I get asked a LOT about the whole "should I play a 5 string bass thing?"...
And I get it... because I used to wonder the same thing.
Should I?...
... Shouldn't I?
So in this bass lesson I'm going to share 5 reasons why you SHOULDN'T play a 5 string bass.
And they're probably not what you might thing ;)
As always, see you in the shed...
Scott :)
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5 reasons to play a 5 string: - big boy low notes - big boy lower notes - big - cool sounds cool - makes you brain shakeshake
6-Big bass=Big PP, small bass= small PP
@@gbmarescaj311 Five string are for CHEATERS, great bassists ONLY NEED 4 STRINGS (image of davie playing a 24 string)
@@joaohenriquesilvarafael1659 69 lmao strings bass
@@joaohenriquesilvarafael1659 I wonder if davie hates 5 strings for the same reason I do. My thumbs are huge and I have yet to figure out a way to not hit 2 strings at the same time while slapping because the stupid strings are too close.
42069 strings is better
Reasons to play a 5 string bass: It's the only one at my parents' house.
Your parents have a five string bass, okay cool!
Reasons to play a 5 string bass: I had to buy mine and it has 4 so... no reasons tho...
hahaha
The only reason i want a 5 string is because most of the songs i like use 5 string bass.
I started playing (4-string) bass in 1971. I added a 5-string bass at the beginning of 2006. My only problem was a BIG problem - at first I often started any given song on the wrong string. After 35 years of the top string being the E string, I had to get adjusted to the fact that the E string was now the second string, or that the A string was now the third string, etc. Once I found the correct string at the beginning of each song, I was good for the rest of the song. But, it took about a year of regular playing and making a mental note at the beginning of each and every song to make that transition successfully. I eventually got to the place where I could comfortably switch between 4 and 5 string basses with very minimal disruption. That one issue challenged me much more than I expected.
Mark I could not agree more. We both began bass at the same time. I'm still at it. I grabbed a 5 string recently and, yes, about a year is what I estimated it would take me to become cozy with a 5 string neck. And where to find my notes without having to watch my left hand constantly.
I started on a 5 string and kept it tuned down to A standard for years but had a similar issue when I switched to a 6 string, immediately restrung and tuned down to F#. My muscle memory was confused for about a year.
Same story for me, Mark! I got a 5-string in the mid-90s as some clients were requiring it, and I never could properly adjust to that weird top string! I'd pull it out and play it on the songs where it was needed, and got back to my 4-strings as soon as possible. The comfort level was palpable! I see it as more of an effect - I have basses set-up for clean play (my usual), and some set for sloppy buzzy play, and the 5-string is just another effect for me. After playing 4 for 25 years, it was just an annoyance to add that 5th - doable, but not lovable.
Same :)
I love the added low end, but I have the same issue. I find I have to really concentrate on what I’m doing because the moment I go to hit the low E I invariably hit the low B if I’m not paying attention to what I’m doing.
whew, good thing I bought a 6 string instead of a 5 string. One of the biggest things I like having a low B for is the smoother tone. Playing higher notes on the lower strings gives you that well-rounded, deep tone perfect for hip hop and you can instantly switch back to the higher strings if you want more attack and clarity for double stops and such.
I used to play with a hip hop band too and that low B can mimic an 808 hit pretty effectively when the DJ is doing breakbeats or whatever.
exactly
Lmao!! Good one!
A very under appreciated point in general in my opinion. Our hand positions shouldn't be driven solely but how we can play it easiest/fastest but by what kind of tone the song/phrase requires.
This. 5 string players know its all about intonation.
so the 5 reasons why you should play 5 string: 1. Lower notes 2. Lower notes 3. More efficient shifting 4. Lower notes 5. Lower notes
LOL, pretty much.
Fatter tone
6. i like to sound like shit the shifting example highlights how crappy the B string always sounds in comparison to doing it right with only 4.
@@shaft9000 Sounds like someone can't make the adjustment to a 5th string...
@@yvngpushh6027 sounds like someone who hasn't had a five string for over 2 days
I should play a 5 string bass because of the depth it adds. I shouldn’t play a 5 string bass because I actually have no depth and suck lol
You have more depth than those who don't realize that.
Lol
Gotta have that low b.......
Ron Platt I agree. I’m just too used to playing a 4 string and I sometimes forget my “depth” options with a 5 string. I’m actually a guitarist so thats probably why I cant retain the bass skills! Basic talent!
I can relate, 4 strings are too many for me....
Damn, who would imagine Johnny Sins was a killer bass player!
He’s the ultimate jack of all trades
who?
@@mopsydaisy your dad
@chris storrier i think you replied to the wrong comment
@chris storrier iight but that has nothing to do with the comment you replied to
I got a 5-string because I'm in my 60s and it easier to play some songs that hurt more on a 4-string. I can move down on the fret board and as a result move my left fret hand less. When you get arthritis and joint stiffness, you appreciate not having to move as much.
I've been playing bass for decades. Now thinking of buying a 5 string fretless bass. So hard to find a 5SFB at a good price.
I'm surely grateful I learned to stretch and exercise my hands at a young age. I am a tick over 66 and my hands haven't begun to suffer, YET, bass playing-wise. Real glad the 5 offered you a solution. Keep up your playing.
@@greenNRGinit Don't buy a 5SFB, de-fret a cheap fretted 5 string then fill the fret slots with wood filler and gently sand down with 220 or preferably 440 paper. Get a really cheap one so you really don't care if you f88k up. I picked a trash jazz bass up at a car boot for £20 so it really didn't matter, as the tuners, pick-ups and bridge were worth more than that. Worked for me.
