Is it a wise idea if I was to only play 5 string basses?

[Fassa Albrecht]

Just wondering, what with the types of music I play and want to learn, whether I would put myself at any major advantage/disadvantage playing only 5+ string basses?

I play worship music (lots of really low notes) and am also learning jazz and some prog stuff such as Dream Theater's Octavarium.

 

[MyUsernameHere]

No.

 

[Lesfunk]

Play whatever bass you like. I only play 4 strings, But most everybody it seems, plays fives today.
There's no right or wrong.

 

[ExaltBass]

It's more HOW you play it than WHAT Bass you play

 

[DeanT]

No disdvantage whatsoever for the kind of music you play. With a 5 string you always have the extra string when needed. If you don't need it, don't use it. With a 4 string, you never have the extra string available.

 

[Shindig]

Yes! IMO.
I wish I had learned to play on a 5 string. It's easier to access some of the lower notes (for example: you can play a first position low G in only 1 place on a 4, but you have 2 places on a 5) and you can move across the fretboard for access to more notes.
I think years ago there was a stigma attached to playing "non-standard" basses - which usually meant anything that didn't say Fender on it.
But in today's musical world I see 5 string basses with just about every style of music - even Country!
Good luck!

 

[perkidan]

Country is why I switched to 5 back in 90. All I've played since for country, oldies, classic rock, funk and blues.

 

[Chaddycakes]

5s are wonderful to me. I personally can't stand the sound of an uneffected G on the E string when I have it available on the B string. It just sounds fatter.

 

[Fassa Albrecht]

No.

any specific reason??

 

[MyUsernameHere]

any specific reason??

I meant that there are no real advantages or disadvantages of either other than the obvious (one has a low B string and slightly larger neck). Nothing to make me say one is better than the other. Sorry for the confusion. Reading back it did seem a bit smart-a$$.

Just play what feels best to you.

 

[sethlow3]

Doesn't matter what you play really. Just play bass.

The only "problems" I've run into by switching only to 5s are: students I teach who only play 4. We have to switch the bass back and forth. Students get confused when I play the E string, they think its the A string. and 2nd, would be the silly rock bands I have met that want me to play 4 string so I look "like a bass player or play in their silly dropped tunings."

 

[lovernotfighter]

hmmm

iv only ever seen advantages with having the extra string.

I myself cant play them becuse i am a small girl whose hands cant fit...but yiou should go for it...

 

[crkempton]

It's more HOW you play it than WHAT Bass you play

Are you seriouse?! DAMN! Here i had it all wrong!

 

[dave64o]

I only play 5's and the thing that limits me most is a serious lack of practice time. Based on the music you said you're playing, a 5 sounds just fine. So would a 6 since you're citing Dream Theater.

 

[stedtale]

...wait...basses can have 5 strings???

 

[Bubba Love]

...wait...basses can have 5 strings???

I know, what the hell!

With a 5 string you always have the extra string when needed. If you don't need it, don't use it. With a 4 string, you never have the extra string available.

Couldn't have summed it up better. There is a disadvantage when it comes to learning to dampen the extra string you've always got somewhere. I found that my dampening technique was inadequete when I switched to 5s, especially for slapping. But you've just got to... you know... practice a little.

 

[90k]

I was raised on a four string and then moved to a 5string. I now have mastered the 5 string in all of its spacing configurations. I now have gone back to playing a fender jazz four string and have fallen in love all over again. I still love my wide 19mm five's with 2 plus inch nuts. its all about what you get used too.

 

[iamlowsound]

My main bass is a 5 string, I need it in my worship band for the low B string and the other low notes. That being said, I have a few four string basses as well and a partly built 6 string. At one point I only had a five string and a 6 string, and I felt limited because I didn't have a 4 string. Sounds weird I know, but I don't know if that would happen to me now as I have become a much better bass player. I don't feel limited on a 4 string, but the low B is just so nice to have.

lowsound

 

[basspraiser]

If you play Worship music, you will come to appreciate the Low B...the keys many of the songs come in really make use of the lower notes....also, it gives you variety.

I have one 5er and am going to be "trading" my DJ4 for a DJ5 (as soon as it comes in)....I was kind of scared going to a 5er but am getting well used to it now!

take the dive and don't look back.

 

[ericmknight1906]

Just wondering, what with the types of music I play and want to learn, whether I would put myself at any major advantage/disadvantage playing only 5+ string basses?

I play worship music (lots of really low notes) and am also learning jazz and some prog stuff such as Dream Theater's Octavarium.

Since I've started playing 5 stringers, I can't even fathom returning to a 4 string. For some reason 4 stringers just don't have enough options. Especially for southern gospel music. When you need to hit them big bottom notes, 5 stringers do the trick.

I would recommend all beginners start off with 4 string basses. Once you learn your style and your technique is solid then consider 5 and 6 strings. Until then stick with 4. Oh and another thing...slapping and popping is usually easier on a 4 because of the wider string spacing and narrow neck imho..