metron said:
I only do it when I need to rest and what I'm playing requires minimal hand movement (root pumping).
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To 4-stringers Not Comfortable On A Five...
- Thread starter Bryan R. Tyler
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I only do it when I need to rest and what I'm playing requires minimal hand movement (root pumping).
Bryan R. Tyler
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metron said:
I generally think of it as bad technique as well-some still do it all the time though. Heck, Louis Johnson's thumb probably frets the first two strings for him
The biggest problem I had was that I was hitting the B string unintentionally while playing. I was used to achoring my thumb on the E string.
Stinsok said:
Y'know, that happened to me... for about a day. After that, I'm just as comfortable as any other kind of bass.
I bought my first 5er, a $400 Yamaha a little over 3 years ago. When I first started playing it, I would always mistake the B string for the E. This was very annoying, and when I'd switch back to a 4, it felt like I was home. Then, I concentrated on playing regular six sting guitar (I still stink) for about 3 months, but when I went back to playing mostly bass, the 5 felt natural, and the 4 felt restricted.
To this day, a 5 string feels much more natural in my hands than a four.
I don't slap.
Sting spacing, unless very tight doesn't bother me, and I just bought a 35" scale bass, and there was no adjusting to it at all.
Go figure.
Mike
To this day, a 5 string feels much more natural in my hands than a four.
I don't slap.
Sting spacing, unless very tight doesn't bother me, and I just bought a 35" scale bass, and there was no adjusting to it at all.
Go figure.
Mike
Brendan said:
It is not a problem now, I worked it out where I mute the B with my thumb (can't float it.)
I think John Paul Jones is the best example of an old-school player who played 4 string Fenders pretty exclusively, who has now jumped way beyond the 5th string all the way to an 8th. I have to give tons of credit to someone like that, who decided to stick to something, especially something so new and different.
I played a 5 for years..it was no big deal..but I missed the 4..the 4 always felt more like BASS to me. A 6 felt like cheating...it was way too easy to stay in one neck position. I really don't like the sound of the B either....it's just not a great tone to me. When I had the 5, I'd use it now and then for parts, but usually I was on the top 4 strings. Also, I saw an amazing bassplayer whip out a 4 string Fender jazz at a festival and do more then most 6 stringers do (i also think the C on a 6 sounds too much like a freakin guitar)...I was inspired by that and have stuck to 4s ever since. I have played my 4 in drop C tuning at times..but the band I was in even agreed that a 5 sounded like a fart.....it's personal pref though.
We have 1 song out of 11 originals that I could use a 5er for...but only for 4 notes...not really enough to justify buying a 5. However I was entertaining the thought of course. I would just like to have the same string spacing as my Ibanez BTB 510 4 string. It seems that every 5 I pick up has smaller spacing...what gives? Who has the same if not wider spacing???
I played many brands of 4 strings for 40 years. My first experience with a 5 string was not pleasant due to muscle memory, mind set, etc. I was determined to add the extra depth to our trio, so I bought a fairly cheap Peavey Grind BXP MIK with active electronics in 2002. I was and still am totally pleased with my Peavey. I still carry my 4 string to gigs in case my battery dies, but I've gotten used to the low B and now it is 2ND nature.
I too am a long time (38 Yrs) 4 string player. But I love the sound of a low B through a good rig.
10 yrs ago I jumped into a New Country band where a 5 string was required. I bought a 5er and and found it totally confusing. Too many times I would find myself getting "lost" on the neck. Licks that I had been playing for years were questionable as to whether I would get through them cleanly or not. To compound things, the confusion only got worse when I had to do a lot of vocals.
I figured it was the bass, so I bought a couple more 5er's and the same thing happened. I was uncomfortable in my mind and loosing confidence in my playing.
Ok, so I figured if I bought a 5er that I really loved, it would help get me past this. It didn't, but I refused to give up.
Then one day while (wasting time) checking out a new 5er in a store a few years later it all came to me. It was like someone had turned on a light switch. It felt so natural and all made sense. I bought that bass on the spot, I still own it.
That was 5 yrs ago. I love my vintage 60's four string basses, but they stay home now a days. The 5 string has put them in to retirement (for the most part). I left the New Country band and went back to playing Classic Rock.
I'm occasionally tempted to pick up a 6 string bass, but after remembering what I when throught with the 5, i'll pass on a 6.
TD
10 yrs ago I jumped into a New Country band where a 5 string was required. I bought a 5er and and found it totally confusing. Too many times I would find myself getting "lost" on the neck. Licks that I had been playing for years were questionable as to whether I would get through them cleanly or not. To compound things, the confusion only got worse when I had to do a lot of vocals.
I figured it was the bass, so I bought a couple more 5er's and the same thing happened. I was uncomfortable in my mind and loosing confidence in my playing.
Ok, so I figured if I bought a 5er that I really loved, it would help get me past this. It didn't, but I refused to give up.