@@kevinallen4743 hey KA, I bought a 4 string EBO. Plays and feels like the one I played 50 years ago 😀👍🏼.
I just bought a ibanez sr305e very grateful to expand to a 5 string I'm going to be 44 July 8 2023 I love playing bass I say always learning every day is a learning experience
Title: "why you shouldn't play a 5 string" Scott:Proceeds to jam out on a 5 string
I believe they call it "clickbait"... =)
If you won't jam, don't scam!!!
Exactly 🤣 Its like don't play a 5 string its awesome but.. like any other bass. Dont olay a rickenbacker. Its amazing but. Lol
Th
This is not click bait. There are people who play and the 4 to 5 string transition problems are real. I'm glad this guy is giving advice on how to approach it.
3 more reasons to play 5 string basses 1.If you like synth bass tones 2.If you like metal music 3.If you want to experiment more
Yep, if you wanna play blue monday by new order, you will need a 5 string because the bass basically follows the synth with octaves
@@DannyBoi2112 New Order, yasss
@@anniedarkhorse6791 Most synth lines incorporate those low notes. They can be achived either with an octave pedal or a 5th string. The 5th string has a different timbre than the octace pedal that can be useful in emulating some synth lines. Also since i wrote this comment i discovered the source audio c4 synth pedal which does marvels when it comes to making your bass sounding like a synth( and it even allows you to control synth oscillators through your bass signal.) I definately reccomend it.
@@anniedarkhorse6791 You are welcome. And welcome to the world of making electronic music with live instruments. It really is amazing
I don't agree about 5 string in metal. If in your bass lines you play only root notes in standart tuning, 5 string isn't a nessesary. Even if you have drop A tuning on guitars, just drop your bass and that's all. But if your lines are quite hard (i mean, large range), 5 string bass will be a great purchase. I mean, 1 guitar in a band, drop B tuning, and bass plays a role of rhythm guitar, too. And there you will need low B and high G to play solos and something like that
I play the 5 string bass in EADGC tuning, fun to get high notes on a bass when you're improvising on a solo.
Also good for if you have 2 bass players in your band, one can play eadgc and one can play beadg
I just got a Rogue five string and have no other choice but to be in that tuning. Lowest I can go is C and it sounds like crud.
Or just get yourself a 7 string and have both. That's my next purchase
@@romanbellamy1933 that's possibly one too many😂
tbh, I love my 6 string. The "shift" you were talking about, is very convenient. Such a huge percentage of the entire 4 string bass range is available from a single position.
6- string player here. My personal advice is to pick as many strings as you need to express yourself as a bassist.
Right?!?
Abonodi I completely agree
Exactly! I have 4's, 5's, and 6s'. The reason being pretty much what he said as well. Sometimes different jobs call for different tools. You use the one that most efficiently get that particular job done.
Abonodi that is the PERFECT answer.
If you need six strings to express yourself, you're not as great as you may think.
Play whatever instrument you want. Just make sure you play it WELL. Haters be damned.
Infidel14? You don’t even need to play it well, as long as you enjoy it, play it!
Damn, you make it sound so easy LOL
Before the internet, most people didn’t care. The internet has bred accelerated a lot of tribalism
The first bass I bought ages ago was a 5 string. I had never played bass before but I had experience with guitar, sax and flute. It was never hard to play it and in fact that B string makes a beefier E, has much better tone and it comes really handy when you play down the neck. Instead of going back up and down quickly, it provides a helping hand. Plus it makes your window panes tremble like a fucking earthquake. I now have a 5 string fretless by LTD and I absolutely love it.
I love this comment :)
Started as a 4 player, transitioned to a 5 about 7 years in, and the rest is history. Been playing a 5 for 13+ years now. Main reason I got into it was just because I was playing a lot of new age gospel and r&b where a 5 is a necessity, not an option
Can you please explain me why? Real question from a music enthusiast- thank you
@@erzorroperrowhy I transitioned to a 5?? A lot of what I was playing warranted it. And now I’m playing in a couple of metal bands, so it’s kind of a no brainer. I mean A LOT can be done playing a 4 (cue the JACO ONLY NEEDED 4 arguement) but for me personally, I’ve just gotten accustomed to playing a 5.
thank you for this ive played 8 years and this past year i joined the gospel band and coming from playing small heavy rock/metal gigs i was kinda shocked to hear how many new gospel songs use notes below E. ive been debating getting a 5 sting because how much they play in the key of C
Instead of saying "should" or "shouldn't", rather think "pro's and cons".
But the latter words don't bring enough views!!!!1
It's an marketing strategy buddy
Your right! The pros use it because their good enough and the Cons aren’t good enough and the 5 would show everyone they’re Cons on bass! Lol
You just used "rather" in place of "should". You should drop the thought police gimmick.
That’s how he gets views
Reasons to play 5 string 1.reggae 2.segae 3.raga 4.metal 5.lower note
The bassist in Bob Marley's The Wailers actually played a 4 string
For metal, usually detune a 4. Don’t add a string just for low notes if you’re only going to use 4 (or for some bands 2 or 3) strings.
