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I'm banning myself from using the first five frets

I'm actually going the opposite direction. I tend to play alot of solos in the upper register, so I'm trying to keep everything in the low end and play less. It's kind of a challenge in a progressive jazz trio, but I like it. All my time spent climbing into the attic only to move back to the basement. Oh well.:D
 
I used to do this when I first started playing. I would only go above the 5th fret when I wanted to play a little run or something. I've now learned that I can pretty much play anywhere I want since I've learned the fretboard a little better. The lower 5 frets were my comfort zone. I knew exactly where I was at down there but now I've become accustomed to playing anywhere and everywhere. I get tons of compliments on how I use the entire fretboard.

I'd say do it. It will discipline you to learn all the notes and where to find them. You'll realize that the fretboard isn't that hard to learn. It's the all same notes down in the lower 5 frets, just spread out.
 
I'm doing the opposite, trying to stay lower consistently, and use more open strings. I tend to default to the E and A strings, and then climb the neck to get higher notes. I've always liked the sound of a 7th fret A String E, rather than on 2nd fret D string. Just seems to have more presence.


I'm spending more time working the D & G, so I become more comfortable there, and not having to switch position so much.
 
1st five frets last five whos cares. If it fits your music and your style do it. Why set rules or program your mind to change something that works?
I play where i need to play a song for comfort on the fretboard and sometimes for a feel..notes are notes right ;)

One of the best local giging bassist i have ever seen was at a summer concert a few years back. He played in the first 5 frets all night had the best fretting handwork i have ever seen live. I latter found out thru the bands website (motown) he was a longtime nationally known player. The guy killed in the 1-5 fret range.