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

[Nedmundo]

As others have said, for me it all depends on the material. My current original band plays something like classic rock, and while a few tracks benefit from the B string, I've played almost all gigs on my fours, and can just switch back and forth.

Before this, I didn't have a five, and I played in a band whose songwriter liked E flat, G sharp, etc., and a five would have been extremely useful. I got by using fours with a drop tuner because I didn't need any notes below low D, but a B string would have made some parts easier, and possibly led to creation of more interesting parts in some tracks. That experience is largely why I bought a five.

Since getting a five, I've also played two rock musicals, in which the B string has been essential.

 

[joelns]

Thanks a bunch folks. You've helped a lot. Sounds like a 5 might be wise if I can find one I like the feel of.

 

[chris_b]

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 ?

Of course.

I also use my 5er on songs that were originally recorded on double bass.

 

[Humbled]

After playing four for 35+ years I bought a G&L USA L2500, my first five-string.

If all my basses disappeared tomorrow, the L2500 is the one I would replace first.

For me, about 10% of the B string is about those five lower notes. 90% of it is having almost two octaves of range within the space of four frets, and that changed the way I play ...for the better.

It took a few weeks to get used to it, but now I barely notice a difference between how a five "feels" versus a four. The four is just functionally more limiting.

 

[Sav'nBass]

I prefer 5s and I use the B all the time... Sometimes the open B but often anywhere in between.. It took me a whilke to adjust but I was also readjusting to playing period after a long break.. For me 5s are the norm...

 

[BackonBass13]

I use my low B ALL THE TIME.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

As many have said - I rarely go below E, but I use the string quite a bit for playing forms across the fretboard, rather than up and down the fretboard.

 

[BboogieXVII]

I'm just a bass hobbyist, so take it for what it's worth. I have one five stringer. I find that it's not musical to hang around down in the basement for too long but yes it's nice to tag a low D or something even lower every now and then as a way to accentuate the bass part a bit but it could start to sound pretty muddy and unclear if riffing or trying to get too fancy. Hit the low note then move on up to keep it sounding like a line, not an elephant parade.

Get a fiver, as others mentioned; even if you don't use the notes below E too often it does add a lot of flexibility as far as fingerings are concerned.

 

[Geri O]

There's only 3 5-strings I'm familiar with, but I'll pass on what I've observed.

I have a Music Man Stingray 5, a Precision 5, and a fretless Jazz 5, which see very little use.

The Fender's neck is a little wider than the Music Man. Since the Music Man is my main instrument, the Precision is a little tiring at first to my short fingers. But if I see an opportunity that the Precision is suited for, I'll practice with it for a couple of days (2-3 hours a day) before the date. It's not a big difference between the two, if I get accustomed to the Precision. But the Music Man's neck feels so good, I have to admit.

I'm in a church worship band, a funk band, and my latest project is with a songwriter who is along the Springsteen/Seger/Mellencamp vein. I'm hope to use the Precision with the latter. In each case, the director and/or band guys love the sound of the B string.

 

[JimmyM]

I have a 5 I bought in 1991, and I've used it on one gig in the last 10 years. I found myself shoehorning in the low notes just because they were there, and I didn't like it. But I keep it and practice on it semi-regularly just in case I get that call where only a 5 will do.

 

[bass nitro]

Nothing wrong with 5's.It is not only about these low notes but save movements and muscles fatigue if you dig in enough time around G,F and etc frets.
Many peoples become disappointed with fiver's because of the crap bass itself,bad strings,setup and etc.

 

[QweziRider]

I'm thinking it opens up a fair bit of flexibility with voicing, inversions, and such.

That, right there. I use the B string a hell of a lot, but not so often for anything below low E.

 

[Noot]

I used to play in metal bands where I rode the B string all the time. Now I play classic rock or classic rock - influenced music, so I use it for accents to emphasize the corresponding octave note above E.
Even if you play classic rock you find it useful from time to time, like on Led Zeppelin's No Quarter or Pink Floyd's Another Brick in the Wall.
Oh, and I hate to de-tune so I'd rather have a standard 5-string than to de-tune a 4-string.

 

[SGbassist]

I started playing 5 when I got carvin SB and I didn't look back. Most of the material I play now is written in Nashville number charts. So I just leave my hand in a single position throughout a single key. Hence having the low B allows me to get to close to 2 octaves in a single position. Particularly useful when I play in the key of ard G# and I wanna hit the lower fifth.

 

[lomo]

Agree with above. I use the lowest 4 notes sparingly/rarely, but I live in 5th position a lot and enjoy the very wide range across the board as opposed to up and down it. Playing in Eb is a joy

 

[Luke575443]

I've had a lot of 4's recently switched to a five, as people are saying the low B is a good rest but it is awesome to have more recently I have it in AEADG, I find I use it all the time, particuarly in my bands orginals. Its particuarly handy because we switch from EADGBE to DADGBE quite often, I no longer need to bring a second base/tune on stage part way through sets

 

[Gab124]

I just like the tone of a 5 string more, plus the versatility and I never have to down tune. Much better for modern country as well. I use the lower 5 notes a lot, especially the low D - makes a great accent here and there. I have the floating thumb technique though so does not make so much of a thumb rest at all.

 

[Thornton Davis]

5's all the way baby! My 4 string basses rarely see the light of day. I love the tonal spectrum and notation range that a 5 string provides.

TD

 

[frankieC]

My go to bass is still a 4 string. I have two 5 strings, and bring one to every gig. I use a 5 when the number requires it, or when it makes the bass line easier to play. I still prefer 4 strings, though.

 

[Stevorebob]

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

+1