When to switch to a five-string

[chump stain]

I just stay tuned down all the time. Even playing with standard tuned players. Why tune up and down all the time? DGCF for me, or BEAD. Some heavier strings, and it's all good.

The one thing I have to say about the 5 is, once you start playing it, reserve the low notes for special times. You do not need to play a low C everytime the song moves to C. One of my favorite extended range players is Tye Zamora of Alien Ant Farm, and it was his playing that inspired me to buy a 5, and eventually a 6 string. His tasteful use of the low B makes me want to have one. He'll save it for the bridge, or the ending of a song to add some additional impact to the music. So many times I'll hear a player who's all over the low notes through the whole song, just because they can. IMO that sounds like crap. But saving the low notes for that part of the song you would like to add extra emphasis makes a huge difference. You'll sound like a seasoned pro, instead of a kid with a new toy.

 

[Fuzzbass]

The one thing I have to say about the 5 is, once you start playing it, reserve the low notes for special times. You do not need to play a low C everytime the song moves to C.

I completely agree. For classic rock, I tend to save the lowest notes for emphasis, and even then, I usually build octaves off of them rather than playing solo.

And here's the larger point: it's common for people to think that 5 string is there to give you lower notes, but that's a mistake. The big advantage to fiver is the greater range in each fingering position. For classic rock I use the B string quite a lot... above the 5th fret!

All that said, the band I gig with most frequently plays a lot of modern rock tunes that have bass lines that stay below low E much of the time. I'm an old phart (50+) but love these new-fangled pants-flappin' bass lines - Nickelback, Godsmack, 3 Doors Down, Stain'd, etc.

 

[DinnerWithAGypsy]

And here's the larger point: it's common for people to think that 5 string is there to give you lower notes, but that's a mistake. The big advantage to fiver is the greater range in each fingering position. For classic rock I use the B string quite a lot... above the 5th fret!

Right on. While a five-stringer gives you five lower semitones to play around with, someone who's truly using a five-stringer aptly will put this element of the bass to use.

 

[Basseroni]

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?

Everything in your post tells me that you're not really ready to jump to 5-string just yet. When you feel limited on your 4-string your desire for a 5 will be so great that you will not consult anyone before making a decision to get one.

As far as building skills, you can transfer whatever you learn to the 5 or even a 6. You will just have to adjust your technique a little to make it work.

I play 5 exclusively and have been for over 14 years. Like most people I started on 4 but I really needed that low B for gospel so as soon as I got the money I immediately purchased one. I even detuned it a half step down which is still my standard tuning today (ie Bb-Gb).

Make sure you're happy with whatever decision you make. Good Luck!

 

[Basseroni]

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.

I find your statements very interesting...especially the bolded statement. There are many professional bassists in LA playing 5s in different genres and I'm sure it's the same for Nashville as well as I know a few professional bassists in that area that play 5s. I've never heard playing a 5 being associated with being a "wanker" but that just may be the musicians in your circle. I have many friends who play 5-string and up who are playing with top name artists and are on television. I'm a professional bassist as well and although I play 5s exclusively I'm nowhere near a wanker. 4s have their place, too, and I will have one in my arsenal in the near future; however, I doubt that it will get much play time but I find myself wanting to have one for those old school funk moments.

The point is that as long as you do what's right for the music it could be done on a 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 string bass.

 

[Big chicken]

this is a lot cheaper

 

[SteveC]

Hmm...I'm actually wondering when it's time to switch to a 4 string. I play 5 exclusively (it's my only bass) and I'm debating getting a 4 string. In my case, maybe 95% of what I play can be done on a 4 and the other 5% can easily be done on a 4, it just wouldn't be true to the original recordings or whatever. I like the fast neck of a 4. Not that a 5 isn't, but it's different on a 4.

Sorry for the tangent. Get a 5 whenever you want. It' nice to not have to detune.

 

[dave64o]

...
The one thing I have to say about the 5 is, once you start playing it, reserve the low notes for special times. You do not need to play a low C everytime the song moves to C.
...

...
And here's the larger point: it's common for people to think that 5 string is there to give you lower notes, but that's a mistake. The big advantage to fiver is the greater range in each fingering position. For classic rock I use the B string quite a lot... above the 5th fret!
...

Right on. While a five-stringer gives you five lower semitones to play around with, someone who's truly using a five-stringer aptly will put this element of the bass to use.

Agreed. I started playing bass about 8 years ago and have played five-stringers exclusively. And in addition to new options for positioning, a five string also gives you additional tonal options. Playing up a little higher on the finger board and on a lower string can give a heavier, beefier sound when it's warranted.

For me it's about the extra options, not about droning endlessly on those five extra notes.

 

[lowphatbass]

A 5er is not an ERB.

There's really nothing more "advanced" about playing a 5er, there are plenty of players at the top of their game, making top dollar playing 4s all the time.

This business about reserving low notes for "special times" may not be relevant in every musical context. The low B string is not just a thumb rest that allows you play in fresh, new positions higher-up on the neck to achieve different tones and cover more range easier, although to some it may be.