Then one day while (wasting time) checking out a new 5er in a store a few years later it all came to me. It was like someone had turned on a light switch. It felt so natural and all made sense. I bought that bass on the spot, I still own it.
That was 5 yrs ago. I love my vintage 60's four string basses, but they stay home now a days. The 5 string has put them in to retirement (for the most part). I left the New Country band and went back to playing Classic Rock.
I'm occasionally tempted to pick up a 6 string bass, but after remembering what I when throught with the 5, i'll pass on a 6.
TD
Cool thread.
For me, it was always the feel and sound of the B string that was the problem. On every 5 (or 6) I tried, it always sounded and felt so floppy. I even bought a Stingray 5, to try and get used to it, and for near on two years I struggled with it. Finally, I found the solution - I found a B string that worked for me. It was a matter of finding the right material, the right brand and the right gauge. I'm really fussy with my strings, and the tension had to be perfect for me - once I got that sorted, it all came together. But it took a lot of experimentation to find the right string. One of the problems I had was that I use a lighter gauge of string on my 4 strings - 40-100. If you buy a 5 string set with those gauges, you'll usually get a 120 or 125. That just wasn't thick enough for me. I've ended up using a 135, and that works pretty well.
For me, it was always the feel and sound of the B string that was the problem. On every 5 (or 6) I tried, it always sounded and felt so floppy. I even bought a Stingray 5, to try and get used to it, and for near on two years I struggled with it. Finally, I found the solution - I found a B string that worked for me. It was a matter of finding the right material, the right brand and the right gauge. I'm really fussy with my strings, and the tension had to be perfect for me - once I got that sorted, it all came together. But it took a lot of experimentation to find the right string. One of the problems I had was that I use a lighter gauge of string on my 4 strings - 40-100. If you buy a 5 string set with those gauges, you'll usually get a 120 or 125. That just wasn't thick enough for me. I've ended up using a 135, and that works pretty well.
Heehee!
Well, since I originally posted in this thread, I've officially jumped back onto the five string bandwagon by picking up an MTD 535. Last saturday I played my first gig EVER with a fiver, and I got through it with only a few grins from bandmates who I had warned in advance to expect chaos. I have spent the days since I bought the MTD practicing intensely to try to be able to be 'ready for anything' with the new bass.
The number one issue/problem I'm having is exactly what I expected, per my earlier post: string muting on slap and chord stuff (fortunately none of that to do on the maiden gig!). I'm not sure I'll ever be able to play 'fast and furious' slap wank stuff with quite the same abandon on the five. Inasmuch as I'm able to pull it off at this point, it sounds more reserved, less flamboyant. Is that a bad thing? Hee - maybe not! But... it definitely IS different, and I suspect that as my competence on a five grows, I will be able to get some of the panache back, but I'll also likely give up trying to play things with the same feel as I would on a four - and I'll either keep a four around for that kind of thing or simply give in to the different approach demanded by the five.
Who knows, maybe once I've "become one" with the fiver I won't feel this way, but I don't see my thoughts changing at this point.
Well, since I originally posted in this thread, I've officially jumped back onto the five string bandwagon by picking up an MTD 535. Last saturday I played my first gig EVER with a fiver, and I got through it with only a few grins from bandmates who I had warned in advance to expect chaos. I have spent the days since I bought the MTD practicing intensely to try to be able to be 'ready for anything' with the new bass.
The number one issue/problem I'm having is exactly what I expected, per my earlier post: string muting on slap and chord stuff (fortunately none of that to do on the maiden gig!). I'm not sure I'll ever be able to play 'fast and furious' slap wank stuff with quite the same abandon on the five. Inasmuch as I'm able to pull it off at this point, it sounds more reserved, less flamboyant. Is that a bad thing? Hee - maybe not! But... it definitely IS different, and I suspect that as my competence on a five grows, I will be able to get some of the panache back, but I'll also likely give up trying to play things with the same feel as I would on a four - and I'll either keep a four around for that kind of thing or simply give in to the different approach demanded by the five.
Who knows, maybe once I've "become one" with the fiver I won't feel this way, but I don't see my thoughts changing at this point.
I have owned every thing from a four to a seven. It takes practice and time to get used to adding strings. The transition for me was the longest from a four to a five. Like all of you before have said before I would mistake the B for the E but it took me about 2 weeks of practice to get the hang of it.
Now the four string feels funny. I am now used to having that low B and if I had to play a four I would really mess up a lot songs now. Playing Gospel is a little different than most other styles because it incorporates everything from jazz to R&B to country to rock. But I need the Low B to compete with Hammond organs from time to time and the four string tends to be light sounding in comparison to a five. A four string is essential for slap though IMO. The less strings the less you have to mute. At the time I had my 7 string it was the only bass I had and can you imagine trying to cleanly slap a 7. It was a task. Although Bill the Buddha Dickens makes it look easy. That is when I realized that I had to have more than one bass. I am now working backwards and my next purchase is going to be a four. Each type has its place depending on the type of music you play and how much you want to move. I took it as a challenge to move up to a bass with more strings. After having personally tried each one it comes down to what you need for the song and what you are comfortable with.
