Movin' on up! (from 4- to 5- string)

[Greenman72]

Not that a five string is a "better" or "genetically superior" instrument...but I digress.

Like most people, I started on a 4-string about two years ago. Starting on a 4-string makes sense, for a lot of reasons. But I'd like to play a 5, because of the additional range. Basically--not only do you get those extra five low notes, but you can also go from " -3 to 12" without moving your hand. Seems extremely handy if you're trying to read music. (So far, all I've done is read tabs.)

(Note, for clarification: -3 to 12 means that you can go from your root down to the 5th below the root, to the fifth above the octave. So on a 5-string, if the root is G1, you can go from D1 to D3. I'm sure you pros have a better way of explaining that.)

However--it seems like almost every tab is written for 4-strings. In fact, it seems like everything is written with the 4-string in mind. That said--how do you go from a 4- to a 5-string? Do you just have to learn to "ignore" the B string? Do you really just have to put all your 4-strings in the basement for six months?

What's the best way to make the transition? And once you do make the transition, what happens to your 4-strings? Do they just wind up collecting dust? Or do you find yourself playing both?

(FYI - I play with a pick 100% of the time, if that means anything. Don't see that changing anytime soon.)

 

[Bassy Davy]

Just play your 5 string exclusively until it becomes second nature to you. It worked for me.

 

[DonaldR]

I started with the B string as a thumb rest. Played a gig the next day I got my 5-string and it went pretty well, so I started to add lower notes on the B string and then added new left hand positions. I'm now lost on a 4-string

For me a 5-string is not only the additional lower notes and left hand positions but also a closer string spacing at the nut.

 

[Rocket Queen]

However--it seems like almost every tab is written for 4-strings. In fact, it seems like everything is written with the 4-string in mind.

Look in Songsterr for songs that you know were recorded on 5-string. For instance, a lot of Creed material is transcribed both for 5-string and for 4-string in drop D.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Just play your 5 string exclusively until it becomes second nature to you. It worked for me.

this and additionally never ever look at "tabs". You will never improve as a musician with "tabs". Instead, use your ears. Practice along to songs that clearly have a five string bass.

 

[2112]

Here is the chronicle of my transition, you might find it helpful. Either way, all the best on your journey!

Thread 'My Journey from 4 to 5: The Memoirs of a Convert'

Sep 26, 2022

Yes, that's right... I said "convert", not "convict".

Okay, because I have fingers like cans of tuna, I could never find a fiver that I could play comfortably. Until I tried the Fender Ultra and Elite Jazzes. So, all that was left was to find motivation and time (and money) to give them a go. I've finally started down that path, decided to start a thread to share what I experience and learn with others that it might help.

Chapter 1... the subject basses.

Earlier this year, I managed to find a used Elite V and a new Ultra V at decent prices. The Elite is a Surf Green pearl with the...

• 2112
• Replies: 43
• Forum: Miscellaneous [BG]

• 

 

[Stranger Danger]

Not that a five string is a "better" or "genetically superior" instrument...but I digress.

Like most people, I started on a 4-string about two years ago. Starting on a 4-string makes sense, for a lot of reasons. But I'd like to play a 5, because of the additional range. Basically--not only do you get those extra five low notes, but you can also go from " -3 to 12" without moving your hand. Seems extremely handy if you're trying to read music. (So far, all I've done is read tabs.)

(Note, for clarification: -3 to 12 means that you can go from your root down to the 5th below the root, to the fifth above the octave. So on a 5-string, if the root is G1, you can go from D1 to D3. I'm sure you pros have a better way of explaining that.)

However--it seems like almost every tab is written for 4-strings. In fact, it seems like everything is written with the 4-string in mind. That said--how do you go from a 4- to a 5-string? Do you just have to learn to "ignore" the B string? Do you really just have to put all your 4-strings in the basement for six months?

What's the best way to make the transition? And once you do make the transition, what happens to your 4-strings? Do they just wind up collecting dust? Or do you find yourself playing both?

(FYI - I play with a pick 100% of the time, if that means anything. Don't see that changing anytime soon.)

Put the 4 strings away and don’t touch them for about 6 months. You will probably be fine sooner than that but just to be sure

 

[Thunderthumbs73]

Not that a five string is a "better" or "genetically superior" instrument...but I digress.