@@harrydaniells5359 i have a 4string B-bass B E A D
@@RegulareoldNorseBoy Reggae is not only Bob Marley
@@joaquindiaz8340 i know. But I see most raggae bassist have four strings
As a guitarist i play 6 7 and 8 string guitars and i actually view them as different instruments. It was also maybe wasier to transition for me because i played violin piano and cello before i played guitar and i just view them all as different instruments within the category of strings. They just happen to have a lot of tuning similarities
5th fret on B sounds better 90% of the time than the open E. Lot of 90s alternative is in Eb tuning. And I like knowing where my notes are. On guitar I'm fine tuning down on bass it throws my center of gravity off. It's also a nice thumb rest for straight 4 string part. And the low D has came in handy in so many songs in D(uh), A , F. Hardly ever hit the low b. But the low D is surprisingly usable. And finally it helps me navigate my High B on guitar better
I prefer 4 string with B-E-A-D. I get more use out of the low B than a high G. Also more comfortable with my smaller hands.
I did this as well, in the late 80s -- in effect, trading the five highest notes (which I never used) for five lower ones (which I did). While some bassists might use those highest notes, I just never did.
Same. More ppl need to realise how good this is as an alternative. Also, sometimes you can tune the new B string down to A to get even more range if needed.
Your guitar is made up of strings and beads, eh? Cool!
That sounds cool and all, but it would probably break my cheap bass in half with the tension lol
Felipe Pereira my main one I used it on (and my brother still does weekly) is an under $200 Rogue. I probably did the conversation 8 years ago.
I prefer a 5 string for a few reasons: 1) I can play along with Drop D without tuning down. 2) I have the lower notes B-Eb. 3) There is now an E and F at the 5th and 6th frets on the B string. 4) You can play E as a fretted note or an open string. Muting is harder for sure but I'm learning to play bass so I can avoid learning things....
Precisely. Each to their own as I use a four guaged down to BEAD but what you say is true. Plus you get the advantage of keeping G on a five though.
3 and 4 are the same thing
@@megamrsoftee basically yes
Gooneyo, you got it right Thats why exactly i use one..
I actually started on a one string bass. I had an older cousin that died when I was 3. Later in life when I was 11, my uncle gave me a bass that my cousin built in his high-school wood-shop. It was basically a garbage can with a huge maple neck, a long ass wire and a see-saw type of adjuster up top. You could get about half a scale of frequencies out of it...
Was it the kind you play with the spoon lady with a rope tied to a wash tub with a 2X4" neck?
Yes Virginia, and if we wanted to get crafty, I would invite uncle Billy Raybob over to blow the wine jug. We can talk more about over a nice dinner.
@@Detownrebel1 try listening to a band called Morphine who’s bassist and songwriter Mark Sandman played with his two stringed, home made bass with a guitar slide, a sax player who I once saw play 3 saxophones at once and depending on which album, two different drummers. Don’t knock a dudes ax till you’ve bloodied your fingers on it.
HONEY WHITE MADE A DEAL FOR SOME ANGEL FOOD YEAH!!!!!!
@@virginia7125 Yes, the neck must have come from something thicker than a traditional 2x4". it was rounded down on the outside with one flat end.
I have played a 5 string bass for over 20 years and love playing it. Your pros and cons were great advice and I too have seen too many people get a 5 string just because they think its cooler to have one and never really make it part of their over all tool. I love the B string and incorporate it everywhere I can. Also I am a bit lazy and the 5 string definitely makes some lines a lot easier to play than jumping all over the fret board. I think it comes down to personal taste and for me playing a 4 string is a strugle these days as I am just so use to having 5.
I play in a metal band (with a five string) with two guitarists using heavy distortion, usually playing in standard tuning. I think it's nice to be able to play the lower notes to make the sound even heavier and also to cut through the distorted guitars. I think I use the B-string in about every song we play.
B tuning for guitars seems relatively common in that genre too.
Good reason to play a 5-string bass. It's my only bass!
Same here. bought a 5-string and my first bass. Still learning though. No funds to buy a 4 string right now :)
@@treemoderator7312 do u mean east coast bass
Same here!🤣
Lol. Me too, I own 2
same lmaoo
I got a 5 string recently, I love it because I have lower note, and it’s made me improve a lot. I’ve improved from it a ton because it’s forced my to get super accurate with slap, finger style, tap, and even fretting.
Switched to 5’s a couple decades ago and never went back to 4’s. The 5’s just provide more versatility, and are a must for many of the great heavy rock bass lines out there. When not using the string, I often rest my thumb on it. Best reason to own a 5 string is the 4 string bass still exists in a 5 string setup. If you don’t need the 5th string, don’t use it. Play it like a 4 string. And when you do need it, you have it. It’s really no harder to master than a 4 string. ✌️
So much truth in one comment. I tried a 5 string 30 years ago - never looked back. I was always trying to get lower - EADG became DADG .... then I dabbled in CGCF, which made other songs (riff-based ones) harder. 5 strings solves all your problems. I even have a hipshot on my E string (detunes to D for things like Killing In The Name, or Silverchair riffs, or even Summer of 69 for heaven's sake - there's a song that sounds gutless played an octave up, ugh) which some people look weirdly at but it can get you out of your stale patterns of playing, you're forced to create new ideas and you can do some cool things. And muting the B ? Didn't we are have to learn to mute the E on a 4 ? Same technique, just learn it. #excuses Think of it this way - my job as the bass player is to hold down the bottom end. Not the low-mid end. And I know people say "If it was good enough for Jaco ...." - well a Model T Ford was good enough for my Grand-daddy, but there are simply better cars out there now. OWN THE BOTTOM END !!!
Takeaway from this video: Stevie Wonder invented 5 string bass.
It was a joke.....
Yes
Yeah he's in the Bass players Hall of Fame, Oh!,No he's not!, great musician, great performer ,One of my favorites, but let's be serious, Motown had bass players that could play circles around Stevie Wonder's playing bass.
That's funny, I thought he invented E flat.
