Why do so many 5 & 6 string players NEVER use their low B?

[Peter Murray]

Maybe someone has mentioned this... but the thing I like best about 5-string is that it gives me another option of where to play low notes. For example, playing a low G at the 8th fret on the B string instead of the 3rd fret on the E string gives you a fatter tone, AND gives you more range of movement within that hand position.
I'm a bass player, so I love a nice deep low end. A 5-string gives you more of that, even when you're not going below your low E.
The tone of a low B string CAN be flabby and undefined, but it can be flabby and undefined on a 4-string too! This may be due to anything from the pickups to your technique to the amp you're using, or problems in the design of that particular bass... but a good 5-string played well through a good rig will NOT sound flabby and undefined.

 

[Slingo63]

I use mine all the time actually, if I'm playing in the key of C,D,F or G for example, I go down to the B string to play a C or a D than up to the A string. I find it that low end rumble very satisfying lol

 

[JakobMiller]

NOTE: I am primarily a 4 string player that sometimes plays 5 string, but my 5 strings are always tuned E-A-D-G-C (no low B).

I never bonded with a low B string (I've tried). Regardless of bass, it has always sounded flabby and undefined to me. Lately I have been watching some excellent 5/6 string players, and I've been paying very close attention to how they use of their low B string.

To my surprise, a huge percentage of these players barely use the low B. It's not uncommon to see some monster players that will go the entire tune without hitting the low B string a single time. I'm confused why anyone would use a 5 or 6 string for even one tune, if they weren't going to use the B string anyway.

This is an odd, but serious question. Does anyone know why people are doing this? What am I missing? Why are guys doing this?

I don’t know if someone has already mentioned this, but to me it’s no different than a four string player never playing the G string.
I’ve played many songs where I don’t even play the D or G string.
Recently, I played a song where I only used the low B string, practically.
That being said, I really wouldn’t be interested in a one or two string bass.

 

[tazunemono]

I only use a 5, and use my low B nearly every song I play. In fact, I rarely play below the 5th fret or use open strings. I prefer playing across the fretboard rather than down it. Economy of motion and a fatter sound is also what you get. I’d never go back to a 4, it just feels weird to me now.

 

[stringbassdave]

I have never owned a bass with 5+ strings, but I've sure played a lot of charts (in musicals and so on) where the music goes below E natural. Particularly tunes in E-flat. So, I can see the reason for that low B. In my case the need hasn't been significant enough to buy a new bass and to teach my brain to adjust. But, if I had a B string, I'll bet I would use it.

Similar argument with an acoustic bass with a low C extension.

 

[tazunemono]

Certain songs in certain you can keys make good use of the B string. Other tunes, other keys - it’s not musical - you’re forcing it if you use the B string in the wrong places.

You know you can play any 12-tone note on the B String, and notes well above B0? Most times on the B string I’m playing above the 5th fret and as high as 9-12. For me it’s just a way to extent playing across the fretboard (more so than hitting rock bottom notes) and getting fatter tones vs the E string.

 

[daddymactx]

Maybe they're drunk and reverting to the four-string positioning that's imprinted in their brain stem (?)

LOL!!!!

 

[Per Ludvigsen]

NOTE: I am primarily a 4 string player that sometimes plays 5 string, but my 5 strings are always tuned E-A-D-G-C (no low B).

I never bonded with a low B string (I've tried). Regardless of bass, it has always sounded flabby and undefined to me. Lately I have been watching some excellent 5/6 string players, and I've been paying very close attention to how they use of their low B string.

To my surprise, a huge percentage of these players barely use the low B. It's not uncommon to see some monster players that will go the entire tune without hitting the low B string a single time. I'm confused why anyone would use a 5 or 6 string for even one tune, if they weren't going to use the B string anyway.

This is an odd, but serious question. Does anyone know why people are doing this? What am I missing? Why are guys doing this?

I bought a 5 str but I hardly ever use it , it's more of a just i case I might need that low B, but . My 5str ha 35" scale and my 4s has 34.then you have to strech yor fingers more but anyway it is might be easier for some to learn hard stuff on a 5 str since there is less space between strings. If you have an 34" scale 5str maybe with an thin neck . So if you have small hands/fingers, I think it might be easier to play a 5str if you leave the low B be. Did that make sence to anyone else?

 

[nautipaul]

Makes playing in Eb a lot easier. Love being able to use a low D from time to time too. Rarely go lower than that. Never used the open B.

 

[JRA]

Also addressed a dozen times in this thread. This is the problem when threads run this long. No one wants to read through a thread this long (understandably). But, without reading through a thread, the same horse gets beaten over and over again (also understandable). It's an internet forum conundrum that sadly signals the end of any useful discussion.

well, OP, i just read the entire thread and i've got to give you the "remains calm and cool" award --- i thought your inquiry was reasonable from the beginning right through to the end (or where it is as of this writing). seems like you got some grief early on (i think your 'agenda' was misinterpreted!). anyway, i found this to be entertaining enough to read the whole thing...i wanted to see/read if you would/could hang...and you have, since last thursday, no less!

great entertainment! congrats on your new 5 string instrument! (pics would be nice!) and good luck with your low B!



disclosure: jaco only needed four...

 

[micguy]

You know you can play any 12-tone note on the B String, and notes well above B0?

I know I can play the same note as my open G string (and a couple frets above that) in 5 places on the bass; I just don't think they're all musical/useful in the music I play. If I ever find a B string that's as snappy as the E string I have, I'll use it more, but I just don't like the lack of articulation when you go too high on the B string.

 

[Per Ludvigsen]

Again, it could just be a matter of personal comfort. I'm used to playing fives. Fours feel like toys in my hands (well, in my left hand at least) and I don't want to have to deal with adjusting to an instrument with that much difference. Sure, I can do it if I must but why? Unless the four string in question has a really particular sound that I can't coax out of my five then I'm just going to keep it simple and use the five.

