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

[IngerAlb]

I've played 4ers for more than 10 years. I hated 5ers. I play metal (exclusively). So at some point that low B became a necessity - but I fought against it all the way (after so much time on 4ers that extra string felt weird and confused me a bit, heh). Fast-forward 2 years: the transition from 4ers to 5ers was complete. Now I have 6 basses - all 5ers. There was no point going back once I've finally adjusted to the dimensions of a 5 strings neck. On the other hand I'm playing only Ibbys SR and that helps a lot 'cause the neck is still very slim (for a 5er).

So regarding your question: it depends on what type of music you play (whether you stick to one genre or not), how fast you can adapt to new things & your playing style. Ppl have managed to play ajust about anything on 4 strings for decades. You don't have to get a 5er, but playing one opens a lot of possibilities. If you do decide to make this step, give it time. You might feel at home using a 5er or you may initially hate it (as I did) - just let it sit and try cope with it for a while before making the final decision (stick to 4ers or go 5ers ... or more) Have fun

 

[SteveC]

With the exception of a year of so where I made myself play a 4 string for a change/experiment, I've been playing a 5 string bass for a 10+ years. For me, it has become the "standard" and while I enjoy messing around on a 4 string now and again, my comfort zone is a 5 and I am trying to learn to just accept that and quit with all the experiments. I make judicial use of the notes below E, and enjoy the options for fingering and positions.

 

[Fuzzbass]

I'm planning to order another bass before the year is out. I currently have a 4 string and have been playing 4's for many years. I do not own a 5. However, I'm thinking about making that next bass a 5.

For those of you that made the switch from a 4 to a 5, how much do you use that low B string? I assume you just worked it in to your normal playing. I'm thinking it opens up a fair bit of flexibility with voicing, inversions, and such.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

In short: I played 4 string exclusively for 20 years. Back in Y2K I decided to try 5 string. Within a year I realized that 5 string was the perfect for me. I no longer own any four strings.

In long: I had put Hipshot Xtenders on all of my fours to reach low notes (the Xtender is a great device when properly set up, and you get used to transposing that low string). Still, I wanted to try five and eventually did. Once I got used to it, I realized the biggest advantage to five string wasn't just having a little bit of extra range below low E, it was the ability to play vertically: you get a full 2 octave range in each fingering position. With my classic rock bands I use the B string frequently even when I never go below low E. Plus, the range helps: you get more 'wiggle room' when playing in jazz keys (Eb, Bb, Ab), it's fun to walk up to low E or down to low D. And it's indispensable for me because so many modern bass lines travel below low E: not just in hard rock, but in blues, country, and pop (especially synth/dance pop). To me five is perfect, much better than detuned four.

P.S. I could play six string if I wanted greater range, but I don't. Also, I wouldn't want to deal with a wider neck or narrower string spacing. Finally, I've never heard a C string I've liked, even on the spendiest boutiques: too thin to my ears.

 

[Larry V]

Just wanted to say that I've really enjoyed this thread. I just picked up a 5 because I thought it'd be cool to have the ability to go low and for many of the previously stated reasons. Every night when I pick up my 4 or my 5, I feel like I'm "cheating" on my other bass. Silly, I know, but I try to split time with them so neither feels neglected.

 

[lomo]

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 ?

Yes, often. My favorite example is Proud Mary. The signature riff ends on a D, and there was no low D available on the original recording, but going to low D on a 5 string bass is a huge improvement in the sound of the entire band IMHE. I will also occasionally use it for variability/emphasis or to make a tune sound heavier. For eg when playing the Doors Love Me 2 Times, I'll play the E octaves on the A and G strings for most of the tune, but when the lead guitarist has his fun I come down and play the same supportive octaves on the B and A strings. Try playing Come Together and do the riff starting on low D

Of course, if your cover band's mission is a note for note reproduction none of this flies. That's not how I/we play. We play tunes to be accurate enough to be easily recognized, but always make them our own. YMMV.

