Why a 5? Or, How Much Do You Use That Low B?

[mark beem]

I use the low B a lot. All I have now are 5 strings.

 

[Dreamsinger]

I've been playing 5's exclusively for 20 years. The economy of motion from moving across the 'board instead of up and down is one benefit plus playing in odd keys is easier. I don't go below E often but when a descending line needs to go lower it sure sound better than reaching for the octave. I stumble when I play a 4.

 

[sricks3]

For me it's less about the lower notes (though I do use them) and more about having more strings to continue scale patterns and interval playing within a single hand position.

Here's an example:
Let's say you've been walking down a bluesy pattern by moving from one string to another while keeping your 1st finger at the 7th fret. You've reached that 7th fret B on your E string, and you want to progress down to the A and F#. On a 4 string, you have to slide your hand toward the nut, but on a five string you just continue your fingering pattern down to the B string. You haven't played any notes you couldn't play on a 4 string, but you're using the B string.

Sure, it's a minor convenience, but I play with people who change the keys they want to play in at the last moment all the time, so I play based on intervals instead of absolute pitches. Combine the five added notes with the small added convenience of more space for my fingering patterns, and I say, "why not 5 strings?"

Of course, the corollary to this is, why not 6 (or more) strings? For me, it does become a matter of the range I'm playing in. Am I opposed to 6 strings? No. Would a high C be as beneficial to me (in the music that I play) as a low B? No.

 

[BurningSkies]

What about you guys that play in cover bands ? Do you still try to incorporate the low B on songs that were originally played on a 4 string ?

Very few songs need a "low B" But it turns out that there are a whole lot of other notes on that string too. If you're a cover artist and want to play whatever songs note for note, a 5 means you can play them in a different place and possibly more convenient or effectively.

 

[lokikallas]

I always end up busting out the 5 when I play with keys. They have an affinity for E flat.

 

[squidtastic]

What about you guys that play in cover bands ? Do you still try to incorporate the low B on songs that were originally played on a 4 string ?

On some songs, sure. When you're playing 3 or 4 sets, you wanna play as economically/ergonomically as possible.

 

[lokikallas]

I think it really depends on the music you're playing. For Latin styles, hip-hop, and heavy metal it's pretty much mandatory. For any sort of old school roots music (blues, R&B, classic rock, country) I personally feel it doesn't fit well. That low B just doesn't sit right with the kick drum for me. YMMV

In 20 years I have never used a 5 in a metal band, I always end up tuning down the 4 to match the guitars instead.

 

[tonedeaf]

I took me a couple of tries to switch from 4 to 5, but I play 5ers almost all the time now. Like others have already said, it's not the few extra lower notes that I need/like as much as having 2 octaves available to me anywhere my left hand is. Plus, there's no need to play open strings anymore. I use the low D fairly often, but I did that with a detuner when I was playing 4s too. Rarely go below that, but it's fun sometimes.

 

[City]

Just got in a band that tunes everything down a 1/2 step and sometimes plays it down an additional sum. Well amen for the low B. It's a wise investment if your rockin' (my opinion).

 

[Dreamsinger]

I always end up busting out the 5 when I play with keys. They have an affinity for E flat.

Exactly. And don't forget diva chick singers that *have* to be comped in a particular key.

 

[Dave Siff]

I play my 5s all the time, even on songs where I don't need the B string. I've gotten used to the bigger neck. When I pick up my 4-string now, it feels like a toy. And even if E is the lowest note in a song, I still want the option to approach it from below, or play it as a fretted note. I played 4-string tuned DGCF for years before switching to 5, and I don't see ever going back.

 

[sevdog]

Why a 5? To quote a very wise man:

"More is better than less because if there's more less stuff, then you might want to have some more. But then, your parents won't let you because there's only a little. If you really like something, you'll want more of it."

 

[banditcosmo]

Exactly. And don't forget diva chick singers that *have* to be comped in a particular key.

Yea I have that problem, our singer want to do I will Survive tuned down a half a step which really doesn't work on a 4 as it has a descending chord progression down to E. It will sound bad if I have to up to Eb on the A string.

 

[malthumb]

Interesting responses. Some use it more than others. I can see that low B string coming in handy all the way up the neck. Need to get my hands on a five to try it out.

How difficult is it going back and forth between the 5 and 4 regarding string spacing and such?

Depends on the player, but for me it has proven to be very easy. Most gigs I take a 4-string and a 5-string. If I only take one bass it's a 5-string. Only difficulty I have switching is when my BL or our singer decide to change the set list order on the fly. Not an issue if I'm holding my 5-er. Could cause a few seconds downtime if I'm holding the 4 but need the 5. As far as fingering (question I think you are asking) it's like anything else. Once you're used to it, it is what it is.

I use it often. For me a 5 string is about position, not range.
.....

Agree with every word of that!

What about you guys that play in cover bands ? Do you still try to incorporate the low B on songs that were originally played on a 4 string ?

^^^^This was the question. vvvv This would be my answer

Very few songs need a "low B" But it turns out that there are a whole lot of other notes on that string too. If you're a cover artist and want to play whatever songs note for note, a 5 means you can play them in a different place and possibly more convenient or effectively.

 

[bachlover]

I only play 5s now. I use B to D# a lot, and like having the E on the 5th fret of the B for how it sets up positionally. It's great having the option of the open E or using it on the 5th fret. The B string on an Amc. Std. P bass I was going to buy was hollow and weak. That was definitely a deal breaker for me even though the rest was great classic P tone. One of my main criteria for my guitars is how that B sounds because it gets a lot of work.

 

[Misfit Wookiee]

I'm in a power trio where the guitarist has a baritone Les Paul and I currently tune my 4 string down to B to match. Wasn't that different than tuning to learn Kyuss songs, but now I'll be looking to get a 5 string as I really miss that G.

We do a few covers, some in the regular tuning and some transposed down depending on the song and our ears. Basically (bassically?) it shouldn't be too big of a leap to go from 4 to 5. Quite frankly, I'm excited for the added range and options.

 

[millsbass5]

For me, it's gotten to the point that I much prefer a 5-string neck as opposed to my 4-string necks. And, it's kind of a shame. Because I have some really, really nice vintage 4-string basses that's missing out on a lot of playing time. I just wish all my 4-strings would keep all their great characteristics about 'em, and have a neck wide enough for a low B string. Is that too much to wish for?

 

[awilkie84]

I'm sure it's been said, but it's not just about the lower notes. It's about the options further up the neck, too. I like being able to apply my shapes that I'd use on the other 4 strings to the 5, too. It's awesome for jazz, blues & rock/country.

 

[RED J]

What about you guys that play in cover bands ? Do you still try to incorporate the low B on songs that were originally played on a 4 string ?

Sure I'll give you an example. (ancient) Running Down a Dream, Tom Petty. That C-D-E climb that the guitar solos in ...when you get to the last one, do it on the B string, and on the last note play the E on the B string and the open E together. Shoot, play all the E's you can get your fingers on if your amp can take it. Killin. People love it if the walls haven't fallen down.

 

[Greg Jones]

How difficult is it going back and forth between the 5 and 4 regarding string spacing and such?

Having just gotten my first 5 I will say switching is somewhat comical for me currently. Going from my 4 to the 5 is not bad. It's going back to the 4 from the 5... constantly hitting the A string thinking it's the E.

I'm sure I'll get over it in time. I agree with all the positives posted here ... I totally dig the 5 ...