- Jul 30, 2006
- 2,315
- 453
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist:Regenerate Guitar Works Carvin, Micheal Kelly Guitars
I use my B string a lot. Not just for the lowest notes either. When playing figures in F or E using it means less stretching.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
How many 5 string players actually use the B?
- Thread starter EAdanikDG
- Start date
Well, I tune in fifths and initially that was a dodge to get around playing a fiver which I struggled with for a long, long time. I fell in love with the tuning however and eventually made my peace with fivers and even now own a Squier VI. They are all tuned in fifths. Starting on C. So, technically I don't have a B to use although my Reggie Hamilton has a Hipshot de-tuner on the C string and I have used that to get a B on two occasions in the last five years. And I don't use the open C a lot either, although I do use it some. I get pretty heavy use out of the Eb, D, and Db however and in that order of decreasing frequency of useage. It is very useful to have notes below E, however you decide to get them.
All the time.
I had a '70 Tele in 1970 and I used to slide my hand off the fretboard over the nut trying to get those unobtainable notes. I heard them and wanted to play them.
As has been mentioned here multi string basses, more than 4 strings, have been available for centuries.
The low B string allows a bassist to cover lower acoustic territory while playing 4 string rock/blues/etc. This can make a fuller sound for a band where even the bass drum is higher.
The fundamental that an upright has that makes it sound lower/deeper than an electric while playing the same E is why I use a 5.
I had a '70 Tele in 1970 and I used to slide my hand off the fretboard over the nut trying to get those unobtainable notes. I heard them and wanted to play them.
As has been mentioned here multi string basses, more than 4 strings, have been available for centuries.
The low B string allows a bassist to cover lower acoustic territory while playing 4 string rock/blues/etc. This can make a fuller sound for a band where even the bass drum is higher.
The fundamental that an upright has that makes it sound lower/deeper than an electric while playing the same E is why I use a 5.
Last edited:
I play in Am a lot and being able to reach the G, F, and E without moving my arm down to the nut is really handy. I switch back and forth, but I'll use the B string a lot of it's there - as much for fingering options as for the lower notes.
Whatever works, I say - personally, I don't find it mighty expensive, nor aggravating - in fact, being able to play a 5er when I need it makes me money and lands me gigs I wouldn't get otherwise... To each their own, though...
I continuously walk balk in forth using my B string on my basses. You couldn't pay me to go back to 4 stringers.
My current gig is New Country.
I use the low B string most of the night.
That music has incorporated it in a lot of their records.
I use the low B string most of the night.
That music has incorporated it in a lot of their records.
Dude, you really need to get out more and watch more players if you think it's little used. I didn't buy 5 different five strings to ignore the low B. I use it constantly on every tune I play on a 5er.
In fact I've received 2 separate compliments on my use of the B by 2 different bass players in the last few months which somewhat surprised me as I don't think I play any differently on it than on a 4. Relax, you're overthinking it. Just play yer' axe.
In fact I've received 2 separate compliments on my use of the B by 2 different bass players in the last few months which somewhat surprised me as I don't think I play any differently on it than on a 4. Relax, you're overthinking it. Just play yer' axe.
Mesa, I meant guys that really should have stuck with their four and had a D-Tuner installed, or just re-tuned their E.
Maybe I'm misunderstanding you, but to be clear - I couldn't disagree more with the notion that it is somehow better to play songs that require notes lower that E standard on a drop tuned 4 string tan it is to simply use a 5 string for that purpose... For example, when I was gigging modern rock, and now that I'm currently gigging modern country - songs in both those genres commonly use keys of D, Db, and C - even if only using a 5er for those notes, I still find it to be a superior solution than attempting to drop tune a 4 string for all those keys... I can say that the people who hired me to play in working bands in both genres sure seemed to appreciate my using a 5 string, even though I only used it for the lower notes, as opposed to using it to minimize position shifting... Lastly - *I* find that the songs that don't require those lower notes typically sound better *to me* when played on a 4 string, as opposed to on my 5ers - and are easier to play that way, too... For my gigs that require a 5er, it's typically for half or less of my material for the night - so, I bring both a 4 and a 5, and could use either for a backup if needed...
Not meaning to brag, but I've averaged 100+ gigs/year for over a decade - while using a 5er "only for the lower notes", so I don't see it as an invalid approach in any way...
Only maybe 1 in ten songs I play in my cover band needs a five. I would love to only play four, but some songs just need those low notes.
Mesa, every guy has their different ways of working. I knew several guys that bought fives that just never 'got it', and should have stayed with a four and compensated as they could.
For me, I was never smart enough to go back and forth, and the five opened up the instrument to me in a way that fours never did. Plus for the years I did 6 and 7 nights a week 50-odd weeks a year, I preferred to travel light with one axe.
For me, I was never smart enough to go back and forth, and the five opened up the instrument to me in a way that fours never did. Plus for the years I did 6 and 7 nights a week 50-odd weeks a year, I preferred to travel light with one axe.
THIS^
As for actually playing the Low B note, well I can't remember when. Last time I played the B string? That was the last time I picked up my bass!
However, you COULD pay me to back to 4 stringers again, but it would take some arm twisting and considerable cash.
I have no interest in going "home" again.
