Question Getting use to a 5 string bass...some suggestions?

[RaginRog]

Ok Knuckleheads....some opinions and suggestions would be appreciated.

I've recently purchased a 5 string Stingray(2nd one in 4 months-sold the last one relatively quickly) and am feeling a little anxious at the difference in feel and the B getting in the way. I bought it to have on reserve as I already have a 4 string SR, and another brand name 4 string...So what do some of you 5 string owners use your B string for? Thus far, mine has primarily played the role of one long thumb rest.

I know it'll take some time getting use to, and I generally run out of patience, but after playing for a few years now, I thought I should get one and really learn how to play it. In the past, I always strung up an extra 4 string BEAD.

Enlighten me....

 

[maddog]

honestly, just play.

maybe try playing everything in 5th position.

 

[TheAntMan]

I don't yet have a 5 string but it is in the plans for the future. I find it strange that you would get it and not already have a need for it. I find myself sometimes wanting to go lower on some songs because the tonal center is just right lower down.

Like MadDog said; just play. Try to play some of the stuff you are doing an octave lower to see how it fits in.

Good luck and don't give up

-- Ant

 

[Basspro]

As Tom already stated: "Just play it".
I remember my first 5 stringer, it was a little ackward at first, but you'll get use to it,
especially if your use to stringing your extra 4 to BEAD.

 

[shakinbacon]

I find doing scales where I think of the note in my head but force myself to use the B string helps:

B string: low C D E
E string: F G A
A string: B C D
D string: E F G
G string: A B C

and then back down
then try the same but use open strings instead of the E on the B string for example.

then try doing the same using the B string only.

For me, the position starting on the fifth fret causes me the most confusion these days, but the first position isn't a problem anymore. It just takes practice, you'll get it

 

[five7]

I just sold my 5 string stingray to barryenright and don't have one at the moment. But when I have one I like to tune the B down to an A which allows me to play two octaves with my first finger on the note on the low A and my fourth finger two frets up on the G string. It also makes it easy is easy to remember the notes as they are the same as on the regular A string.

 

[phatduckk]

sell it to Rex. that's been my solution... twice

 

[syciprider]

I practiced a lot of songs in Eb.

 

[strummer]

put away the 4-banger and just play the 5. Bring back the 4-sting when the 5 feels like home. Worked for me.

 

[DTG]

i play alot of gigs in cover bands and i always use my sr5,its very handy for on the fly key change or if the singer needs to drop done a semi tone.

it takes time but now i cant gig without it,its the bass i pratice with rehearse with and gig with every time.

i have 13 basses and my sr5 is my go to bass,i bought 3 more this year but i really dont know why i never play them outside the house.i still want to get a 5 string hss 25th and prob will....but my sr5 will still come to every gig.

oh and btw i nearly sold my sr5 a few times at the start but stick with it i am glad i did

Dave

 

[GreyDad]

Had the same problem the first time I had my SR5 - couldn't believe it was that difficult after all it was only an extra string wasn't it?

Persistence pays off though. I do use the B as a thumb rest a lot of the time which was the trick to not getting confused playing my bewildering array of "standard" 4 string bass lines. Then just drop down and use the top edge of the pick when searching for the brown notes

After playing the 5 for a long time the 4 can seem as if something is missing (doh!) but flick between them regularly and your brain soon adjusts.

Once you get used to a 5 you do wonder sometimes how you ever managed without it - some songs just need it.

Now, when you get a 6er...

 

[adouglas]

honestly, just play.

maybe try playing everything in 5th position.

+1. Play songs up the neck. A lot of lines are easier to play that way and before you know it you'll wonder how you ever got along without the B string.

I should note here that I've always used the "floating thumb" technique instead of anchoring my thumb against any particular spot on the bass, so the transition was fairly easy for me.

 

[CElton]

honestly, just play.

maybe try playing everything in 5th position.

+1...I had to cut the cord and put the 4 string away so I would not be tempted. Once you're comfortable on the 5, switching between the two should not be a problem.

 

[Grand Wazoo]

As a training tool you should attempt to practice scales from the middle neck up and then back down, only this time when you go back never go beyond the 5th fret on the E (4th) string but instead start to venture into capturing a low E for instance on the B (5th) string and so on... just let your brain understand that that fifth strings is there to provide you an anchor of notes that can be easily achieved without you having to go back to fret 1,2,3,4 on the E strings. That's all you had to do. It helps if you can read music and know where each note is on your neck.

Use this site as a good starting reference: Online Bass Lessons at StudyBass.com

 

[steve f]

I've only been playing a 5 for a short time. Overall it hasn't been a bad transition. My biggest challenge is muting the B consistently.
It's easy for it to get a little noisy and I have to stay alert to make sure I stay on top of that. I do like being able to capture the lower range without shifting position as much I love the reaction I get when I thump on that low B!
Definitely worth the extra effort.

 

[R Upsomegrub]

I've been playing an SR5 since 1993, after having played 4's for over 20 years. What helped me make the switch:

1. at the time I was listening to a lot of 5 & 6 string fusion players.

2. I learned to sight-read after I started playing a 5, which IMO helps muscle-memory.

3. As has already been stated, just play it.

 

[drTStingray]

I do use the B as a thumb rest a lot of the time which was the trick to not getting confused playing my bewildering array of "standard" 4 string bass lines

+1

First point is a problem for me - whenever I play the 5 a big challenge is to stop the B from ringing when I'm not playing it. Planting your thumb firmly on the B and E strings (rather than on the pick up or pickguard) stops this (when playing finger style). For slapping, try using the thumb of your fretting hand to extend over the top of the fretboard and just touch the B string to stop it ringing - unless you really are slapping the B string.

Second point to consider is you can play two octaves from one (and a bit) fretboard positions. I personally tend to use the 5 as a four string with the ability to play odd notes below the E.

Try learning some Stevie Wonder bass parts - a lot are in E flat, which means you can use the B string for the bottom note - Superstition, Higher Ground and I wish are all cool on a 5 because of this.

PS nice to hear from Wazoo again and also Greydad

 

[Goofball Jones]

Meh...it's 5 extra notes. What's the big deal?

Hey, has anyone gone the other way on a 5 string and string it (low to high) EADGC?

 

[RaginRog]

honestly, just play.

maybe try playing everything in 5th position.

Yeah, that's one of the responses I knew I was sure to get. I've been playing it the past couple of nights, and plan on bringing it to next band practice.

It's a great bass...love the sound, color, and feel.

I just have to be patient.

 

[RaginRog]

Meh...it's 5 extra notes. What's the big deal?

Hey, has anyone gone the other way on a 5 string and string it (low to high) EADGC?

lol...you used one of this years additions into Webster's Dictionary.....meh.

I've used it for years, but always wrote it out as 'eh