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

[RaginRog]

+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

True...you have to be a very precise player, especially with the narrower string spacing. I have to work on my transition from string to string. The funny thing is, that I do this with ease when I'm not looking at the strings. I have a tendency of fumbling through the transition when I'm actually looking down at them.

 

[RaginRog]

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.

I'll accept your last piece of advice.

I've never been much of a fusion listener, and can't say I ever plan on learning how to site read. My job has a ton of technical/legal/contract reading, so the last thing I have time for is training myself to sitw read.....I'm more of a hobbiest, who's content with playing in local cover bands. I wish I had the mental energy to do so though.
Thanks!

 

[RaginRog]

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.

I know it....I've never had the patience....but am giving it a serious attempt this go around. If my band doesn't any songs that require it within the next 3 or 4 months, I may get a 4....we'll see.

Thanks!

 

[RaginRog]

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

lol...so you've tried this before?

 

[maddog]

twice even.

 

[RaginRog]

twice even.

AND.....he admitted it!

 

[keko]

Well, most of important things are already written!

I would just like to add a few reasons why I was switched to a 5 stringer after +20 years of playing bass.

1. I always play a long gigs, usually weddings and similar stuff, so singers in a band must sing 6-8 hours, and in most of the songs that we perform, band drop whole song lower for one or more tone from general harmony! So, in 70% of songs I was missing lower tones from flat E string, mostly low D or C, or between...etc. Before I was playing those tones higher on A and D string
Now, with 5 stringer I have those lower notes and that's really great!
Using it all the time!

2. 5 stringer have more massive neck, so tone of the bass is automatically better, more woody, and huge...etc.

3. Pickups on a 5 stringer sounds better too, 'cause they have larger magnets, and longer wires around pole pieces, so whole bass sounds better and firmer again!

 

[Basspro]

Your gonna love it when you get the hang of it. I remember playing my 5er at rehersal and the confused look on one of my guitarist faces.

 

[LoEnd]

Well

For me it was just a thing that I have gotten used to. My first bass (12 years ago) was a 4-banger, but shortly after that bass died is when I started my 5-string venture. I think like this.............. Its better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Plus I love the low notes on the B string.

 

[adoptedbassist]

I use only 5 string basses - I do not even have a 4 string bass. I use the low B on every song. One of our video singles called "Singed" was started with my low B 'open' (you can check it out on our myspace page). Here is my suggestion like others have given: Just play it and you will get used to it then you have more options. I got my first 5 string in 1987. It was suggested at a music store and where very rare at the time so I thought I would try it. To make a short story long, I worked at it everyday through some fustration and eventually sold all my 4 stringers because I loved it so much. I can't even comfortably play a 4 string bass now - I get lost LOL!

 

[Bass Case]

Had same feeling with my first 5 stringer. I have been playing them now for about 15 years and it would take a GORILLA ON STERIODS to take my five and place another 4 string in my hand. Relax, it's not that difficult it just takes time. I figured that I wouldn't use the B very much but I use it a lot. You could take the G string off of mine and I wouldn't miss it near as much. Trust me,if I can play one anyone can. Stay with it and good luck.

 

[Frantic Slayer]

honestly, just play.

maybe try playing everything in 5th position.

+1

I started on a 5 string so it doesn't really make a dif. to me, but I would have to say just spend time with it.

 

[thatsbassist]

Like people have said just spend time playing it. As for using the B string in songs try putting some of those low notes in instead of higher notes

 

[RaginRog]

Had same feeling with my first 5 stringer. I have been playing them now for about 15 years and it would take a GORILLA ON STERIODS to take my five and place another 4 string in my hand. Relax, it's not that difficult it just takes time. I figured that I wouldn't use the B very much but I use it a lot. You could take the G string off of mine and I wouldn't miss it near as much. Trust me,if I can play one anyone can. Stay with it and good luck.

lol...sorry man...I already replaced it with a 30th Anniversary 4 string!