And California builder Alembic delivered their first 5-string with a low B to Jimmy Johnson in 1976.
#6 If you're playing with horns, they like flat keys and a five can help you out quite a bit.
I'm playing with horns ONLY and it helps a lot!
accurate but he covered exactly that when he talked about down tuning like hendrix and transposing...so no 6th reason sorry.
As usual, your insights are helpful and make a lot of sense. I went back and forth and spent a lot of $ on basses trying to figure out which player I want to be. I settled back to a 4 string. I made a commitment to the 4 string - Thanks Scott.
I have been all over the all forums and video's trying to figure out if I should get a 5 string. I have been confused and have gone back and forth until this video. Extremely well done. I know that I should get a 4 string now. One of the better video's I've seen. Thank you some much!
get a 5 string....I've got 7 of them.... I love em all....wouldn't play a 4 now....
reasons to have a 5 string: •stevie wonder
this video was more like "10 reasons why you SHOULD play a 5 string bass"
My pros for playing a 5 string are there’s more flexibility. The low B string adds another dimension with regard to playing rock, as well as other genres. It can be thunderous. It’s massive especially when going into a chorus. The con is that it took me a long time to get acclimated to playing it. I was off and on with my 5 string bass and it wasn’t productive. Until I saw Nate Watts with Stevie Wonder and the lightbulb went on, I struggled. From that time on (2007) I’ve played the 5 string. It’s awesome to play but I had to play only the 5 string to be proficient.
I've been playing five-string basses for over twenty years now, and I still have trouble with B-String muting occasionally. One of the things I found early on was that, if the instrument is not set up correctly, and if the tone is not consistent across all the strings (yeah, B-string, I'm lookin' at you...), the bottom end just sounds muddy and dark. Be sure to give the B-string adequate relief at the top of the neck, and enough room under it at the 14th fret to be able to dig in when you need to for funk, tap, pop, etc. (Usually this is about 2.5 to 3 mm from the fingerboard at fret 14 for me, depending on the instrument.) String selection plays a big part here, too. Not every instrument is going to sound good with a .135 B-String. Look at what the maker of the instrument puts on it from the shop - that's likely going to be its optimal string set (or at least something in the same gauge).
A multiscale dingwall solves that issue :)
A set of .130 hi beams solve such issues
I play a 4 string because I don't have a 5 string. Just love the bass you have.
Get a 5-string set of strings, re-string your 4-string to a 5-string and leave of the high G, tune B-E-A-D. Best of both worlds, and you'll find that you don't miss the high G very much.
love this mentality
I play a 4 string because I don’t want a 5 string
@@jttech44 a friend of mine did that with the intention of eventually buying a 5-string. he loved the low-tuned 4-string so much he never bought the 5!!!
@@danieldean9989 It really is a great setup, kindof a wonder that you don't see it more often. I know Ernie Ball makes a 5 on 4 line of strings for this purpose, and they have an extra-long set for string thru bodies which is handy.
Without headphones, all i could hear are the fret buzz 😂 😂
Then buy headphones, so you can hear what are you supposed to do!
Use passive pickups
Some good tips here. Before plunging into buying a 5 string I decided to try an alternate tuning on my 4 String Peavey T20. For one song I really like that I play at church it would sound so much better with a low D#. So I tuned my low E down a half step and really liked the results!
Anyone else think he could literally do a Gordon Ramsay impression ?
Because... He's English?
yea, i was opening a different tab while listening to one of his vids (cus youtube's autoplay i didn't know who it was) and came to watch the vid too since i thought he sounded like gordon ramsay lol
Another good reason is tonal flexibility. The B string has a darker tone higher up the neck, i.e. a G on the 8th fret of the B string sounds noticeably “woofier” than at the 3rd fret on the E. It gives you the opportunity to tonally differentiate between different sections of a song/piece of music.
Lower notes than the possibles with the 4 strings:p
“ i play a 2 STRING !!!!!!!” *”I PLAY 1 STRING!!!!!” “i play theremin. *alien noise*”
davie504: i play a 0 string
This comment for the win.
@@PHURHXD So he just plays with himself, then? :-/
Thanks for posting Scott! Just rewatched this old video. I have a 4 and a 5 string. You're right.. I needed to be more deliberate about spending time on my 5 string or it becomes redundant. And I need to adjust my playing to accommodate the 5 patterns more than my patterns (that I already know) on the 4 string. Really well stated.
I used to play with live hip hop/funk band and the low B was handy when I was duoing with our DJ. I could hit that low B and the active EMG pickups gave it an electronic 808 feel. It gave a little continuity for when we'd switch between live rhythm section to our DJ's beats.
"how to trigger every Robert trujillo fan in 15 minutes"
Jeg spiller bass på bussen ;)
På trikken spiller jeg bass I agree with him because all I play is 5 strings
he has fans?