A couple things to consider about switching from 4 to 5:

#1-Your amp will have to work harder to produce lower notes at the same volume.

#2-You may have to spend a bit more/be a bit more discerning to find a bass with a natural sounding, useable B string.

IMHO, how one navigates these two factors when switching from 4 to 5 will effect their playing style.

 

[raybone]

Dont get rid of the 4 when you do get the 5. Switching back and forth between the 2 is pretty fun and keeps things fresh. I really like going from a 5 to 4 during practice, the illusion of speed is created for a brief moment.

The only problem I think I've seen other players have when switching from a 4 to a 5 is if they are a pick player. I think the tighter string spacing throws some people off a bit.

 

[somegeezer]

I played for about 3 years before I knew I was serious. So I bought my 5 string. If you know it's something you'll always play, go ahead. You may as well switch as soon as you can if that's what you want to play.

 

[jimmy rocket]

For the past three years I've been experimenting and have had a rotating cast of basses, but never more than 4 at a time. There has always been a 4 string Jazz and P. For a while there was a fretless, and for nearly all of that time I had a 5 string (G&L L2.5k) I loved the sound and feel of the L2500, and I used it for a few theater and gospel gigs, but just recently I traded it away for a 4 string stingray.

Why?

Because despite the accuracy of all of the above arguments for the extended range and playability of a 5 string, it didn't inspire me musically. When I sat down to play it my mind was full of technique but there was no music in my heart. I found that the 4 string basses I owned inspired me to play and to create in a way that the 5 string never did.

So, to the OP, there is no time when you NEED to switch to a 5 string bass, but you may find it to be home when you do switch. You may find that it is the instrument that inspires you to be musical and you may not, but that's part of this journey of music. Taste and see!

Incidentally, I ditched the fretless for the same reason. It inspired all sorts of technical wankery, but no music.

 

[somegeezer]

For the past three years I've been experimenting and have had a rotating cast of basses, but never more than 4 at a time. There has always been a 4 string Jazz and P. For a while there was a fretless, and for nearly all of that time I had a 5 string (G&L L2.5k) I loved the sound and feel of the L2500, and I used it for a few theater and gospel gigs, but just recently I traded it away for a 4 string stingray.

Why?

Because despite the accuracy of all of the above arguments for the extended range and playability of a 5 string, it didn't inspire me musically. When I sat down to play it my mind was full of technique but there was no music in my heart. I found that the 4 string basses I owned inspired me to play and to create in a way that the 5 string never did.

So, to the OP, there is no time when you NEED to switch to a 5 string bass, but you may find it to be home when you do switch. You may find that it is the instrument that inspires you to be musical and you may not, but that's part of this journey of music. Taste and see!

Incidentally, I ditched the fretless for the same reason. It inspired all sorts of technical wankery, but no music.

You need to stop thinking about 5 extra notes and not having frets then. Whether you play a 4 or a 5 or a fretless or even another instrument completely... Music is music. If some small difference like that can stop your imagination, you can stick to your 4 string fretted with no extra frills, but you gotta try everything once right?

 

[jimmy rocket]

You need to stop thinking about 5 extra notes and not having frets then. Whether you play a 4 or a 5 or a fretless or even another instrument completely... Music is music. If some small difference like that can stop your imagination, you can stick to your 4 string fretted with no extra frills, but you gotta try everything once right?

Yeah maybe, but perhaps I didn't express what I was meaning to with that post. It's not that I couldn't make music with the fiver or the fretless, it's just that I didn't love making music on them. It was never as natural to me.

Same thing happened when I switched from saxophone to trumpet (not an exact comparison I admit) while I could make music on either, I didn't love making music until I found the trumpet.

Apparently I'm a half step off here so I'm going to just bow out.

 

[rustindeth]

A 5er is not an ERB.

There's really nothing more "advanced" about playing a 5er, there are plenty of players at the top of their game, making top dollar playing 4s all the time.

This business about reserving low notes for "special times" may not be relevant in every musical context. The low B string is not just a thumb rest that allows you play in fresh, new positions higher-up on the neck to achieve different tones and cover more range easier, although to some it may be.

A couple things to consider about switching from 4 to 5:

#1-Your amp will have to work harder to produce lower notes at the same volume.

#2-You may have to spend a bit more/be a bit more discerning to find a bass with a natural sounding, useable B string.

IMHO, how one navigates these two factors when switching from 4 to 5 will effect their playing style.

You might also have to consider a new bass combo/cabinet to reproduce the low B string - my 4X10 bass cabinet couldn't really handle the low notes and distorted the low notes

 

[Ric5]

I just stay tuned down all the time. Even playing with standard tuned players. Why tune up and down all the time? DGCF for me, or BEAD. Some heavier strings, and it's all good.

If I played a 4 it would be DGCF all the time.

In fact why isn't DGCF the standard tuning for all 4 string basses?