Like most people, I started on a 4-string about two years ago. Starting on a 4-string makes sense, for a lot of reasons. But I'd like to play a 5, because of the additional range. Basically--not only do you get those extra five low notes, but you can also go from " -3 to 12" without moving your hand. Seems extremely handy if you're trying to read music. (So far, all I've done is read tabs.)

(Note, for clarification: -3 to 12 means that you can go from your root down to the 5th below the root, to the fifth above the octave. So on a 5-string, if the root is G1, you can go from D1 to D3. I'm sure you pros have a better way of explaining that.)

However--it seems like almost every tab is written for 4-strings. In fact, it seems like everything is written with the 4-string in mind. That said--how do you go from a 4- to a 5-string? Do you just have to learn to "ignore" the B string? Do you really just have to put all your 4-strings in the basement for six months?

What's the best way to make the transition? And once you do make the transition, what happens to your 4-strings? Do they just wind up collecting dust? Or do you find yourself playing both?

(FYI - I play with a pick 100% of the time, if that means anything. Don't see that changing anytime soon.)

I went from unlined fretless 4-string to fretted 6-string and then to 5-string. My approach to these instruments (and back to the others) is for me to think of a 5-string bass or a 6-string bass, largely as a 4-string plus 1 or 2 extra strings. Meaning: I generally play the 5-string and 6-string as a four string but using those other strings as-needed. I tend to play (still) much more and up and down the neck as opposed to across the neck to utilize the "extra" strings. An example is that for the low B, I rarely ever play the fretted version of the "open E" on the E string. I mean why when you have the open E? So I use the D#-open low B notes, and rarely the B string above that. I have a somewhat different approach with the high C string, but you're really not asking about that. But... the way I approach the 5-string and 6-string bass enables me to very easily and with little thought or rebooting/relearning how to play things on "just a 4-String. In fact there is NO change. I simply don't have the low B string.

Other people do the opposite and take the approach of using the low B as the opportunity to play across the neck a lot more. but what I do works for me and always has. I guess the other things is that I tend to play parts that have 5-string or 6-string "like the record" which for a lot of people is both underplaying and under-utilizing the possibilities of either instrument relative to what COULD be done, but... I keep playing in bands and am first call sub in some others, so I'll keep doing what works.

In one band, it's simply a 5-String band where I also am the keyboardist there is NO time or space to change to a 4-string.
In another band, I have about 4 songs depending on setlist, that require a 5-string to sound right but is otherwise a 4-string gig if I want to alternate basses that way.
In yet another band, I have about 6 songs depending on setlist, that require a 5-string to sound right but is otherwise a 4-string gig if I want to alternate basses.

My 4-strings don't quite collect dust but neither do they tend to be the sole bass type I play from first song to last, infrequently or frequently. That is actually quite rare anymore. The sonic range of the songs I'm asked to play has deepened, making the 5-string, if not necessary for EVERY song, a MUST to sound right with at least a few songs in every band, no matter the genre.

 

[EricOnTheBass]

I've been playing exclusively 5's for about 18 months. At first, I only used the B string to play notes below E. I think that's the easiest way to make the transition. Once I got used to the extra string being there, I started looking for opportunities to use it in songs I already know. I found a few tunes where the fingering is easier using the B string. My current band plays all of our covers in the original keys, and a few of them are in Eb or D. I keep my bass in standard tuning and learn the songs as written. Now the B-string is starting to feel like just one of 5 strings on the bass, rather than the "extra" one.

 

[Wasnex]

Not a fan of TAB . I am retired pro. I can stumble through to figure out TAB, but I have never really relied on it. I read music and also learn by ear.

I started on upright and later added 4 -string BG. A few years after turning pro I decided to transition to 5-string BG. A few years later I transitioned to 6-string.

IMHO the advice to play the 5 exclusively is good. I think it's more of a deal if you are reading music or TAB. The reason is because we use a mental map to navigate the fretboad and adding a string messes up spatial references. When playing by ear I tend to use interval references more so than fixed points. So playing by ear seemed a bit less confounding for me.