@@cunjoz Yea U
@@thegrungegod7463 no u
My adventures with a 5 string bass Background: Started with a 4 string as most of us do, but always wanted a 5 string, about a year and a half ago-2 years ago i got my first 5 string bass. Pros- Expanded range: the band I play bass for does have a lot of songs that are in E flat or D so opens up new sonic possibilities that are not possible with a 4 string, even on songs that are not in those keys, can drop to a lower register to accent parts of songs or change the 'mood' of a song. More fretboard options: as stated in the video, can adjust fretboard position for songs making some licks easier playing them on the higher frets where spacing is closer. Cons- Increased weight: It didn't occur to me when I started that a 5 string would be heavier, but it was noticeable the first couple gigs I had with the bass. The extra weight is noticeable and I was sore after the first couple shows I did with a 5 string, consider getting a good strap to help distribute the weight better. Wasn't really a big issue, just something to be aware of for long gigs. Learning curve: Definitely not as easy as pick up and go play a 5 string for the first time without issues. Muting the B string is something to keep in mind and work to do. For me personally it took a few practice sessions to not hit the wrong string with my pick/pluck hand, I'd either be a string to high, or one too low. After a few weeks of practice I was able to adjust, but definitely had to work at it. Expanded range: I know I said it was a good thing, but there is a temptation to try and shove low notes wherever possible and try and force the use of low notes. While practicing solo and with a band, I do like to play with various voicings, but I try to look and determine if it makes sense to use the lower register in the context of the song, and look to see how my bandmates feel about different voicings I come up with. Just because you have a low B, doesn't mean you should use it all the time. Switching between 5 and 4 string basses can be hard in the beginning: My first month or so I tried going back and forth between my 4 and 5 string basses, this proved to be difficult while learning my 5 string. it would mess up my muscle memory for the new bass and make my playing sloppy with a 4 string. This can be dealt with through practice, but something to keep in mind. if your going to learn a 5 string, try and make sure you can stick with it to avoid any challenges and/or frustrations. Once you have a handle on the 5 string, it isn't too bad switching between versions, it now takes me almost no time to adjust between 4 and 5 string bases. For shows however, I try to make sure I am either using a 4 or 5 string for the whole show to avoid any mistakes. I put a couple more cons than pros, but I do love my 5 string bass, I play with a band that pretty much gives me free range to compose my own bass parts and having the extra options allows me to play with various voicing and fretboard positions when working with the music I play. These are just some things I came across in my switch to a 5 string, your experiences may differ.
Wow ....... you described my experience as well 😀
Have you tried tuning B-E-A-D with a 4-string...???
To much more weight? What are you a pussy or something?
@@joedirt3563 At some point weight on ones shoulder becomes an issue for many players. It's common and part of the natural ageing process or ones given physical make up. So to your comment, it's not about being a "pussy" it's about you being a dick.
So you've played in bands before where you couldn't come up with your own bass parts? That's fuckin lame. What's the point?
My first bass was a 5 string. I played it for years before buying a 4 string. It’s not ideal for slapping, but for most other songs, it’s still my favorite kind of bass.
Another positive is that it can be a lot easier to pluck the E-string fast with 2 fingers for me. As someone that uses an Ibanez SR875 I found that to be welcoming.
Extra reasons for playing a 5 string: 1. Broadening your horizons. You'll never know unless you try. 2. Satisfying your Gear Acquisition Syndrome (arguably a case for not getting a 5'er as well).
I. NEED. MORE. STUFF!
3: TOMMY THE CAT.
No, it is not the absolute truth. Just for you and some cases. There are a lot of people who began with a bass and are in love with the instrument. I began with a guitar and learn to play it for 15 years, but then I find that I like better the bass, but I don´t have one, but I would love to play bass in a band, not guitar in spite of a play the guitar better than bass. Actually I like the most the piano and keyboards ( the 88 keys ones) Yes with those very low notes. But a 5 string bass do not really apeal to me, un less I was playing some kind of metal or some score music, or King Crimson´s songs but I would need a Stick... PD. Tell your thruth to Jaco and Les Claypool and they surely won´t burn you, just ignore you, not like me. Specially Jaco would not respond you, or maybe, who knows
ALSO it depends on the five-string. Warwicks are so comfortable, so efficient, that it's like having a 4-string. Deans, on the other hand, for one example, are like playing a shoe so even the more efficient range hurts
3 reasons: 4 string basses don't go low enough! 4 string basses have them ridiculously far apart 4 no fuking reason = lameness. 4 string basses when tuned 'low' don't offer the high 1, so losing something relevant. 4 string basses SUUUUUK!!!!
Scott: if you play a five string it means you don't have to tune down Ryan martinie of mudvayne: *laughs in F# B f# b e*
I laugh too. LOL
Scott probably doesn't listen to metal
Mudvayne, where are they,??? What a bassist...ryan where are u ..buddy
Yea I just get a set of 5 strings put them on my 4 string tune to drop b or c and job done
☝🏼🔥
Awesome video. I was unsure which way to go but this cleared it up. I’m sticking with my 4 string. Thanks for the help mate 🤘🏻
I started out playing a standard 4 string but was wanting to experiment with a short scale since I have smallish hands and walking lines were really stretching my playing. I came across a 5 string short scale in a pawn shop and after testing it was able to get it pretty cheap. Initially I was just really happy with the lighter shorter feel and the ease of playing. Then I started working in the 5th string on songs with Eb's, lower D's, etc. and loved it even more. It's my every gig bass now.
5 string is needed for a lot of metal music, to provide the full octave below the low-tuned guitars (7 strings, tunings like drop-B, etc)
There are no basses in metal just tuned down guitars. Everyone knows it ;D
They are not needed. People only tune down their basses and guitars because they don't have the talent to play. So if you cant make out what they're playin', you cant tell thdy suck. Mustaine has said the same thing.
@@whereami6586 that's not true at all. The chord options opened up by using baritone guitars, 5 string basses, etc are great for metal and other genres as well. They're not necessary, of course, but it depends on what sort of sound you want.
@@jaredhoeft2832 it wasnt meant to be taken seriously, pal
You can’t hear the bass in metal music, and that’s why it sucks
Once you go 5-string, you never go back...
That’s what my wife said :(
I miss playing my 5, since I bought my P bass and you can always drop d
Started off on 4, went to 5, back at 4 and never looked back. That's just me though. I still like playing a 5 from time to time.
