lifelong four stringer, thinking about five...

[misterCRUSH]

I'm not anticipating a lot of difficulty, but been playing four forever. Planning to tune BEADG. Is it easy or hard to add a fiver? Tips, advice...TIA

 

[ruju]

If you already have good technique it should be a seemless transition. I go back and forth between 4 string 32" scale and 5 string 35" scale all the time.
Enjoy!

 

[Bassngtr]

I am a late in-life convert to 5 strings. Two things really helped me:

1. I selected a 5 string bass with very similar string spacing to my 4s.
2. I dedicated myself to playing only the 5 string until it became second nature. Getting used to a non-E string on top and (even more so) the A string in the middle flumoxed me for a good while.

Have fun!! Play up the neck and enjoy the low E thru Ab notes on the B string!! Life changing how many new position options open up.

 

[FatStringer52]

1. Play the four strings that you know. Slowly incorporate the B string into your playing.

2. Learn some songs that that were actually composed with a 5-string. Also, if you play any songs that are in Drop D or Eb standard, play them on the 5'er in standard tuning. Sometimes the fingering can be a little wonky, but doable.

3. If you practice, immediately begin practicing your scales and arpeggios, at least 2 octaves. It shouldn't take too long to get these under your fingers. If you read, write out some of these to get used to those additional 5 notes on the stave (really, the ledger lines below).

4. Think/ Concentrate! There will be times in the beginning when you want to hit the low open E and suddenly you get that low B. I think that was one of my biggest issues back when I made the transition. You gotta stay focused in the beginning.

Enjoy the ride . . .

 

[dreamadream99]

You will thank me later. Anchor your thumb on the B string at first, but don’t play it. just play EADG. When you are ready move your thumb to the pick up. Just play a four string until you need the low D or C.

 

[IamGroot]

You will thank me later. Anchor your thumb on the B string at first, but don’t play it. just play EADG. When you are ready move your thumb to the pick up. Just play a four string until you need the low D or C.

Wot he sed

 

[Supadope]

If you haven't already got yourself a 5, I would recommend playing lots of different brands. The necks will vary greatly and you'll want to get one that's comfortable for you.

 

[GastonD]

I was also a lifelong 4-stringer before switching to 5, lol
To be honest, my first attempt on the 5 was discouraging. A few years later, after I had switched to the floating thumb technique in the right hand, the transition was pretty seamless.