wanted the lower notes. And once I bought a 5 string I found that I loved the flexibility of the notes on the low B. Everytime I consider a 4 string I realize I will never play it as much as a 5er.

 

[sean_on_bass]

Hello,
I have been playing a 4-string for quite some time now, and after trying many 5-string basses at the local Guitar Center, I really don't like the feel of 5-strings. I want to play a 5-string bass for classical arrangements, but I just hate the feeling of that one extremely thick string against my fingers after I pluck the E string. Thoughts?

more practice honestly. you will eventually adapt but it takes some time and work.

 

[r_bnks]

With practicing.