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.
Is it a wise idea if I was to only play 5 string basses?
- Thread starter Fassa Albrecht
- Start date
I dunno, I'm all about variety, so I currently play 4, 5, and 6 string fretted/fretless basses. If I don't need the low B, I grab a 4. If I need the low B, I grab a 5 or 6. If I don't need the high C, I stick with the 5. I like slapping a lot more on a 4 due to the wide spacing and the low B doesn't get in my way.
I have small hands too and actually find it EASIER to play a 5. If you find a thin neck you'll appreciate the close string spacing. Also, you have the option of playing in keys like F,G,and A for 2 full octaves in one hand position.
John
I have played 4,5 and 6 string fretted and fretless basses over the years and now I'm exclusively a 5 string fretted player, more by default than anything else. All my pro gigs call for the 5 string fretted-- I never need a C string or a fretless, and I always need the B. Top 40, worship gigs, funk, rock, whatever-- it's always the same now. The other basses worked their way out simply by process of elimination.
i've never gotten along with 5 strings i always feel like i'mplaying a big guitar with the extra string makes me feel like i'm cheating but thats just me
truth is a 5 string has all the notes of a 4 string plus the extra string if you use it its there if not its no big deal its like having a spare tire for your car you only need it when you get a puncture but its still nice to have the peace of mind
truth is a 5 string has all the notes of a 4 string plus the extra string if you use it its there if not its no big deal its like having a spare tire for your car you only need it when you get a puncture but its still nice to have the peace of mind
Truth be told, I'm only 5'6" and have smaller hands. I doubt I'll ever play a 9 string, but I do very well on my 6. It's all about getting a comfortable neck without any neck dive AND being religious about using proper form. That's the only way I can play anything bigger than a wide 5.
I prefer a 5 string due to thier bigger neck and my giant hands. Jumping from 4 to 5 is pretty simple since your hand doesn't move. Playing a 6 string was weird for me because it pushes your left hand down one string.
five strings are cool, but im still wondering why some of the greats are only seen playing only 4 strings in videos, and just shredding. I know some are dated, but check out zz top's dusty hill on bad,nationwide (everything in green). looks like a 50s p-bass really custom tricked out. I suppose the ultimate gig setup would be a 4 and a 5 if you were only playing a couple nites a week. it's always good to have spares, things can come loose when you least expect, seems especially on bass.
I don't know about the enough options thing...when I got a 5 string, the only thing I really "gained" was 3 notes (B, C, & C#). All the other notes were already there. But beings that my main bass is currently a 5, I agree that it's nice to have those notes, but I don't feel they are a requirement.
The answer is that variety is a great thing, and not everyone needs or wants five string. Basses with 5 or more strings are readily available for those who want more than four.
The question is whether it's a bad idea to play 5 string basses exclusively. In general, the answer is that it's not a bad idea at all... in fact I play 5 stringers exclusively by choice. Very few types of music can't be done on a fiver. On the other hand, a four string is somewhat limited these days, because many modern bass lines (even in pop, blues, and country songs) travel below low E.
you'll probably find that you will play either 5 strings or 4 strings, but not both. whichever one you learn is the one you'll stick with...
ask yourself if you're going to play a lot of notes. 5 strings are more useful for jazz than they are for country, as you'll find that the extra string will allow you to play in position more often, and hit all those notes that jazz requires...
that said, i know a guy who plays 5 strings who'd have trouble playing only 4...
classic rocker
ask yourself if you're going to play a lot of notes. 5 strings are more useful for jazz than they are for country, as you'll find that the extra string will allow you to play in position more often, and hit all those notes that jazz requires...
that said, i know a guy who plays 5 strings who'd have trouble playing only 4...
classic rocker
Muting is a bit more difficult on a 5 when I slap - mostly because I don't slap much! I play all 5's now and my bass purchases have been:
4,4,6,5,5,5,5,5,5,5!
As far as I'm concerned, it is better to be able to play the low notes and not do it than need to be able to play them and not be able to. .....if that makes any sense.
Dan K.
4,4,6,5,5,5,5,5,5,5!
As far as I'm concerned, it is better to be able to play the low notes and not do it than need to be able to play them and not be able to. .....if that makes any sense.
Dan K.
Interesting question... I feel once I migrated to the 5 string bass there was no going back. That B string has a lot of functions apart from a powerful Fodera/Lakland tone. My thumb gravites towards it as a resting place. So... I have only owned two 4 string basses and I currently have one on the way... a P Bass. I will see how that goes...
theres a different tool for a different job. i dont see a point in limiting yourself but if you wanna go for it no ones stopping you
I'd love to use my 5 string on every gig I play, but it's amazing the amount of snobbery by non-bassists towards a 5 string bass. Most of them thing you only want it for poncing around and playing notes as low as possible. They obviously don't realise that playing something in F# for instance, is much easier on a 5 than a 4.
If you feel a 5 would help you better express yourself and your music, then switch to a 5. There really is no other reason why.
If you feel a 5 would help you better express yourself and your music, then switch to a 5. There really is no other reason why.
To all those that say that slapping is harder on a five string, it really isn't. In fact it is easier because it forces you to clean up your technique. Muting is no different, yes there is one more string there to mute, but it forces you to be much cleaner, thus improving your playing. I find that I have much better technique when I am playing my five string as opposed to my fours.
lowsound
lowsound
The only major issue that stops me from swapping right over to the 5ers is that my prized Shergold is only 4 strings, I don't want to get rif of her and I still want to play her.
