Question for 5-String Players

[backagain1]

I find myself spending most of my time playing in the range of the 8th thru 14th frets. I very rarely play below the 5th fret and only play open strings maybe one out of 100 notes. I find the tone of the thicker strings at the higher frets more pleasing than thinner strings played at the lower frets.

Am I wierd? Am I just going through a phase? Where do you spend most of your time on the fretboard?

Thanks for your input.

backagain1

 

[Kristopher]

If you enjoy the tone of the thicker strings on the higher frets, then you may enjoy playing those low E's, F's and G's on the higher frets of that B string instead of the lower frets on the E string.

I dabble on the 5 string, and one habit I'm trying to break is only using the low B string for notes below E.

 

[maddog]

My shoulder hurts at times from playing sousaphone all those years. I one point, I was experimenting with a 5'er using the 6th fret as the 1st position. I liked the tone, it helped with the shoulder but never gave it a chance to like the feel of the neck. If you like it, it is the only thing that matters.

 

[jaylegroove]

Several bass players, friends of mine, also switched to 5 for that reason : having a thicker tone by using more B/E than E/A, basically. They also find it to be more comfortable to play.

I kind of agree with these points of view, and now, depending on the bass part, on the feeling on the moment, I happen to play that way too.

 

[backagain1]

If you enjoy the tone of the thicker strings on the higher frets, then you may enjoy playing those low E's, F's and G's on the higher frets of that B string instead of the lower frets on the E string.

I dabble on the 5 string, and one habit I'm trying to break is only using the low B string for notes below E.

Yes, I do play the low E's, F's, G's, and even A's, B's, and sometimes even C's, and D's on the low B string.

I hardly ever play the first (G) or second (D) strings below the 12th fret.

Do you think I need to expand my horizon?

Best wishes,

backagain1

 

[adouglas]

I play all over the neck depending on the song...The back of the Bongo neck wears to a gloss finish with use, and mine's shiny over its entire length.

I think you should do what you feel comfortable with. If that means avoiding parts of the fretboard, then go right ahead. As long as you can play what you need to play, there's nothing wrong with that.

But what if you run into a song that just works better in those "off limits" areas? If you've got hesitation in the back of your mind about using the whole neck, you'll tend to avoid those parts of the fretboard out of habit.

When I'm playing, ergonomics and muscle memory are more important to me than some slight variation in tone. Since I'm a small guy (5'7" on a good day, with proporionately short arms), playing down in first position is less comfortable than playing up the neck. Doesn't stop me from doing it, though.

I did, however, try to avoid the G string on my last bass because it was WAY thin and wimpy sounding compared to the D. But the Bongo sounds great everywhere.

 

[stretch80]

NO, you're not crazy.

That is a key advantage of a 5 string - you can play in that 5th-10th fret position with thicker strings and a more bassy sound. I use it a lot.

The open strings and lower positions also have their own charm - great definition, and cool stuff you can do more easily with open strings. Look for songs where that sound and position work for you, and you'll have even more options.

 

[strummer]

I find myself spending most of my time playing in the range of the 8th thru 14th frets. I very rarely play below the 5th fret and only play open strings maybe one out of 100 notes. I find the tone of the thicker strings at the higher frets more pleasing than thinner strings played at the lower frets.

Am I wierd? Am I just going through a phase? Where do you spend most of your time on the fretboard?

Thanks for your input.

backagain1

I'm all over the fretboard
But you are not weird, there's a lot to be said for positions above the 5'th.
Except if you are Jack, of course

 

[tkarter]

With me it all depends on the song. I still play some like I would on a 4 stringer open strings and all.

I don't believe my bongo will get fret wear above the 20th fret in my lifetime.

You coming to the desert? Will let you know if you are crazy or not then if you are.



tk

 

[backagain1]

You coming to the desert? Will let you know if you are crazy or not then if you are.
tk

No, it sounds like fun, but I won't be able to make it.

Best wishes,

backagain1

 

[tkarter]

No, it sounds like fun, but I won't be able to make it.

Best wishes,

backagain1

There will probably be others. Do all you can to get to one. Will see you next time.

Play the 5 string however you do that doesn't get ya kicked out of the band. They do work that way.

An upright is the only 4 string bass I have now. The 5'ers work so well with the killer EB B string.

tk

 

[oli@bass]

I observed that I do play differently on 4 and 5 string basses.

On the 4 it's more across many frets on the same string.

On the 5 it's more across the strings at the same frets.

 

[backagain1]

... The 5'ers work so well with the killer EB B string.

tk

I agree. Although I'm using the Regular Slinkys now, I use the Power Slinkys from time to time. Talk about a killer EB B string ... that fat Power Slinkys 5th string is a killer!!!

Best wishes,

backagain1

 

[backagain1]

I observed that I do play differently on 4 and 5 string basses.

On the 4 it's more across many frets on the same string.

On the 5 it's more across the strings at the same frets.

When I got my Stingray 5 (my first EB bass), I sold my 4 string. I can't ever see going back to a 4 string. I'll never go back to a non-EB bass!

I seem to go up and down the neck, while staying on the bottom 2 or 3 strings.

Best wishes,

backagain1

 

[backagain1]

... I did, however, try to avoid the G string on my last bass because it was WAY thin and wimpy sounding compared to the D. But the Bongo sounds great everywhere.

Interesting ... I've never tried a Bongo, but the concept of a fat-sounding G string is intriguing.

Best wishes,

backagain1

 

[adouglas]

Interesting ... I've never tried a Bongo, but the concept of a fat-sounding G string is intriguing.

Best wishes,

backagain1

Just doing my job.

 

[oli@bass]

Just doing my job.

which is... to scare people away?!

 

[MingusBASS]

If that doesn't do it, the picture with the turkey leg will.