I have a 4 string and 5 Love both equally
@@mileswilliams4807 Same. But I won't rule out the possibility of getting another 5 strong some day
Pro 5-string bass here, primarily for the increased low range and hence flexibility. Thanks for this video, Scott - your input is much appreciated. Liked and subscribed. Cheers.
As a bass lover and beginner, I just want to say thank you for this advice.
In metal, a 5 string is a must have, and I'm glad to see that this list isn't hating on 5-stringers, rather warning them of the hard work ahead of them
It depends what kind of metal you play. Steve Harris from Iron Maiden does it perfectly fine on 4 string precision bass. Robert Trujillo from Metallica plays 4 and 5 string basses. John Myung from Dream Theather uses 6 string bongo bass.
That didn't stop Lemmy Kilmister, Cliff Burton, or Geezer Butler.
I would say most "modern" metal bands…from Korn to Djent
Death-Metal on a 4 string is a mess
nah, you just need a 4-string with strings the size of pickup trucks and downtune by a whole octave :D
In my modest opinion bass is an instrument with great margin of progression and each musician must choose the best solution for himself. I use high C, for me it is much better than bass B, it fits more to the music I play. And we must not forget that every single person is unique.
or should be unique.
Whatever floats your boat. Standards are fine if you don't let them be your prison.
You are right! but i keep my opinion as it is, more i know more i'am in the position to do the right choice for me and not because is a standart or some one say so.
That's displaced (in terms of the major third interval in the tuning). (Maybe you only use three- or four-note chords. For a lower version (albeit transposed) of guitar tuning you should tune to BEAD - F sharp - B.
I've always enjoyed 6 string bass tuned like a guitar, so it's more like adding two higher strings. I often played in 3 piece bands and so the bass had to carry harmonies and fill more roles. You can play beautiful chords, and quickly shift from lower resonance to ringing piano like tones. And I still love 4 strings. To me it's really a matter of objective and comfort. Instruments are just tools, use what makes you happy to play.
Watched this before I picked up my 5-string and I’m so glad I watched this! Ready to get to work and play so fun funk songs
I played my basses with BEAD tuning for 30+ years for a number of reasons. So when I finally bought a 5 string I realized I'd approach it very differently than I would have otherwise. I had already figured out how differently things sounded on different parts of the neck, and how to use that. But now I finally had that G string to use when I had to go higher on some parts and in some keys. Scott I really dig your video lessons - SO much good information!
I play trumpet and bass and I can't think of one other player I know who wouldn't want more upper range on his or her horn. In fact, a lot of players feel that the high range on trumpet is a holy grail. Bass-wise, why wouldn't a bass player want to extend his or her low range? Some of my bass playing friends wouldn't even play my 5 string bass as if doing so would be an unforgivable break from the 4 string tradition. Follow your bliss, honor the music and don't let tradition limit your possibilities.
Pat Gannon I play trumpet too and I do NOT think the upper range is THE HOLY GRAIL of trumpet playing. In fact, a schreechy tone, off key is something that Maynard Ferguson loved but you wont hear Wynton Marsalis play except to ridicule it. In some situations the high register sounds cool, as trumpeters can play "over the top of other instruments WITHOUT drowing out their fellow players (Children of Sanchez at Hollywood Bowl is a great example of this I think). But I prefer just beautiful TONE. I could listen to one perfect note on a horn vs. a whole, high register, "squeeky" playing. Marsalis is DA MAN!. Cool that you play BOTH bass and trumpet.
Completely agree... "the freak register" in infact a holy grail for the very reason the previous comment derides it. Not everybody can hit those notes with proper tone, power and clarity. In my opinion, Diz was the master of that upper range and the best example of how a player can emote when they have mastered the technique.
poppachubby chubby Tone and PHRASING-the latter being so very important and something learned later by most trumpet players. I would go over phrasing; over and over and over, on piece of music, to make it as beautifully melodic as possible. The above I've always preferred to "Hit them notes and hit 'em HIGH!".....ick. Can't stand to listen to that for 1 minute.
poppachubby chubby Ever listen to Maurice Andre on his piccolo trumpet?. Most impressive. I believe his father was a baker Story goes that Andre was almost kicked out of the conservatory as it was believed he did not have a proper work ethic (something so many kids think they DONT need to "just play an instrument"...oooo....I HATE that!!). Andre reply came a few weeks lated when he played the 14 studies in the back of Arban's Trumpet (kind the touchstone of trumpet practice books) to the highest of standards. And that is when it is said "Maurice Andre became Maurice Andre." I heard him when I was 15yo. I thought he the greatest living trumpet player. I'm happy to read in Wikipedia that he is regarded by most as the greatest trumpet player of the 20th century. He REALLY made an impression on me!!!
And that is why you need a six string bass! Lol
The 5 string has been my primary instrument for the past 15 years. I play mainly Southern Gospel and country, and the low B adds so much, particularly to ballads. You have to learn how to use it judiciously, however, else it won't have the desired effect of accenting certain lines.
I’m a guitar player and I have a inexpensive 4 string. I was looking at upgrading to something more premium. I was considering a 5-string. Watching this video helped me choose a 4 string because of the great points made here that I did not consider. Thanks!
Incorporating the B string seamed so natural and joyful, the extra work(muting) is so worth it! Also, I did have to retire my 4 string for a year or so...I didn't miss it at all.
Reasons not to for me: - technique adjustment - learning curve - I only play for fun - expensive Reasons to: - Polyphia
Is ThAt LoSs??!?
that "Polyphia" thooo
Fucking love them!