You use what you like no matter how many strings it has. Personally I prefer 4str with D-tuner at the moment but I also have a 5str and two prec and jazz fretless. I know I don't need 3 4str but # is my first bass , the second is the same as #1 but with 14 on the end of serialnr .#1 has 12. Last year i bought a bass I've wanted for a long time but couldn't buy . I love the sound of all of them but #1 and the new one I'm going to keep no matter what . My point is you use what you're feel suits you best . There will always be "experts" telling you what to use and why. Doesn't matter, you decide what matters to you.

 

[Evil Baby Jesus]

The first issue IMO IME is that many don't really know how to control a B string. That lack of control leads them to proclaim "Floppy!" when that isn't actually the problem. If it were the string should flop regardless of who was playing it. Test that with your floppy bass, it might be eye-opening.

My 34” scale B string sounds duller than the E no matter who plays it. Not necessarily floppy physically but less bright / fewer harmonics.
I can control my B string just fine.
The dullness is less pronounced on a 35” B string, and almost gone on a 37” B string.

 

[Billybassbeater]

NOTE: I am primarily a 4 string player that sometimes plays 5 string, but my 5 strings are always tuned E-A-D-G-C (no low B).

I never bonded with a low B string (I've tried). Regardless of bass, it has always sounded flabby and undefined to me. Lately I have been watching some excellent 5/6 string players, and I've been paying very close attention to how they use of their low B string.

To my surprise, a huge percentage of these players barely use the low B. It's not uncommon to see some monster players that will go the entire tune without hitting the low B string a single time. I'm confused why anyone would use a 5 or 6 string for even one tune, if they weren't going to use the B string anyway.

This is an odd, but serious question. Does anyone know why people are doing this? What am I missing? Why are guys doing this?[

NOTE: I am primarily a 4 string player that sometimes plays 5 string, but my 5 strings are always tuned E-A-D-G-C (no low B).

I never bonded with a low B string (I've tried). Regardless of bass, it has always sounded flabby and undefined to me. Lately I have been watching some excellent 5/6 string players, and I've been paying very close attention to how they use of their low B string.

To my surprise, a huge percentage of these players barely use the low B. It's not uncommon to see some monster players that will go the entire tune without hitting the low B string a single time. I'm confused why anyone would use a 5 or 6 string for even one tune, if they weren't going to use the B string anyway.

This is an odd, but serious question. Does anyone know why people are doing this? What am I missing? Why are guys doing this?

Everybody has different styles. I use my low B all the time. I rarely go below 5th fret unless the song is written down there.

 

[Billybassbeater]

No,..but if it's a tune I don't want to use the high C, then I use a 4 string on that tune.

I'm even seeing guys that I know that have a bunch of 4 strings using basses with low B's for recording,...even though they aren't using the low B for that track?

Conversely, I'm barely seeing anyone outside of Metal using the B string with any regularity.

When 5-string basses first came along, they were to E to C.

 

[Britbonic]

I play both 4 and 5 string basses and play in a variety of playing situations but most in soul/r&b/groove zone with some jazz and rock sprinkled in.

For me the B string has 4 benefits:

1. Playing in flat keys. In Eb, you get a lower Eb, in Bb you're not restricted to playing everything close to the nut in first position
2. Timbre variety - It's great to have the option to play the note on the B string just to get a different sound just like when you change to a higher position on a 4 string.
3. Positional options for fast lines or lot's of chord changes
4. Key changes - I work with a singer who likes to sing a lot of tunes in keys very different from the recordings. Often the parts line up better on a 5 string when you move the key.

I'm at a point where I'm equally comfortable on both. I usually pick on or the other based on gig situation and frankly the bass I'm practicing on. Sometimes the 4 just seems easier but other times I really love having the B string option. In any case it doesn't get used all the time, just here and there where it makes sense. If you check out gospel players you'll find they play the B string all the time.

 

[Per Ludvigsen]

My 34” scale B string sounds duller than the E no matter who plays it. Not necessarily floppy physically but less bright / fewer harmonics.
I can control my B string just fine.
The dullness is less pronounced on a 35” B string, and almost gone on a 37” B string.

Try to go from 125 to 130 and keep the rest as is .Then it will be little tighter

 

[6thplanet]

When 5-string basses first came along, they were to E to C.

Kinda like Steve Vai when he used the 7 string guitar, having the next higher string. 7's now have the lower string.

 

[Pear54]

NOTE: I am primarily a 4 string player that sometimes plays 5 string, but my 5 strings are always tuned E-A-D-G-C (no low B).

I never bonded with a low B string (I've tried). Regardless of bass, it has always sounded flabby and undefined to me. Lately I have been watching some excellent 5/6 string players, and I've been paying very close attention to how they use of their low B string.

To my surprise, a huge percentage of these players barely use the low B. It's not uncommon to see some monster players that will go the entire tune without hitting the low B string a single time. I'm confused why anyone would use a 5 or 6 string for even one tune, if they weren't going to use the B string anyway.

This is an odd, but serious question. Does anyone know why people are doing this? What am I missing? Why are guys doing this?

Been playing 5s for about 6 years now and use the big boy a lot because 1) I like the beefier sound I get higher up the neck and 2) the B string allows me to stay in position and mitigates the stretch required for the lower frets. One drawback is that I struggle to keep the intonation true on the B string.

 

[PhillipHolbrook]

Session players using 5 string basses use the low B range very carefully at just the right time to emphasize that spot, and they are very judicious about it. They play it very sparingly because that is what makes the lowest notes stand out. If you play the low B throughout the song it becomes just another note. But used sparingly it has a major effect.