Now the four string feels funny. I am now used to having that low B and if I had to play a four I would really mess up a lot songs now. Playing Gospel is a little different than most other styles because it incorporates everything from jazz to R&B to country to rock. But I need the Low B to compete with Hammond organs from time to time and the four string tends to be light sounding in comparison to a five. A four string is essential for slap though IMO. The less strings the less you have to mute. At the time I had my 7 string it was the only bass I had and can you imagine trying to cleanly slap a 7. It was a task. Although Bill the Buddha Dickens makes it look easy. That is when I realized that I had to have more than one bass. I am now working backwards and my next purchase is going to be a four. Each type has its place depending on the type of music you play and how much you want to move. I took it as a challenge to move up to a bass with more strings. After having personally tried each one it comes down to what you need for the song and what you are comfortable with.
I played only on a four string for 7 years, and when I stared playing metal and saw that many songs required to be tuned down below D, I said.... mmm, time for a 5 string. So I tried a couple at the store and went for it.
I took me like a month of practice before being able to play without looking at my neck. I often played on the wrong string! Just like when I started playing 7 years ago.
I've read many people's posts in this topic and a lot them who "don't like" or "don't feel" 5 strings didn't take the time be get comfortable with their instrument. So might be the only problem for some of them I guess.
I took me like a month of practice before being able to play without looking at my neck. I often played on the wrong string! Just like when I started playing 7 years ago.
I've read many people's posts in this topic and a lot them who "don't like" or "don't feel" 5 strings didn't take the time be get comfortable with their instrument. So might be the only problem for some of them I guess.
I love 4's, I love 6's, 5's are iffy to me. Maybe it's having an odd number of strings. I always like things even I guess.
When I first started playing, I was told not to put my thumb above the neck so I havn't done it. Not even on guitar, which is where I believe it is acceptable.
When I first started playing, I was told not to put my thumb above the neck so I havn't done it. Not even on guitar, which is where I believe it is acceptable.
With me, its more a financial issue. I find that you need four stringers a lot more than five stringers, so with the option of owning only one GOOD bass, it'll be a four.
I've had a five before and it turned into my number one bass. Mind you it had a really narrow neck (Ibanez Soundgear) and when I got my Stingray the transition from the baseball bat to the twig was too much. The five went on eBay and I got what I paid for it. The Stingray is the love of my life right now, and I'd love an SR5, but fear almost redundancy. So probably an RB5 for me next.
I've had a five before and it turned into my number one bass. Mind you it had a really narrow neck (Ibanez Soundgear) and when I got my Stingray the transition from the baseball bat to the twig was too much. The five went on eBay and I got what I paid for it. The Stingray is the love of my life right now, and I'd love an SR5, but fear almost redundancy. So probably an RB5 for me next.
I have really big hands, so if anything, the wider neck is something I would like.
I really wanted a 5er when I was shopping for a new bass, and after going out and playing a bunch, I realized it was more a novelty to me than a real need. I find that my main reasons for wanting it were to make it easier to play things in keys like Eb and B.
Seemed like all I really wanted was an excuse to get a little lazy with my technique and less creative with my note choices.
I decided my efforts were much better spent getting more musical on my 4 then using the 5 as a shortcut.
This is not meant as a shot at all you 5+stringers. Just for me, it wasn't something I felt I needed, after doing some soul (and groove) searching.
I really wanted a 5er when I was shopping for a new bass, and after going out and playing a bunch, I realized it was more a novelty to me than a real need. I find that my main reasons for wanting it were to make it easier to play things in keys like Eb and B.
Seemed like all I really wanted was an excuse to get a little lazy with my technique and less creative with my note choices.
I decided my efforts were much better spent getting more musical on my 4 then using the 5 as a shortcut.
This is not meant as a shot at all you 5+stringers. Just for me, it wasn't something I felt I needed, after doing some soul (and groove) searching.
I think it is what you get used to. I got a five last year as I thought it would give me more fingering options as well as the ability to play those lower notes. It took me a while to get down NOT playing the B accidentaly - try going for the open E and hitting the open B by mistake. OOPS 
Also the muting thing. The wide neck doesn't bother me, but mine has tight string spacing, which I will avoid on my next 5. I seem to not take advantage of the B that much, though - I rarely use it. I assume it is because I was brought up on a 4 so it will take more time to where I use it to max benefit...
Also the muting thing. The wide neck doesn't bother me, but mine has tight string spacing, which I will avoid on my next 5. I seem to not take advantage of the B that much, though - I rarely use it. I assume it is because I was brought up on a 4 so it will take more time to where I use it to max benefit...
