Is it possible that playing a 5 string is actually easier than playing a 4 string?

[sandman357]

I play in mostly cover bands. I break out the 5 if the lead singer has us changing keys for a bunch of songs. It just gives me more places on the neck I can play the songs. I know I am not fully embracing the 5 string playing it this way but it works for me

 

[Tbsx]

Not really easier. I picked up an early 80s Pbass a while back with a 1 3/4" neck. Same width as my Music Man 5's. The 5 strings, for me, are much easier to play because of the tighter string spacing.

Good points.
I look over the music first. Where does it fall? If there's a lot of low E through G# notes, I'll use the fiver (musicman style). Like on I'm Your Captain. Arm and shoulder gets tired on a 4 if I play many songs there.
But on a song like From The Beginning, most of the notes are fifth fret up, and my p bass has more sustain so it's easier on the 4.
As far as getting used to, I use the B string as a thumb rest until I use it. And I think of the 5 through 12 frets as open through 7. Using this method, I adapted much faster, and can now switch between the two.

 

[Lownote38]

I do think a 5's "easier" most of the time for all the reasons already stated. But sometimes I just like the way a 4 feels in a certain context. I'm a big advocate for being proficient at both and going back and forth as desired. It takes a while, but I find it's no harder than learning an alternate tuning, say. ...in fact, easier.

I agree that a 5 string is easier, but only after you learn the ways it can make things easier and get used to it. I also agree with you that staying proficient on a 4 and a 5 is important. I go back and forth quite a bit.

 

[TomB]

I agree that a 5 string is easier, but only after you learn the ways it can make things easier and get used to it. I also agree with you that staying proficient on a 4 and a 5 is important. I go back and forth quite a bit.

Yeah man, I go back and forth daily. But after 20 years, switching is almost effortless (well, ok, easier anyway)...

 

[Lownote38]

Yeah man, I go back and forth daily. But after 20 years, switching is almost effortless (well, ok, easier anyway)...

Same here. Both of my 5 strings are active, but all my 4 strings are passive, so if a song calls for a more classic/passive sound, I reach for one of my 4 strings. Like you, I've been doing that for 20 years, or so. My main 5 string also has wooden pickup covers, so I will NOT use a pick on it. If I want that sort of tone, I'll pick one of the Fender 4 strings I have and use a pick on that instead.

 

[TuneSalad666]

Guess it depends on what you play and not least how you play it.

 

[quickfix]

The B string is such a logical extension. It'll take about a half hour or so to get used to it the first time. After that you'll find the B string fully incorporated into your playing. For instance, and just as one example, no more zipping up the neck an octave too high to end that song in Eb...or D for that matter.
The next step for me is a nice seven string archtop guitar...right after I sell the Gibson L-4CES.

 

[caledoneus83]

The B string is such a logical extension. It'll take about a half hour or so to get used to it the first time. After that you'll find the B string fully incorporated into your playing. For instance, and just as one example, no more zipping up the neck an octave too high to end that song in Eb...or D for that matter.
The next step for me is a nice seven string archtop guitar...right after I sell the Gibson L-4CES.

I've been playing a 6 string for the past 2 years or so, and have the same thought... took a little bit to get used to, but now it's no problem.

Been looking at 7 and 8 string guitars lately to maybe make the extended range foray in guitar as well...

 

[TuneSalad666]

I already replied to this thread but forgot what I wrote, just to be sure I want to specify this:

Depends on who you are, which means what techniques you use, how you prefer to use the bass and how big your hands are.

Further more it will depend on what you play.

Yes, I do believe that in some instances for some people a 5 string will be easier to play than a 4 string, for instance if you prefer to play vertically on the fretboard rather than horizontally.

But If you do prefer to play up and down the fretboard rather than vertically a 4 string in most cases will feel more comfortable though.

Finally if you are in need of the extra low notes a B string can deliver and at the same time is in need of a high G string you really don't have much choice but use a 5 or 6 string bass.

In that case it will not alone be easier to play a 5 string, it will be straight out impossible for you to play a 4 string.

I don't believe there is any objective and general conclusion to your question though, it really depends.

Personally 4 strings is what makes most sense to me with how and what I play.

But that's just me.

Playing a 4 string is like playing naked IMO.

So...totally better than a 5 then?

You should try a 2 string. I bring mine out for a couple of songs a set. It's fun.

A 2 string bass might make him turn invisible.

I would advise to be cautious with that.

 

[Seano76]

I avoided the 5 string for years. I always assumed smaller neck = comfortable but for me, thats simply not true. My left hand would cramp terribly when I used my jazz bass for a set and I always felt more comfortable on the precision neck.

A while back, a 5 string bass really caught my eye, I had some cash and pulled the trigger and I have to say, the wide 5 string neck feels even more comfortable. I don't cramp up at all when I play that bass. Almost 30 years playing bass and never picked up a 5er until about 2 years ago and now I kick myself for it.

 

[dexter3d]

When starting, you want to keep complexity at its lowest. More strings=more notes, more patterns, one more string to mute=more complexity. This was a mistake I made many years ago, choosing a six string as a beginner.