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New bassist - 6 strings?

M

MrAwesomes

Apr 4, 2013
18
2
England
#1
First time using this forum so... Hello.
I know this is very long, but I don't want to make a mistake with my bass because just getting one at all is a stretch to my teenage, unemployed student budget.

I'm going to learn to play the bass guitar soon, since I'm bored of the cello (played it for about 9 years) so I went to my local music shop to try one out. I was playing around with a 5-string bass (I think it was an Eastcoast one, but I'm not sure) and I found it really comfortable and nice, which seemed odd, seeing as I hear everyone saying 5-string basses have strings too close together and they're difficult to play. I've never touched a 4 string before, so I guess I've nothing to compare it to.

I started reading about 6-string basses which have another string higher than the rest; this really appeals to me because I like a mixture of bass and high notes (hence the reason I played a cello before and not a double bass).

Like the 5-string basses, I keep reading about how awkward they are...
...but I found the 5-string awesome.

I get that people who are used to only 4 strings would find it difficult to deal with strings closer together than they're used to, but seeing as I made myself used to a 5-string first, is there much difference between 5 and 6 strings? I'm really confused because I hear they're no good for beginners BECAUSE they're more difficult than 4 strings, but if I start on a 6 string wouldn't I find it easier from the outset? Given that I understand pretty much all the theory, note-reading, etc. from playing the cello, and all I really need to learn now is the actual way to play? (plucking, slapping, etc.).

As I said above, I can only really afford one bass and I've no intention of getting one just to start, then buying a new one; I want to buy one that I can stick with for at least a couple of years. This is the one I'm looking at: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
From what I've read, it's good for the price, and also good for "moving from 4 to 6 strings".

Any advice? Is it a good idea to start off with this bass?
 
#2
Hey man, rock what you're comfortable with and start with the instrument that you want to start with. Some people will recommend starting on a 4 and moving up after that, but most of those people have issues being creative with the extra strings because they're so used to using only 4. If you want a 6, go get a 6 \m/

Also, on your instrument choice, I'd suggest checking out the used instruments. You can get way better bang for your buck, especially in the bass world. The classifieds on here are a gold mine!
 
#5
Are you planning on teaching yourself or getting a teacher? If you're going the self-taught route, you may have difficulty finding books & videos on beginner 6-string bass. But since you already know theory that might not be an issue. Go with what you really want. Get the 6-string :)
 
#7
I would say go for it man. Play what you want to play. Given your background I wouldn't think that it would be too hard for you to get used to a 6er. I would also agree with Righteous Thunderer on checking out the uses goods on here. Definately will get more bang for your Buck.
 
#8
It is really all the same. If you want to have the extended higher range and be able to play more horizontally, then a 6, 7 or more makes sense. It is all about what you are used to.

It is not as if you graduate and earn strings as you go along. Go with what you like, want and will encourage you to learn and practice.


I don't think there are many bass players here that started with 1 string, learned it, graduated to 2, then three and finally 4.
 
#9
Since a six-string bass is most commonly tuned all-fourths just like the four- and five-string variants, it's a fairly "regularly" tuned instrument much like your cello (except that was all-fifths, I assume) and shouldn't be hard to adapt to.

The only thing that may slow down your progress is the fact six-string basses tend to have narrow string spacing. The GSR206 you're looking at has a string spacing of only 16.5mm, compared to five- and four-string basses that can have 17, 18 and even 19mm spacing. Narrow spacing may not be a problem if you're playing fingerstyle, but it might be an impediment if you're trying to slap, as it's hard to nail one string at a time with your thumb at first. It can be done, it will take more time than if the strings were a bit more separate, but don't get discouraged. :)

I made my leap from 4 to 5 in one year, and from 5 to 6 in the next one. I never regretted it and my sixer is still my favorite instrument, though I still go back to both the four and the five from time to time.
 
#10
the reason a lot of 5 strings have their strings close together is because theyre still on a four string neck. theres 5ers our there with rediculous amounts of string spacing. my ibanez btb575fm for example. thats the biggest fattest neck ive ever played on and i love it. loads of string space. sometimes i feel like it has even more spacing than my 4 banger.
 
#11
Woah, I wasn't expecting so many replies so quick :D 8/9 responses say I should go for the 6 string.
Righteous Thunderer said:
on your instrument choice, I'd suggest checking out the used instruments. You can get way better bang for your buck, especially in the bass world. The classifieds on here are a gold mine!
Click to expand...

Good point, I was looking for a bass that's good and cheap, but didn't really check out used ones.
 
#14
Stealth said:
The GSR206 you're looking at has a string spacing of only 16.5mm, compared to five- and four-string basses that can have 17, 18 and even 19mm spacing. Narrow spacing may not be a problem if you're playing fingerstyle
Click to expand...

It's a bit difficult to visualise, so I measured the spacing next to the bridge on my cello at about 14-15mm. I picked up sideways and tried plucking it to see how hard it would be; I did knock the strings next to it a couple of times, but I'm sure it'd be easier on a real guitar, with real practice. I'm definitely a lot more confident about the 6 string now :D
 
#15
Do what you want, but one of the reasons I am glad that I started on a 4 is because I wouldn't want to get caught at a loss if I was sitting in somewhere and HAD to use somebody's 4 when I was used to a 6er. The extra strings give you range, but they also give you options, and I'll admit that, playing a 6er makes me less likely to move up and down the neck, 'cause I've got so much range just going across the neck.

You say that you can only afford one, and I would say you forgot to add "now", and if I were giving you advice, I'd say get the 4 string... first.
 
#16
I say start on a 4. It's really personal preference, but a 4 is going to teach you so much versatility and you will work the neck so much better.

One secret to being a great bass player is knowing the neck like the back of your hand. And the 4 will encourage you to play scales and arps in every single position and keep you out of a comfort area.

At the end of the day, it is whatever you want to do, but going to a 5 from a 4 - I find the 5 super easy.
 
#17
Starting from scratch again I will do so on a 6-string. No reason to limit yourself to 4 even 5. And as someone mentioned you are not a "real" beginner.

I will suggest a used Ibanez SR506, really a nice bass.
 
#18
DonaldR said:
Starting from scratch again I will do so on a 6-string. No reason to limit yourself to 4 even 5. And as someone mentioned you are not a "real" beginner.

I will suggest a used Ibanez SR506, really a nice bass.
Click to expand...

I used to have one and I loved it. If you're ok with the smaller string spacing, it's a great bass for the price. If you want larger spacing, check out the BTB models.
 

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