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When to switch to a five-string

A

Atticus

May 26, 2010
156
0
Memphis, TN
#1
I've pretty much decided to get a five-string at some point in my bass-playing career. I don't draw much influence from 5-string players but I do like a lot of bassists who tune down. My question now is when. My parents (ha ha, point and laugh at the young bass player ;)) think I should spend more time working my chops with the traditional four-string and save my money, which makes some sense. Although I've been "playing" bass for three years now, I've only recently woken up and started teaching myself more useful things than how to cover things. On the other hand if I go for the 5-string now I could spend more time getting used to it instead of building skills that will later have to be modified for the inclusion of the B string. Money isn't the issue since I'd be paying for it myself.

Thoughts from those with experience using ERBs?
 
#2
The essential skills you're developing as a beginning bass player, like rhythm, harmony and chordal structure, dynamics, consistency, ear training, fretboard navigation, interacting with a drummer, etc., are not really modified significantly with the inclusion of a 5th string. I'm not saying it's not handy to have one--I pretty much play a 5 exclusively these days--but not having one isn't going to impede your development (IMHO), and I played for almost 15 years before I got my first 5.
 
#3
I played for a lot of years without a 5. Now, if the song calls for it, it's nice to have. I wouldn't worry about "time getting used to it" - it took me about a day. IMO, there are only a few minor changes that that really have to be made if you are comfortable with and know your way around the 4.

Just my opinion, of course.
 
#6
mikezimmerman said:
The essential skills you're developing as a beginning bass player, like rhythm, harmony and chordal structure, dynamics, consistency, ear training, fretboard navigation, interacting with a drummer, etc., are not really modified significantly with the inclusion of a 5th string. I'm not saying it's not handy to have one--I pretty much play a 5 exclusively these days--but not having one isn't going to impede your development (IMHO), and I played for almost 15 years before I got my first 5.
Click to expand...

I'm a 20+ year 4-stringer who switched completely over to five string in Y2K. I recommend moving to five as soon as possible, but also agree with Mike that devoting your energy to playing bass will help you become a better musician regardless of the number of strings.

I have to add that it took me two full months to get used to five string: by that I mean getting to the point where I was mostly comfortable; rarely getting confused about which note I was playing. Maybe I'm a slow learner, or maybe undoing two decades of "muscle memory" (so to speak) isn't all that easy. But I still think it's no big deal if you have to stick with four for longer than you'd prefer (to appease the parents, or whatever).
 
#7
I wouldn't say switch, but I'd say try one and see if it's for you. I bought a 5 string after playing a four for just a short time. It was a good buy, so I went for it. Great guitar, a USA G&L L-2500. After a period of time, I went back to a four, selling the five for a huge profit to upgrade to a better amp. I had no trouble playing the five. Anything I did on the four in the first five frets could easily be done at the fifth fret and up on the five, plus I had an extra string for leads. Being a lead guitar player and knowing my way around the fretboard made it very easy, but who wants to hear leads from a bass player. I didn't feel I really needed the five either, plus I like a four string.
 
#8
5 strings can be great, and you should at least try one. And it certainly couldn't hurt to own one. I've had 4,5,and 6 string basses and they all are great.

I'd say if dropped tuned four stringers inspire you, try it! I have my four strings tuned DGCF, and it's great. Even for playing with standard tuned guitars. It's like gaining 2 extra frets. You may have to use a heavier string gauge, and adjust your intonation, but you can do that when you change strings, it only takes a couple minutes. Then just shift all your notes on the neck up two frets, so A would now be on the 7th fret of the E string.
 
#9
mikezimmerman said:
The essential skills you're developing as a beginning bass player, like rhythm, harmony and chordal structure, dynamics, consistency, ear training, fretboard navigation, interacting with a drummer, etc., are not really modified significantly with the inclusion of a 5th string. I'm not saying it's not handy to have one--I pretty much play a 5 exclusively these days--but not having one isn't going to impede your development (IMHO), and I played for almost 15 years before I got my first 5.
Click to expand...

+1 on this. I also played a 4 for a great many years before going to a 5 (there weren't 5s then!). The essentials will remain the essentials no matter how many strings the bass has!

EXCEPT for just a couple of things!

If your music is the "old school" classics, I'd say stick with the 4 string until you need to switch. The 4 string will fit the music and it will force you into a style of playing that is the old traditional ways because you have no choice in the matter. All this is good.

On the other hand, if you musical interests are wider or more modern (sort of indicated by your "tuning down" comments) Then I'd say switch now. And it has to do with that word "except" above! The exception is that a 5 string is NOT just about a few more lower notes although they ARE handy at times. The 5 string is about a different way of playing bass. It's about scales and patterns ACROSS the neck and not up and down it. It's about being able to play in any key just by the note you start on without "tuning down" or using a capo or any of the other tricks so common with guitar players. A bass is NOT a guitar! In a word its about freedom!

