How many 5 string players actually use the B?

[EAdanikDG]

On many of the bass videos on Youtube that I've watched in which the player has a 5 string, the B string remains largely unused. So that made me wonder, how many of you 5 string players use the low B often (when writing basslines etc)?

 

[CapnSev]

Constantly. The low B is not there for the really low notes for me, it is there so that I can play in E in the 5th position/not have to slack tune/drop D. In fact, I hardly use open strings anymore.

 

[FunkyMan]

I Think Depends on the style of music too, in romantic balads, latin music, many more, bassist often use low notes.

Also sounds great sometimes to support endings, punches, fills, etc with low notes! I use Mine a lot!!

 

[Eminor3rd]

At least once in 80% of my songs.

 

[DeepCalls2Deep]

Always.

Actually I switched back to 4 bangers, but string them BEAD just because I use it so much.

 

[azureblue]

i use it a lot -when I have to play in E and don't want to play open strings, or any of the horn keys, or with some Stevie Ray guitar slinger...

 

[Alvaro Martín Gómez A.]

I use it a lot, specially when playing Dominican Merengue tunes with my tropical music band.

 

[lomo]

Constantly. The low B is not there for the really low notes for me, it is there so that I can play in E in the 5th position/not have to slack tune/drop D. In fact, I hardly use open strings anymore.

This

 

[KingRazor]

I've yet to learn a song that uses it. Although there's one song by Dream Theater that I'd like to learn that uses a low A.

 

[moonshinegtrs]

Makes a great thumbrest...

Moonshine

 

[Andy_D]

I use it all the time! So much more versatility, less moving your fretting hand around, not to mention the extra 5 notes. The extra low notes sound really great on blues lines too. Just something about that thundering Low C or D that just sounds awesome when used at the right times.

 

[KingRazor]

Makes a great thumbrest...

Moonshine

The top of the pickup makes a better thumbrest.

IMO

 

[rodl2005]

Constantly. The low B is not there for the really low notes for me, it is there so that I can play in E in the 5th position/not have to slack tune/drop D. In fact, I hardly use open strings anymore.

THIS x 1000

I sometimes DO use the lower notes- ususally for efect rather than 'just to use' - as they ARE LOW!!!!!

But being able to play a G in 8th fret etc makes a LOTTA things easier & gives me a lot more scope.

Altho I have a few 4 strings, I tend to favor 5's now. Unless I'm specifically going for a vintage vibe- I've got my Precision & a Jazz strung with tapewounds & flats respectively.

MY AC 5'er is strung with rounds- just coz it sounds SO awesome & will do ANYTHING vintage OR modern-superbly, but recently I strung my BONGO 5 with flats & am really digging that. & does THAT sound thick in the lower registers(below 'E') with flats on!!!!??????

 

[davidjbass]

I use the B string all the time. I love feeling of the air moving when I hit those low D, C and B notes. In fact I use it so much I don't own a 4 string because I feel lost without the B string being there.

 

[audiomitch]

When I switch over to 5, I use the low B a lot. Just because I can.

 

[raymondl3]

"How many 5 string players actually use the B?"

So, what's the punchline?

 

[Syco_bass]

This

+1

 

[KsToaDangr]

i've used mine a lot, but only recorded one song using it. i used it a lot more when i was playing metal than i do now.

 

[SteveC]

Why would one play a 5 string if one never intended to use it? This question seems lame and contentious.

 

[Antares]

All the time.