Update: getting used to the five string was way easier than I thought and I took less than a week! It was definitely worth it and after playing it for some months now I upgraded my guitar to an eight string and I’m pretty much completely used to it after just a few days. I don’t understand why some people make it out to be harder when it’s really not. That’s my experience anyway.
@@randomname191 you kinda made it sound hard though... And I'm thinking of picking up a bass. Should I use a 4 or 5 string?
if you have a 5 string but only play as a 4 string player re-string the bass by moving the strings down but add a High C string where the G string was
"Sounds good, doesn't work", I mean, if you get a 5 string, and only play as a 4 string, even if you restring with a high C, you will keep ignoring the C string, a fiend of mine did it and keep play as a 4 string, but since he have smaller hands, he had to put a lot more effort while playing
Deaf Naked Hipster -Shane Scott Sounds like it might add a twist into my neck...
Nate Bellon If you adjust your but correctly probably not, even better if it have a double nut
Mateus Boing Are you perhaps referring to the truss rod instead of the nut? I'll tell ya, the worst bit of neck twist I ever had was on a Peavey Fury VI with a double truss. That thing got so wonky, even my luthier couldn't save it. Sad times, I liked that bass.
oh yeah, exactly the truss rod... I totally messed up the words ( non native english speaker hehe) about the double truss, I never used a bass with a double truss rod, I thought that it would be better for non standard tunes, but I might be wrong
This has made it very clear to me now. Thanks Scott.
I play 5 and these reasons to play are spot on. Especially the transposing part. At my church we transpose alot of songs depending on the vocal range of the singers. Alot of time we are going to D. Either way it's a life saver to have access to the low end notes.
Reasons to have more that 4 strings 1. Primus
Michael Pantzlaff dog will hunt
Even Les started with 4 strings
These days it seems like Les spends more time with 4 strings than 5 or 6.
I feel like I've ONLY seen Les play 4! :o
jim dandy yeah, I heard in an interview that he pretty much only plays fretted 4 strings now. I've seen him live and he played all of the tracks he recorded with a 6 fine on a 4.
#6 seven string guitars
...which don't sound remotely like a bass guitar.
Its to match the tuning of a 7 string. Tune to A standard on a 4 string and see how you get on, flubby as fuck
GaryHowe Alt-Metal/Shoegaze Tracks/Vlog still an octave higher
you can tune to A on a 4 string easily really. there's 35" scale 4 strings and even fanned fret available... same with a 5 string with 34" isn't going to be optimal for really low tunings.
David Fuller I know yeah. But people are acting like all guitars or basses will just accept any strings they throw at it. Changing string gauge may not be acceptable to the guitar you have
I stopped playing bass at all. I went from four string to five string in the 80’s and I loved it. The fat b is great. I have decided to pick up an instrument again at 70 years of age, a four string, but to me I need a five string to feel complete. Five is way easier to play for me. But hey thanks for the class. I’ve been a blues bass player for about 50 years and was always introduced as the world’s laziest bass player. Got paid the same as the busy guys for doing half the work. According to a drummer I worked with , knowing what to leave out without making the tune sound wrong made for a really good bassist. Cheers
I only bought a 5-string bass because I was playing in the pit band for a production of "The Rocky Horror Show," and, just as you said about musical theatre, the arrangements demanded that I use a 5-string; a 4-string would simply not do the job. I felt very comfortable with the 5-string on that show, because it was very useful on all of the arrangements. But since then, I've used the 5-string only now and then, although I've always kept it onstage as a back-up bass should my primary bass (a 4-string) develop a problem during the gig. But the 5-string still feels a bit 'un-natural' on my usual gigs, as if that 5th string is just in the way. Perhaps I'm a Luddite?
"very long thumb rest"
One problem I find with my 5 string is that I find slap bass more difficult. The strings are closer together than a 4 string so it’s much easier to slap the wrong one, especially that low B, which can completely ruin things if slapped by accident. That’s why I find most bassists that do slap bass use 4 strings. Although, I have seen a few using 5 or 6 strings.
🤣🤣🤣 I keep hitting extra strings because they are so close together. I'm a beginner and I think I made a huge mistake getting the 5. Should have gotten the 4 string. It's so damn nerve racking. Now I found myself just ordering the 4 string. I think I would be further advanced if I had gotten the 4 string first.
@@BassGods 0 I bought a Conklin GT-7 (7 String bass) for my first major bass purchase. Aside from a handful of jams it sat on the guitar stand collecting dust for years. Then as soon as I picked up a 4 string I was learning all kinds of bass riffs, slapping techniques, bass chords, walking basslines, harmonies I didn't expect would go along with my parts, etc. It totally unlocked the instrument for me where with the 7 string I felt super held back.
@@MawcDrums 😂😂😂
is this why im struggling to do slap bass on my 5 string bass? im new to the world of bass guitar and now my brain is short-circuiting with all these info and knowledge im learning each day
I started playing a 5 string because I played bass in a hard rock band that used 7 strings. I’ve ultimately stuck with that bass because it just sounds so good.
I've been playing bass for about the last 5 years and I went to a 5 string because I do play alot of different styles of music. I keep both around and I will agree from my experience what is in this video is truth. My 4 string anymore is a case queen. I love the extended bottom range of my 5.
"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them". Bruce F-in Lee
I first read "Bruce Lee - in F", which could have been an argument for a 4-string... :-D
simple you get one for metal. especially if you are in a very tight and rythmic lower range band like periphery. and put on the right tone that fifth string sounds gnarly as heck.