 

[Steve Dallman]

I used a Hipshot D tuner through the 80's and when I found myself leaving it on D most of the time, I figured it was time to try a 5. In 1988 I bought my first 5 and it was like coming home. The only time I use a 4 is for giving bass lessons. Playing a 4 feels like I have a finger missing.

Besides the obvious lower added notes, and two octave positioning, I play in a band that plays more obscure old blues and roots rock. As we decide on the key to match our aging voices, we shift keys down a lot. Easy on a 5 while on a 4 would too often shift the bass line up an octave where it just doesn't sound right. If I have to ride the low notes too often, I'll switch to the 8 or 12 string model in my Line 6 bass and cover the lows with an octave above.

I can't imagine going back to a 4 string. It would be like taking the low E string off my guitars.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

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

You might be surprised how much it is used in Country these days.

 

[BassPlayaCisco]

I love my 5 string because I am a position player. I prefer playing across the neck versus playing up and down the neck. The B string gives me that ability. Therefore I'm using my B string all the time. My Carvin BB75 is tuned
1/2 step lower than standard tuning. I use this bass exclusively for gospel music. This allows me to compete with the keyboard lows.

 

[Stevorebob]

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 ?

Yes. A 5-string simply provides more options.

 

[awilkie84]

Just wanted to say that I've really enjoyed this thread. I just picked up a 5 because I thought it'd be cool to have the ability to go low and for many of the previously stated reasons. Every night when I pick up my 4 or my 5, I feel like I'm "cheating" on my other bass. Silly, I know, but I try to split time with them so neither feels neglected.

View attachment 410885

Oh my...that is beautiful...

 

[Fuzzbass]

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 ?

Absolutely. I usually do this without adding notes below low E. I play many songs starting on the B string rather than the E ... five frets up the neck, of course.

On that note, here's a great example of 5 string making life easier: my R&B band plays Aretha's "Respect" in Bb instead of C. So, transposed down, the verse bounces between Eb and F instead of F and G. It's nice to do Eb-F on the B string. To me it's a better solution than detuning a four, especially with all the other benefits of fiver.

Another cool thing to do (even with vintage covers) is add a sub-octave note for emphasis. That does not mean hammering the B string. What I'll often do is lightly play the sub octave along with the original note. If you're subtle and pick your spots wisely, it can sound great. That said, there are some songs that benefit from less subtlety: the outro solo to "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd can sound awesome with a loud'n'proud low B thrown in. I play it in a trio, so essentially it functions as synth bass.

Sure, overuse of sub-E notes is a sin, but that's the fault of the player, not the instrument!

You might be surprised how much it is used in Country these days.

Yep, sub-E lines are common in modern country... also modern blues... and modern pop. Especially dance pop with synth bass! Imagine that: a bassist stealing a keyboard player's job for a change.

 

[TomB]

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

Interesting question. It seemed an important skill to me given the range of stuff I do, so I worked at it. With enough practice it's now effortless to switch back and forth. I wish I had more call for a five, lately.

 

[lindseyp]

I'm planning to order another bass before the year is out. ..., how much do you use that low B string? ...

All the time, great for turnarounds. Especially for the style of Praise and Worship we play. Even with the REAL Hammond B3 (which goes down to C1 on the floorpedals) I have one more note than he does and my basses still cut through without being obnoxious. I have only one 4-string, it stays in the shed.

 

[Baird6869]

Try playing Come Together and do the riff starting on low D

Funny enough, I did this tonight.

We play a pretty heavy version, but playing this song low starting on the 3rd position on the B sounds amazing IMO. The rest of the riff sounds even better as you don't get lost in the mix with you slide up. Also, the chorus sounds killer when you play it on the E string vs. In the higher register.

I personally play 5ers these days over 90% of the time. Even if I don't use the B for an entire song, it is still there if I want it during a guitar solo or for an ending. It also helps a bassist learn the fretboard much better as all of those DCG type patterns and 1-4-5 blues tunes can easily be played higher up on the B. Blues in E is also much easier for most that want to play closed position patterns.

A B string even makes a great thumb rest when not in use.

 

[somegeezer]

Probably as important as my E would be on a 4 string.

