Questions for those who alternate between 4 and 5 stringers

[kkaarrll]

I learned and started out on a 5, it seemed natural. Then I actually got a jazz, and that just felt right on my hand. I am transitioning away from my 5's as much as I like not having to change position much with the 5 strings, the jazz width neck is just what feels right.

 

[TheLowDown33]

I play 4 and 5 (B-G and E-C) regularly, occasionally a 6. I have embodied the bicycle approach of picking up one of them and immediately feeling my brain shift towards all of the practice I've done with that particular string arrangement. Personally, I rarely make a mistake due to the string setup. I learned on a 4, played on a 4 for a while, switched to 5 and never really looked back, but I practice on a 4 quite often. I also use floating thumb, which helps immensely when playing any bass in general.

 

[stringthrough]

I learned and started out on a 5, it seemed natural. Then I actually got a jazz, and that just felt right on my hand. I am transitioning away from my 5's as much as I like not having to change position much with the 5 strings, the jazz width neck is just what feels right.

Wow, that can't be a common direction bassists take. Learning on a 5 and playing one for a while then transitioning to a 4.

 

[India_Sierra]

I regularly switch between a 4 string and a six string. Neither feels inadequate or over-equipped. I merely recalibrate my thinking depending on the bass to make use of what I've got.

I don't use a particular muting technique or right hand anchor technique on either instrument. What I use on a four translates well to a six. I also find that I never suffer from confusion as to where I am on the neck and I don't hit the wrong strings.

 

[musicman1119]

Is your “baseline” 5 strings and you think of a 4 stringer as missing the lowest string or is your “bassline” a 4 strings and you think of a 5 stringer as a 4 with an extra string?


From a tehnical perspective, do you change right hand damping technique between the two types of bass? For example, do you float you thumb between the B and E string to dampan as needed when playing the A-G strings on a 5 string but use E string as a thumb rest on a 4 stringer when playing the A-G strings.


Do you go out of you way to play the lowest E-G# notes on the E string as opposed to higher up on the B string so as not to approach the same tune differently when playing it on a 4 versus a 5 string?


Any thoughts along the lines on how you change you mental perspective and playing technique would be appreciated.

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I'm getting a lot of replies (which I appreciate) from players who made the switch from one to the other and more or less never went back. However my questions are directed at players who go back and forth "concurrently" (that's why I used the word ALTERNATE) and not "I played the 4 for 10 years then went to the 5 for a few years and recently returned to the 4".

When I made the jump to 5 strings I played it exclusively, to learn how to use it properly and since when I play 4 string basses all of my basses have a thumb rest just above the E string where the back pick-up is, I used the B string as my thumb rest in the learning process. Once I got the hang of it, it actually is easier to play than 4, because of the options available in fingering, especially when having to transpose on the fly...now, sometimes when playing my old 73 P-bass I have to be conscious that I don't have the luxury of that low B string...

 

[jimmybc91]

I switch from the 5 to 4 strings quite constantly, sometimes even in the same gig. I started on a 5 string and I guess I can say the 5 string is still my "basis." I bought a 4 string 2 years ago and I mainly use it as a tonal change because of the different kind of bass it is. I don't really feel limited at all though, it really is only 5 more notes on a 5 string, the extended range doesn't make a break the sound of the band for the most part. As far as the ability to remain in one position for longer on the 5 string is usually when I'd consider the 5 over the 4 with a disregard of tone. So to answer your question, my approach changes because it has to, can't reach for the low C# if it isn't there; but it does not mean I play it like a limited 5 string or a an extended 4 string.

 

[ole Jason]

I switch between 5 and 4 string based on the gig. I honestly don't think of either as the basis of my playing. I will say that I don't normally use the B string above the 10th fret or so but mostly for tonal/reach reasons. I guess I've played long enough that it isn't something I really think about when switching back and forth.

 

[Mahcks]

I like 4s and 6s. They're different and I play them differently.