I was primarily a guitarist who is getting more serious about bass. I am old enough to remember when there were only 4 string basses. I have a bass (4 string) but will be getting a better one, and my question is, is it better to play on a 5 (or 6) string bass than a 4 string, or is 4 string still the way to go? I'm curious about what difference it makes to players and when you shop which one you prefer and why.
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4 string or 5 (or 6)
- Thread starter Rorrb
- Start date
It depends on your goals in music.
I like a six because I can play across the fretboard instead of having to shift up to get a note.
I also can tap a full scale on three lower strings and three higher and remain separate.
I can also flesh out chords progressions above the twelfth fret without having to buy a guitar.
I like a six because I can play across the fretboard instead of having to shift up to get a note.
I also can tap a full scale on three lower strings and three higher and remain separate.
I can also flesh out chords progressions above the twelfth fret without having to buy a guitar.
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That makes a lot of sense; very helpful - thanks.
I started on 4, played 5 for a long time, now playing mostly 6.
If I were to do it again I start with 6.
I also played guitar before bass.
If I were to do it again I start with 6.
I also played guitar before bass.
40 years into playing, I've spent most of my time on a 4. Only recently, playing ampless gigs with the decent PA's I get to play through, has it made any sense to have a 5 - I had one 38ish years ago, and the bass amp rigs of that day (still pretty much true today) just didn't do the B string justice. To make effective use of a 6, you're into pretty special territory - Jazz gigs or the like. I haven't played gigs where that would be useful - at least not so far. Maybe in the next 40 years....
I love a 6 for the options it opens up. But sometimes, I just like to "grip it and rip it" on a 4. Never seriously played a 5--I prefer the extremes.
As a player who also started on guitar, I now mostly play 5 strings strung E - C, as the additional high string allows for chording to play rhythm as well as bass.
3 years ago I was exactly where you are at now. Bass is addictive. Fast forward, I have become very serious about bass, to the point where I'd rather do a bass gig than a guitar gig. I've also, in addition to my 4 string, now have 3-5 strings and a sixer. [See bad photo below].
As you can see, I have *some* experience with a 6. You're right, as it does have some specialized territory. But I've never had the urge to gig it. I've just become a 5 string guy. Don't ask why I have 3 of them. It's a long story with no reasonably logical answer.
In the end you have to do what makes you happy.
Gearhead17
Supporting Member
I started with a 5 and still play 5's. I like the lower notes and love metal. Plus, I can play anything written on a 4 on my 5 without issue. I always felt a 4 was too limiting. And 19 years ago, a 5 string seemed more cutting edge. I am glad I went that way! In the end, pick up a 4 string and a 5 string get the one you like. If you have specific bass ideas for the 6 string, that's another great route to go. It's really about what makes you comfortable.
I like a 5-string for the ease of transposing (i.e. you can play your line with the same pattern, just moved up or down strings and positions, crucial when working with singers!) and the ability to reduce the number of position shifts. IMO these are the primary advantages of a 5-string or 6-string. The high C string on the 6-string also gets you into the higher register without moving up the neck.
The modest range extension is nice to have, but not the main attraction, IMO, at least not to me.
The only real disadvantages to my mind are weight and string spacing. I'm not a great slap player, but I'm even worse on my 5-string. I'm also not a fan of the super wide fingerboards on 6-string basses, but I'm sure you get used to it.
Mostly I just play my 4-string DB, but I'm really glad to have a 5-string in the BG stable.
The modest range extension is nice to have, but not the main attraction, IMO, at least not to me.
The only real disadvantages to my mind are weight and string spacing. I'm not a great slap player, but I'm even worse on my 5-string. I'm also not a fan of the super wide fingerboards on 6-string basses, but I'm sure you get used to it.
Mostly I just play my 4-string DB, but I'm really glad to have a 5-string in the BG stable.
I was a guitar player for 25 years, just switched to bass full time last fall. About a month or so in, I went for a 4 string fretless. It broke me of all the “guitarist playing bass” tendencies. It also turned out to be the instrument I’d been looking for my entire life.
Not saying you should get a fretless, or anything else, but rather don’t be afraid to go with something totally different.
Not saying you should get a fretless, or anything else, but rather don’t be afraid to go with something totally different.
Started on a 4 when 5 string meant less frets and a high B string. And the one they had in the shop sat there gathering dust for years. I, and all the other bassists, learnt to say what we wanted to on four strings. After a couple of decades I got a five string for the low notes and loved it.
Lately I've restrung the 4 BEAD in anticipation of a somewhat keyboard driven punk gig. I'm really liking this. Never been much on solos. Prefer to stay out the way for a cleaner overall sound. Invert a few lines and it's like I've been doing this all my life.
Starting to think about selling the 5s.
Lately I've restrung the 4 BEAD in anticipation of a somewhat keyboard driven punk gig. I'm really liking this. Never been much on solos. Prefer to stay out the way for a cleaner overall sound. Invert a few lines and it's like I've been doing this all my life.
Starting to think about selling the 5s.
Haven't had a pickguard in decades. Never had a tort. Plan to keep it that way.
3 octave neck on a 12 string? You'd pretty much be playing to your dog.
And dogs don't deserve music?
This is humorous but also demonstrates the best answer to the question. Ergonomics, weight, and simplicity versus positional playing and options.
It doesn't matter. You can't reach them anyway. The cutaway is not deep enough. Plus it is string backwards--some bozo.
And lefties don't deserve music?
I got to say tho. Unplayable basses. Undrivable cars. And I don't even know what a throwaway society would look like.
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