I already posted a thread asking about if i should get a 5 or stick with a 4 string at this point.(please read if you have info on that) Ultimately i want a six string but i have played a few and the neck is just wait too wide im not ready for that yet. I want to know if i should go up to a 5 and get good on that and then get a six string. Or is it possible to get really quick on a four string and transit to a six string right from a four? how much experience should someone have on one bass before you move up in the string amount?
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Questions about 5 and 6 strings
- Thread starter kakaka yeah
- Start date
I was in the same position as you a like a year ago. I had played six strings in stores and they always felt big and looking at the neck was just confusing/intimidating. If you know you'd like the range and the sound, then I'd say go for it. I got my six string around August and it only really took me like two weeks to become totally comfortable with it. I wouldn't let the size of the neck worry you too much. I did at first, but then when I got and and messed around with it for a while I realized it's really not a big deal. Sure, it's bigger than a 4 string, but you really do get used to it pretty quickly and your technique adjusts. And I've got small hands myself, so that was definetely something I was considering in the buying process. I ended up getting a Yamaha John Myung bass, which has pretty tight string spacing and the neck is also pretty thin, so it all worked out for me.
I plan on going from a four string to a six string (but I'm not leaving my Warwick Corvette Fretless Four string behind, mind you). However, that's because I feel comfortable with both.
If you do eventually get a six string bass, give yourself time to get used to playing on it. Be patient, and practice plenty. You don't need to go from a four, to a five, to a six in order to get accustomed to it. It would help a lot, but it isn't necessary.
It is advisable to get a lot of experience on the four string before the six string, but if you're comfortable with the amount of knowledge you already have, I say go for it.
EDIT: Also, how much are the Yamaha John Myung signature basses? Considering how much I love Dream Theater, I might want to look into it.
If you do eventually get a six string bass, give yourself time to get used to playing on it. Be patient, and practice plenty. You don't need to go from a four, to a five, to a six in order to get accustomed to it. It would help a lot, but it isn't necessary.
It is advisable to get a lot of experience on the four string before the six string, but if you're comfortable with the amount of knowledge you already have, I say go for it.
EDIT: Also, how much are the Yamaha John Myung signature basses? Considering how much I love Dream Theater, I might want to look into it.
Perhaps this goes without saying, but it took me awhile to realize it and go from a 4 string to a 6 string...........
Above the 5th fret, the notes on a lower string (in pitch) are available on the adjacent string (which is one way of tuning) so you don' really need to reach over a wide fret board unless you want the tone quality of a higher pitch played on a thicker string.
From that viewpoint, a 6 sting neck can be considered as narrow as a 4 string when you get to the higher frets.
A simple and obvious observation, but it took me awhile to come to the realization. 'Course that may have something to do with my IQ and the onset of senility.
Good luck.
RJM
Above the 5th fret, the notes on a lower string (in pitch) are available on the adjacent string (which is one way of tuning) so you don' really need to reach over a wide fret board unless you want the tone quality of a higher pitch played on a thicker string.
From that viewpoint, a 6 sting neck can be considered as narrow as a 4 string when you get to the higher frets.
A simple and obvious observation, but it took me awhile to come to the realization. 'Course that may have something to do with my IQ and the onset of senility.
Good luck.
RJM
Wait until you're ready. Take lessons and learn form. Bad form may be functional on a 4 string, but won't fly on a 6 string. Be able to get a reasonable 6 that isn't harsh on the hands.
I got mine on Ebay for $690 + $45 for shipping, really good condition except for one cigarette burn at the headstock (but I guess thats rock n' roll). I was looking at some of the prices today, and they seem to have gone up a bit
take a look: Link Removed