So you should see that the "except" above has to do with learning and woodshedding your cross-neck scales and patterns. 4 string patterns you learned just won't do. Now the interesting thing is that once you "get" those patterns and scales, extension to 6 7 or even "n" string basses is straight-forward. The patterns stay the same no matter which string or fret you start them on. You can extend them sideways indefinitely. THAT is what it's all about. So if later you suddenly get interested in jazz or chords or solos or other things needing and extended UPPER range (as opposed to the extended lower range of the typical 5er) You'll have a leg up. Yes, you will still have to learn chords and double stops and other new things but you'll have the idea to get started.

So today when I return to a 4 (I usually play 5+ strings) I feel very limited by it. And I presume that is a GOOD thing. For it keeps me from doing things I routinely do on my basses that I should NOT be doing with music that fits a 4 string. Which takes me back to my first comment.
 
#12
Jazzerbone said:
To answer the title... Whenever the f you want to.
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Yep, my thoughts exactly. There are many more positions open to you with a 5er but it does take a bit of practice so you're not playing a fourth out of tune from the music. You'll never "master" any number of strings but you'll be ahead of the game the sooner you switch.

If you do switch, make sure you pick up the four string once in a while so you're used to both.
 
#14
When you're ready to be the butt of a lot of bass player jokes. In my experience(s) in LA and Nashville people associate 5 string basses w/wankers. Granted there is some stuff that you may need a to play a low B, but more likely than not it'll just be a distraction. I had a 5 string for years, and when I finally kicked the habit I found my playing was much more musical. Could be the switch back to 4, could just be growth.

If you have your heart set on buying one, you will at some point regardless. If you do, try to stay focused on the tone of the instrument which people will notice way more than if you can play really crazy useless low notes.
 
#15
It's all down to personal preference, and the only way to find out if it's for you is to live with one for a while. Just trying one out isn't going to be enough. You need to live with it a while and get past the 'novelty' period where you start playing it seriously and not just admiring it and goofing off. Only then can you make an informed decision.

Different people use 5 strings in different ways. Some people play them the same way as a regular 4 string with the extra extended range when it's needed. Others play it like a whole different instrument, and utilise the flexibility of playing the old 4 string lines in different positions on the next.

I played my 5 string almost exclusively for a few years till I realised I was actually more comfortable on a 4 string and rarely used the extra low notes other than a low D, and in works better for the music I play. Now I play a 4 string with a Hipshot D-tuner and I'm much more comfortable. I still have the 5 just in case I need it (not to mention the 6 string which gets the occasional bedroom airing), but I've realised I'm a 4 string bassist.

Perhaps you may be able to borrow one for a while from a friend, then you'll know.

BTW, if all you want is a few lower notes, the D-tuner is worth investigating. It'll be a lot friendlier on your parents purse-strings.
 
#16
Fuzzbass said:
I'm a 20+ year 4-stringer who switched completely over to five string in Y2K. I recommend moving to five as soon as possible, but also agree with Mike that devoting your energy to playing bass will help you become a better musician regardless of the number of strings.

I have to add that it took me two full months to get used to five string: by that I mean getting to the point where I was mostly comfortable; rarely getting confused about which note I was playing. Maybe I'm a slow learner, or maybe undoing two decades of "muscle memory" (so to speak) isn't all that easy. But I still think it's no big deal if you have to stick with four for longer than you'd prefer (to appease the parents, or whatever).
Click to expand...

This right here.

I started on a 4-banger in '79 (not many 5ers around then), and didn't get the hankering to try a five until about a year or two ago. It was kinda a struggle for me, too. I kept thinking that the B was the E and it would mess me up all over the neck. Had to use the immersion method and play nothing but my Jazz V for months. I also trained my simple mind to treat the 5th fret as the nut, and just play from the fifth position - until I was able to stop thinking of the B as an "extra string". I'm better now, but not like I am on a four.

My oldest son (13) is wanting to start playing bass, so I'm having him start on a fiver. I dunno...maybe I'm wrong, but it seems like it would be easier to adapt to a four when necessary, then go through what I did.
 
#18
To propose a "fair and balanced" perspective..... :D


I began playing in 1966....4 strings. Been playing professionally since 1970.....4 strings.....

Never made the switch - never lost a job.

Is switching to a 5er bad? good? Does it necessarily make a difference? Couldn't tell you.

I would say that whenever you feel the need - or the situation calls for it...do it. I don't know if there is a "correct" time, other than personal preference....


Hope this helps a little..... ;)
 

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