Fretboard logic changes when you add strings. With a 4-string you have to shift up and down the neck more. By adding strings, it becomes possible to play across the neck more, rather than having to shift. You fingering should be as automatic as possible. If you play one bass exclusively, there is one optimal way to play a technical line. If you play basses with a different number of strings, it introduces some degree of uncertainty. Do you shift or do you play across the neck? This uncertainty may mean you have to stop more to figure out how to play a line, rather than simply doing it.

My #1 is a 6 string and I prefer to play it almost exclusively. I think it took about a decade to feel like a naturalized 6-stringer. Prior to that I sort of felt like a 4-stringer with a few extra strings. Now I feel most at home on the 6-string. Also if I spend and significant time on my 4s or 5s it starts to degrade my fluency on the 6. I could easily play any of my basses if there was a valid reason. But I do think there is a cost, and I prefer to avoid that cost.

As someone starting the journey, I think you will progress a lot quicker if you play the 5 exclusively. A lot of people fail to make the transition, and I think switching back and fourth between instruments is probably a significant factor.

 

[BuddhaFingas]

Isnt that moving down?
All the strings move down to make room.

 

[Jazzdogg]

this and additionally never ever look at "tabs". You will never improve as a musician with "tabs". Instead, use your ears. Practice along to songs that clearly have a five string bass.

I clearly remember, back in the sixties, sitting in front of my record player, bass in hand, listening to the same song over and over again until I had figured out the bass part; great ear training! My Pop, who taught me all of the rudiments, emphasized listening for intervals; the ability to identify, name, and play the intervals I heard pianists and guitarists playing.

My brother, a brass player, is a great sight reader, but he never learned to hear music in a way that enables him to play coherent solos or play over chords without resorting to a fake book.

For the working bassist, the guys with the ability to get along with others to create a good hang, and the ability to keep excellent time, and hear and respond musically gets the gigs. If a guy with mega chops doesn't also have great time and good ears, he may get the gig initially, but his chances of long-term success are slim.

 

[BassicJazzy]

Having always played fretted 4 strings, since '72, with some long hiatus periods, I have been giving this subject a lot of thought. Where to go next? I think logic dictates my next step is to lined fretless. I think it will present an equal or greater challenge without risking screwing up my technique on the 4 basses I already own.

 

[Element Zero]

Learned and played on a 4 all through high school. Sold it, bought a 5 string in ‘98, and haven’t looked back.

 

[Jefenator]

Some people fail to make the transition; others never touch the 4-string again. I'm right in the middle of that spectrum. I've pursued the low B for over 30 years – but sometimes I like an old-school instrument for old-school material.
To start you might be able to apply your 4-string TAB to the EADG on your 5-string. Going forward, I would highly recommend learning the fretboard & scales. It'll really help with transposing, improvising and not least of all altering your timbre by fretting notes higher up on a lower string.

 

[Wolf]

When I pick up a new instrument that's tuned differently, I go back to Mick Goodrick's "The Advancing Guitarist" and go through the first section - "The Approach" - on it.

 

[Sbassman Scratch]

Practice playing scales in E, F, and G starting on the B and move across the fretboard.

 

[2strings2frets]

I tried a 5 years ago and finally sold the beast. Closer to the present I bought another and now prefer it. Having the 5th string threw me off I cracked the nut by Using a 6 string set and tuning it E A D G C and played it like a 4. Once I became used to the xtra string I retuned to B E A D G. Sounds weird even to me but it worked.

 

[Fuzzbass]

What's the best way to make the transition? And once you do make the transition, what happens to your 4-strings? Do they just wind up collecting dust? Or do you find yourself playing both?

When I first got a fiver I struggled with songs I'd played for many years on 4 - that so-called muscle memory got in the way. As luck would have it, I joined a new band just after I got my fiver. Had to learn a whole bunch of new-to-me tunes for them, mostly funk/R&B. So I put my 4 aside and learned them on 5. It was much easier for me to map out those new tunes on 5 than to remap the familiar ones.

That helped me to understand 5 string as a whole, rather than "four plus one". Which is how it should be, IMHO.

Again, that's what worked for me, but maybe it'll also work for you.

P.S. I now play 5 exclusively, but don't necessarily recommend that to anyone else.

 

[Dana R Gregory]

Learn to use the floating thumb technique when plucking finger style. It helped me tremendously when I transitioned from a 4 string fretless to a 5 string fretless. Love the 5.