Hard to really know exactly how much that is, as I use all of the strings quite often with arpeggios and melodies. I'm not a soloing kinda guy at all though.
and I'd love to move up to 6 strings, but probably wouldn't go as far as a 7, unless I started using some new techniques like two handed stuff, going at it like a pianist.

 

[Funky Ghost]

I started on a 4 and played that exclusively until I stopped playing for a decade. When I started back up I got a 5er and now wouldn't go back. I have fours but I really don't like not having the fat bottom end to go to when I'm feeling nasty and growly. It's just another tool in my belt that I notice when it's gone. When I find a fiver with the tone to replace my last 4 banger it's gone too. ( doesn't seem likely it's been 5 years and I still have it! )

 

[Revolver]

As some have said here, the type of music and economy of motion play a large part. I personally prefer 4's (with a D-tuner, even better). I also enjoy the challenge of jumping up an down the neck on 4 because you really have to focus more than when you're just going 'linear' (with 5+ basses). . . However, I've played a couple of 5-ers with a high C and that was very interesting.

Horses for courses . . .

 

[bassbenj]

I used a Hipshot D tuner through the 80's and when I found myself leaving it on D most of the time, I figured it was time to try a 5. In 1988 I bought my first 5 and it was like coming home. The only time I use a 4 is for giving bass lessons. Playing a 4 feels like I have a finger missing.

Besides the obvious lower added notes, and two octave positioning, I play in a band that plays more obscure old blues and roots rock. As we decide on the key to match our aging voices, we shift keys down a lot. Easy on a 5 while on a 4 would too often shift the bass line up an octave where it just doesn't sound right. If I have to ride the low notes too often, I'll switch to the 8 or 12 string model in my Line 6 bass and cover the lows with an octave above.

I can't imagine going back to a 4 string. It would be like taking the low E string off my guitars.

This is breath of fresh air! The usual thing here is someone who tried a 5er (usually for not very long) and then got a 4 banger and raves about "coming home". I started on Piano and playing 4 string to me was always a puzzle how an instrument called a "bass" was missing all those low notes which was especially obvious in horn keys (Eb etc.) and when you had to take the low note up an octave which never worked right IMHO. So for me trying a 5er was like wanting to yell: "someone finally built an instrument that is a BASS!"

Point is that a 5er gives you a few things. First is what noobs think it's all about which is a couple of extra low notes. An important feature but not used all that much. But important when you need it!

Another feature is the cross neck scales. This is an important feature used all the time and tends to deal with patterns on higher frets.

And as mentioned that feature leads to ease of transposition which is also a very useful feature.

The downside of all this is that there is an extra string to mute. Muting on a 4 banger is virtually automatic. When you get more strings it's not. But the good news is that if you only have 5 strings, if you use the B string for a thumbrest, it supplies the missing damping without any big effort.

So for me too 5 stringers are like coming home, and in spite of playing 4s for who knows how many years, now I only play them when forced such as with my 8 stringer (doubled) or if a 4 string is the only house bass for me to play.

 

[fnordlyone]

I'm convinced that my 5 string has 5 lower notes. I know of no other bridge to nut thumb rest. Also I like the closer spacing between strings and.. of course, that thick b sounds better fretted sometimes than the E stings same note.
just gas up and buy one,
fnord!

 

[Fuzzbass]

So for me too 5 stringers are like coming home, and in spite of playing 4s for who knows how many years,

I started playing in the mid 70's. Fivers didn't become a realistic option for another 10 years plus. I was curious but also a little afraid to change. I waited until Y2K to try five string.

Long story short: once I got accustomed to five**, I realized it WAS like coming home. I did a facepalm for being too timid to try them over a decade earlier.

As always: they're perfect for me. I'd never say everyone should feel the same... however if you are curious about five, you shouldn't be timid as I was. If possible, give one a fair try to see if it works for you.


**After playing four for over 20 years it took me a few weeks to get comfortable on five... maybe I'm slow. I stuck with it because I realized that there were more advantages than the extra few notes below low E.