when you started playing 5 string

[Epsilon]

Not sure if this is off topic, but it seemed like a good question for this thread. I intend on switching to a 5 string from a 4 string in the very near future. Currently on my my 4 string I have a drop D tuner that I use for a lot of tunes. Can anyone that played a 4 string with a drop D tuner/or tuned down a lot, then moved to a 5 comment on how they managed the 5 string? Did you change around what you played to accomodate the low D on the B string, or did you continue for example to tune down the E string, especially for songs that use a lot of open D notes?

Thanks.

 

[GreyBeard]

I started about 15 years ago on a black Ibanez 405. I'd been already play 4 string since I was 17 (i'm now 56) I changed for the extended range and a bit more flexability. The only problem I have is when I read music. The B string kinda confuses me.

 

[eoplocust]

honestly, the first bass i ever bought ( about 2 weeks ago) was a five because i wanted to be different from the NORM (4 strings here) and also cuz i wanted the option of playing in Eb but hate detuning. also it was the only way i could play savin me by nickelback without major retuningof a 4. its kinda tricky seeing as i never played bass before (was a drummer) bbut i am getting there.

 

[jzbass6]

I played guitar for years, so when I got my first bass it was a Washburn 6 string, the transition felt natural to me for some reason even though I was told different. Two basses later I got a five string and haven't looked back since. I have trouble playing 4 stringers now and only own 1, set up as a piccolo.

 

[mcbassdude]

I went to a fiver about 10 years ago or so.
Many advantages of the 5 extra notes.
One is if you have to drop a key say from E to D for a singer you won't have to retune.
As well as songs that are done in drop tuning like RATM's "Killing in the Name" you won't have to retune.
Two, It also makes playing things around the seventh fret up easier if you have to play a low F or the like you don't have to drop down the neck to the first fret.
It won't take you long to get use to the B string and the more comfortable you get the more opportunities to utilize the lower notes will surface.

 

[eboe]

slackers who can't tune a string down. BAH! There's nothing likerocking the E string open tuned to D. beats fretting up to the D EVERY DAY. and you look cooler too.

 

[mcbassdude]

slackers who can't tune a string down. BAH! There's nothing likerocking the E string open tuned to D. beats fretting up to the D EVERY DAY. and you look cooler too.

I'll rock my open B against your open D tuning any day my friend

 

[eboe]

got no need for an open B. I like my music sounding like a tight fart thanks.

 

[Moving Pictures]

got no need for an open B. I like my music sounding like a tight fart thanks.

 

[eboe]

 

[LSDan]

i'm a bit of a 4-string purist, i'm afraid - i just love my warwick fna jazzman, and if there's a song that's in Eb then I just play the lowest one on the A or D strings... If I ever move to more strings then I will probably go for the 6 rather than 5 for the chordal and positioning opportunities...