When switching to 5 string do you have to say goodbye to 4's?

[ricman28]

I just recently got a 5 string and i am hoping to move to 6 later on, but is there a way to play 4, 5, and 6 string basses and still be good at playing all of them even though they are ver different?

 

[Petary791]

Pfft no way. I just defretted my 4 string. I plan on selling my 5 string and getting a 6 string. So in response, no. Do something cool with your 4 string though.

 

[rockapede]

Yes. I've never felt playing a five string hurts my ability on a four....playing, regardless of what format your bass is, always helps ability. IMO.

 

[Dincrest]

Keep the 4 for slapping. An open E slap is just so much more satisfying on a 4 (or a 5 tuned EADGC) than on a 5 tuned BEADG or a 6.

My main bass is a 6 and I have a 5, and I'm thinking of maybe getting a good 4 to round out the stable (maybe a Geddy Jazz since I love thin necks.) I traded up my first 4 for a 5, and part of me wishes I'd kept the 4.

 

[CaracasBass]

No way!!!!

i just bought a Fender P-bass (4 string) after more than a year of loving my ATK 5 string.

I never realized how much I missed a good 4 string until I got this P-bass.

 

[Pickebass]

I have 4s, 5s, and 6s and I think each one has a different impact on how I play. The 4s tend to be better playing older music because you feel and timing are similar to the originals because you are having to go all over the neck (think 60's/70's Motown). When you are playing a 5 or 6 you can stay in the same position. Theoretically playing the same notes, but usually feel suffers a little (I'm not sayin' you can't groove).

 

[embellisher]

I play fours, fives, sixes and twelves. As long as your hands know what they are playing, and you know what you are doing, it's not a problem. At least not for me. I suck equally on all of them.

 

[Robear22]

I have a 4, 5, and a 6. I find I play each one different. I used to get rid of my old basses when I got a new one but now since I have joined Talkbass I am keeping all my basses unless I absolutely don't need it. Each bass brings something to the table and I find myself using the 4 for slap and grooving. The 5 when I need the low B but still have some slap room. The 6 is used when I need the range and oppurtunity to play in the higher ranges. Also to experiment with chording and the like. I play what I need and usually don't go anywhere without two of the three. Versatility people, versatility.

 

[embellisher]

I used to get rid of my old basses when I got a new one but now since I have joined Talkbass I am keeping all my basses...

We are very bad influences, aren't we?

 

[Joe Nerve]

I play 9s, 12s, and 15s but keep goin back to the four.

I've yet to make a succesful transition. I think in my case I really need to exclusively play a 5 for a while and then go back to the 4. When I go back and fourth from gig to gig I get frustrated and confused. I'm used to playing on automatic pilot - I don't think all that much about what my hands are doing when I'm playing, and the shifting gets me all stupid.

Getting a Bongo five soon and I'm going to commit to playing only that for a couple of months to see what happens.

 

[Brad Johnson]

I just recently got a 5 string and i am hoping to move to 6 later on, but is there a way to play 4, 5, and 6 string basses and still be good at playing all of them even though they are ver different?

Sure... grab a basss and play it.

Any problem is all in your head. You can play anything you want to. I use 4, 5 and 6 string basses interchangeably. I do the same with fretted and fretless basses.

 

[Figjam]

I actually got a 5 then sold it and went back to 4 after a short period of time (maybe 9 months).

 

[SteveC]

I have a fretted 5 and a fretless 6. Both are active - with bypass. But I am looking for a good passive "P" bass - 4 string. I can do everything I need on the 5, but there's just something about a good 4...

 

[seansbrew]

I started out playing fours and now play fives in addition. Sometimes only a four will do, I tend to think differently on a four as compared to a five. I create differently and visualize differently, I often take both a four and five to a jam session.

 

[Munjibunga]

You don't have to, but you will want to.

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

IMO, you'll always find songs that you prefer playing on your 4-string. I mainly play my 6-string, but I still love my 4's. I play my P-Basses alot at home, and I always take a 4-string to gigs as a backup. I generally play about a set's worth of material on a 4-string at each gig.

- Art

 

[Funkize you]

I play 5 and 6 strings mostly, But I dont use any notes that I couldnt on a 4 string, I just like that its comfy playing in a few close positions...

That being said, Im really gassing for a 4 string FNA Corvette, and a Mag 300H/Schroeder 1210. I would have to shave the 'Wick neck 'tho.

 

[Fuzzbass]

I played four for 20+ years. Once I picked up five, I knew it was "just right" for me: I sold my fours and never looked back.

I can still play four string if I have to, and can even get around on six or seven OK... I just have no interest in 'em.

But (obviously) you don't have to limit yourself as I have. Lots of bassists are fluent on a variety of strings.

 

[Bradweiser]

I had a 5 for a while and didn't like it (and didn't feel I had any need for it), so now I think I'll stick mainly to 4's.

 

[ERIC31]

Since Jo Jo Garza (Los Lonely Boys) has come into my life, I'm seriously considering jumping from 4 to 6 strings. He grooves so hard on the six and it looks fun to do some chording stuff on the higher strings. Watching him live was just incredible. I never thought I could work a six but now I think I could. That low B would be good for playing heavier stuff too.