Hi everyone is it best to learn the 4 strings before learning the B string and using it as a thumb rest before playing it on the 5 string just thought about it and whether the string spacing is good or bad for a 5-string?
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Is it best to play 4 string songs before learning B string on a 5 string Bass?
- Thread starter Kevin1234451
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Lots of people here suggest learning a 4 first. I don't agree. Learn on what you want to play. I'm sure that you are smart enough to handle the extra string while learning. Moving from 4 to 5 is a learning curve of its own, not so much because of learning the extra string. You also have to "unlearn" your muscle memory of where the strings are. When moving from 4 to 5, be prepared to spend some time landing on the wrong string until you get the new feel under your fingers.
Also, if you want to play a genre that uses a lot of notes below E (metal anyone?), start out with the 5 unless you tune the whole instrument down. Switching in and out of drop-D really messes me up, since the fingering patterns change.
Also, if you want to play a genre that uses a lot of notes below E (metal anyone?), start out with the 5 unless you tune the whole instrument down. Switching in and out of drop-D really messes me up, since the fingering patterns change.
Can't believe I'm the only one to vote so far. Juggling three balls isn't necessarily harder than two - just different but it would be logical to try two first. In the old days there was a school of thought that you only bring in the B string for special moments to give a section of music extra emphasis rather than just play really low notes all the time. Seems different today and people do what they like. Does the music you're into have a lot of B string? If so get s five. I went back to four string after two decades on five and am totally loving it and surprised how little I miss the five but I wouldn't be without one.
Learning to play bass on a 5 string is straight forward. Learning to play on a 4 string and then having to change a whole load of stuff you just learned so you can incorporate the B string is a hassle and a waste of time and energy.
You want to play a 5 string bass? Buy one and learn how to play it. That's just one learning curve.
You want to play a 5 string bass? Buy one and learn how to play it. That's just one learning curve.
If you already have a 4 string, learn the basics on it, then upgrade to a five string.
if you do not yet have a bass, it is fine to go right out and buy a 5 string.
But you should know, there are not two distinct ways of learning each. A 5 string is nothing more than a 4 string, with additional lower notes when needed.
you should also be aware of the pros and cons.
PROS:
if you do not yet have a bass, it is fine to go right out and buy a 5 string.
But you should know, there are not two distinct ways of learning each. A 5 string is nothing more than a 4 string, with additional lower notes when needed.
you should also be aware of the pros and cons.
PROS:
- An additional four lower notes
- Ability to play traditional first, second, and third position in the middle of the neck
- Easier access to wider intervals
- More strings to mute while playing
- More expensive strings
- Heavier than their 4 string counterparts
I voted Yes because both your choices are the same.
For posterity:
But the real answer is there is no best. And a 5 string has a 4 strings already.
For posterity:
But the real answer is there is no best. And a 5 string has a 4 strings already.
These Cons are not Cons.
Muting is what you do. It's what you learn. Muting more strings is not more difficult, just different. Guitarists manage it with 6 strings, and we find 1 extra string to be a problem?
The price of a set of bass strings depends on the make rather than the number of strings. There are many 5 string sets that are cheaper than some 4 string sets.
The weight of basses has nothing to do with the number of strings. In my case I have 3 5 string basses and they are all lighter than my 1969 Fender Precision. The Cort is 7.25lbs, Lull 8.3lbs, Sadowsky 9.75lbs and Fender 10lbs.
There are no down sides (Cons) to playing or learning to play a 5 string bass, just a few differences.
If you really want to play a 5 string bass, the best thing you can do is buy one and learn to play it.
I had lots of bad habits. I started using the B as a thumb rest. I also swapped back and forth between my old Precision and my MM SR5. As I discovered, neither were good things to do if you want to become fluid on a 5 string. Just put the 4 away and focus on getting comfortable with the 5.
A 5 string bass is just a bass with a few extra notes but, more importantly, with a lot more positions you can use. I decided to keep the spacing that I was comfortable with so I stuck with Fender's 19mm at the bride. I will use 18mm, but no narrower. That's what I was comfortable with, you might have different preferences.
Didn't vote cause your options didn't include the correct answer
Not necessarily the best but not a bad idea either depending on your familiarity with the the fingerboard. For example: wank-away on your D chord patterns and, every once in a while, "dip your big toe" by smacking the low D / 3rd fret - B string. It's a "that was kinda magical" moment and you'll eventually incorporate the low B more and more as things progress.
Riis
Since there is no option to VOTE for the 5 string option???
Why not just start with a 3 String Bass ?
Why not just start with a 3 String Bass ?
