Why 5 Strings?

[RWP]

For me, it wasn't so much to get the low notes as to cut down on the shifting. Which means I can grab the neck where the frets are a bit closer together and play the same notes a 4-string would be playing - and have some higher notes available as a bonus.

This is the main reason for me also. Keeps me up further on the neck where it's more comfortable to play.

 

[Huge]

This topic again?

Did the search function break?

Play whatever you need.

 

[ibz]

They didn't need 5 strings in the 60s and the 70s for lower notes, and you don't need 5 strings now.


Well, there was that very rare Fender high C in the mid '70s....
But that's different!

Why limit yourself by sticking your head in the past?

 

[FroggyOne2]

I started playing the fiver because I didn't want to play a lot of open string lines.

Randy

 

[Woodchuck]

If you have to ask, you don't need one. Stick with the 4. When you start getting a myriad of gigs, and playing with monster keyboardists, you won't be able to get a 5 fast enough.

 

[CherryFive]

Why limit yourself by sticking your head in the past?

Apologies. I was only teasin`

 

[mobax]

To elaborate more specifically, going down low is used to get the "distorted wall of mud" sound used often today.

The low C on any of my Warwicks is as clear, clean and punchy as any other note. If you do not have the proper technique, stay away from the B string. All due respect, your elaboration is just plain horse pucky.

 

[mobax]

They didn't need 5 strings in the 60s and the 70s for lower notes, and you don't need 5 strings now. /QUOTE]

They didn't need electric basses or amplifiers in 1792.

 

[Yell03SpecV]

A quick listen to any Dream Theater album (post Images and Words) should open your mind to the realm of more than 4 strings. You don't necessarily have to be a metalhead to use that B.

 

[MM-Stingray5]

My guitarists play 7 strings (ibanez ) and it made it ideal to play with a B string!

and chery five! i bet i could play EVERYTHING you can and more.....Why 7 string guitars? why 12 string guitars? why was the bango made? nobody really knows but the fact is, its here, it sounds good, people pick them and they are not going away!

 

[Yell03SpecV]

They didn't need electric basses or amplifiers in 1792.

Yes they did -- but they were too busy crafting cheap wigs and crappy food.

 

[Mound of Sound]

Ever hear Phil Lesh drop the bomb???

 

[reptilia]

the bigger the better

 

[remo]

I like having that 5th under the notes on the E string.. for instance if I'm playing F# I can play the 5th (C#) below the root instead of above it (and pop a 5th octave in)... like:

---------------------------------------
---------------------------------------
----------------------------4----------
2-2-2----2-2-2----2-2-2-------2-2-----
-------2---------2-------2----------2--

low B ghost notes and passing notes are part of what I like playing on bass. And I love dropping down to the low D in the outro of some of our songs.. it just sounds unexpected as I don't hit it anywhere else in the song.. just sounds so HEAVY... love it..

 

[canopener]

The low C on any of my Warwicks is as clear, clean and punchy as any other note. If you do not have the proper technique, stay away from the B string. All due respect, your elaboration is just plain horse pucky.

Where's the over-your-head smiley when you need it?

 

[cassanova]

one word "depth"

 

[Roundwound]

My band plays a lot of dance-pop covers and I've found my 5'er very helpful. Several of the the bass parts on the orginal recordings go below a low E and the low B helps me replicate the low notes without detuning. For example, we play Black Horse and Cherry Tree, and playing the chorus (E-D-C) on the B string makes it sound huge and right.

 

[CherryFive]

I was teasin` with my comment that "dissed" the 5 string. My feeling is that if it works for you, great. And if you can make it sound fine, even greater.
The only shade of truth behind it (the comment) is that I personally dislike the sound of bass notes lower than E. Notes lower than low E sound too much like a "keyboard" bass, or something. It's also interesting to note that the most revolutionary bassists came from an era that did not have 5 strings; some of the most revolutionary/unique player and jazzers with god given talent; Doug Stegmeyer, Jaco Pastorious, Max Bennet, Chris Squire, Geddy Lee, etc, etc.

Now today, you have many fine players, but how many of them really push the envelope like the older guys did? There seems to be something missing in the "thoughtful" department.

Check this out; a recording of a local small-time band taped in 1975. Check out the killer walking bass lines. It's just so sensible. I melt to hear it. I wonder why anyone would need anymore than 4 strings?

Invalid Link Removed

 

[seebee]

Using a five string gives us more options. Not to say a four is limited. It's good to have options. I remember there was a period from about 1988 to '94 '95 you had to have a five if you walked into any R&B audition. That's what a lot of acts were asking for. Now you see them all 4's 5's and 6's good for us that they are all accepted.

 

[omar_basspr]

Why not?

thank you!