i got my first 5-string a few months ago (modulus quantum). and i wonder if i'm trying to use the low B too much. i probably use it as often as i use my high G string (i.e., several times in every tune i play). in fact, if i'm in the key of E or higher, i occasionally anchor myself on the low-B for parts of the song (is that wrong?).
the arcticle i'm quoting below (from an old bass player interview with phil lesh http://www.bassplayer.com/article/anthem-tone-phil/mar-08/34335) has got me thinking about it. everything seems fine when i practice (low volume) but then in a live situation - am i asking for trouble? anyone have any thoughts on phil's comment about playing in tune on the low B, or things getting muddy? how often do you 5-string players use the 5th string?
the arcticle i'm quoting below (from an old bass player interview with phil lesh http://www.bassplayer.com/article/anthem-tone-phil/mar-08/34335) has got me thinking about it. everything seems fine when i practice (low volume) but then in a live situation - am i asking for trouble? anyone have any thoughts on phil's comment about playing in tune on the low B, or things getting muddy? how often do you 5-string players use the 5th string?
Did your playing change when you went from four strings to six?
At first I played mostly on the middle four strings, with an occasional foray to the top string. I used the B string mostly to get a fretted low E. The bottom string is difficult to play in tune above E, and its so heavy its hard to get the right amount of overtones so you can hear the pitch. So I cant use all six strings all the way up the neck, because it doesnt sound right. But I can go up the neck and treat it like a 5-string tuned E to C, which works well.
Basically, playing the 6 just made it easier for me to stay in one position, because before Id be going up and down the neck all the time. That was a boonand I just loved the instruments versatility.
What motivates you to venture down below the low E?
Dramatic effect! Rarely will I go below G on the E string, but some situations just call for it. You cant stay down there for long, though, because it gets muddy. Also, the notes dont like to stopyou cant just lift your fretting finger to stop the note; you have to stop the vibration with your hand. Thats true of all the strings, of course, but the bottom string has more inertia, so you have to make more of an effort to stop itmaking it difficult to play fast down low. But for dropping bombs, its great.
At first I played mostly on the middle four strings, with an occasional foray to the top string. I used the B string mostly to get a fretted low E. The bottom string is difficult to play in tune above E, and its so heavy its hard to get the right amount of overtones so you can hear the pitch. So I cant use all six strings all the way up the neck, because it doesnt sound right. But I can go up the neck and treat it like a 5-string tuned E to C, which works well.
Basically, playing the 6 just made it easier for me to stay in one position, because before Id be going up and down the neck all the time. That was a boonand I just loved the instruments versatility.
What motivates you to venture down below the low E?
Dramatic effect! Rarely will I go below G on the E string, but some situations just call for it. You cant stay down there for long, though, because it gets muddy. Also, the notes dont like to stopyou cant just lift your fretting finger to stop the note; you have to stop the vibration with your hand. Thats true of all the strings, of course, but the bottom string has more inertia, so you have to make more of an effort to stop itmaking it difficult to play fast down low. But for dropping bombs, its great.