And how many people here play in a Periphery type band? The answer is none. Everyone plays in bar bands or mediocre original bands no one has ever heard of.
yh but maybe some people actually care about the art they are making and practice hard to play more complex and rythmically difficult music. and just because a majority play in mediocre bands doesnt mean everyone does
I saw a video of Nolly demoing a darkglass pedal. Interestingly, he used a 4 string that looked/sounded like it was tuned to BEAD or thereabouts, and also a 6 string. But yeah a 5 string is probably what most people would use.
Paul Smith Nolly uses a 4 string for Drop C songs and a 6 string for Drop G# songs
yh it makes it easier tbh i dont get why he uses a 6 string wouldnt a 5 be enough for super low tunings
When I pick up a 4 sting bass.... I always feel like I'm missing half of my instrument.
I've tuned down my 4 string bass to DGCF, hence it is a Bb transposing instruments, like tenor saxophone or the trumpet. In this tuning, you can use the Bb transposed sheet music for the harmony. The most situation I improvise the bass line. If I need C concert tuning, I use the capo at the 2nd fret, and I get an EADG tuned, short scale bass guitar.
I am not a bass player by any stretch of the imagination so my opinion on the bass holds not ground BUT I really did enjoy the video, well balanced, objective view on the topic. Thanks for that.
Poor man's 5th reason why 5th string sucks... my guitar amp can't get away with handling its godly thunder.
LMAO. Good one man.
Haha can't even with my 4 string bass.
My guitar amp just about does the B... :) A MAK bass amp is soon to be built, and it's going to shake the foundations of my house!
Even a 4 string could blow your cones. Probably time to get a bass amp.
I filled in with a southern-rock cover band for a couple of shows. There PA could not handle when I hit a D, let alone let the low-B go.
Like some of the other players' responses, I do appreciate the advantage of being able to go to the extended lower range, especially when playing in genres which typically play in B or C (a lot of rock and metal, for example), or when the guitars are playing in drop D. I also agree it's extremely handy when playing with anyone who plays in Eb or lower (yes, you piano players). That said, I also love being able to go to the low B on the V chord of 12 bar blues in E - gives it a particularly nice "growl" on the turnaround.
A fascinating video.... and I don't even play bass! True, I am considering getting one just to supplement Cubase stuff but brilliant. One of the clearest KZhead pieces I have ever viewed.
Here's the alternative--works great for me, anyway. Tune down a whole tone on every string. Thus E-A-D-G becomes D-G-C-F. To make this work, you need heavier strings. They won't feel heavier because the tension on the strings will remain matched to the tension you used for EADG. I started this for playing with a singer-songwriter whose style is folk-ish but with more interesting chords and some open tunings. She does a lot of songs in D and Eb. Plus for her songs in G it is very nice to have a low D. I buy my strings from Kalium, formerly CircleK, on line. You can Google them. I don't have any connection with the company. I use a 'balanced' set with the D (low) string at .112 instead of the usual .105. As a guy with not very big hands, this is more appealing to me than learning and stretching across the wider fretboard of a 5 string. Hope some of you try it! By the way, imagine that you put a capo on the second fret. What would you have created? A 4-string bass with a scale of about 30", tuned to EADG. In other words it's not much different from a short scale bass, except that you get the lower notes and the tone of a 34" scale bass (because of the improved tension).
I do this on guitar, mainly because it makes singing easier for me. My voice is a better match to being tuned down and I can always use a capo, if I need to go higher.
Your getting into that "Andre Gouche" thing...It works...Cool. But Like Scott said you need to be playing that music that uses those notes. Just to have it , "to have it". makes no sense.
That's exactly what I did when I started playing with two different bands, one that played a lot of drop D stuff (though not all) and one that never did. At first I just re-learned everything for DGCF tuning until someone pointed out the capo trick. I had never even thought of using a capo on bass before but it was brilliant. It also helped that I was playing a 35 inch scale bass with fairly light strings to begin with so stepping up to mediums was all it took to have her sounding and playing great.
Yes, I tried that and liked it, wished I'd always played that way, but too. late now. I get all mixed up, esp reading. But recommended. You sacrifice two top notes you hardly use and get low Eb and D you'll use a lot
John Gunn I thought about getting a 5 string and tuning it like that with low D and high Bb. So D G C F Bb Anything below D gets pretty mushy anyway. I play guitar in a band too and the bass player uses 5 strings with low B, but once he disappears down the first few frets on that low B, it's never nice I'm all 4 string. One is tuned to Eb and another has a hipshot D tuner on it. Never needed to go lower, but I haven't been asked to Djent either. With the tuning above, I could drop a hipshot on there to take it to a C. That said, I prefer Billy Sheean's solution. Octave pedal and play up the neck
I just bought a 5 string Stingray. Thanks..... Cost me 80% of my money
Artist 5 string Awesome/Cheap ..
@Ace Frehley Because its my money , I have many cheap guitars , they all play just fine , go bully someone else
I’m about to buy a new Rickenbacker 4003S/5W 5 string rickenbacker bass..
I have Spector euro4. Love my bass black and dark blue in the middle.
@@petethescalemodeller6130 Cort basses are good too. They have some very cheap but quality ones
I don’t have big enough hands to fight a 5 stringer. But the gig scenario is a good reason to own one.
You can do it, don't give up. I have tiny hands and short fingers
Ibanez 5 strings have nice thin necks! I love my SRMS805!
I’ve transitioned to a 5-string and found that I did have to put in some serious work and put away my great Carvin 4-string for a time. Love that low B string!
I'm happy with the way this video is made bacause it does not try to bash 5 string players or basses it's a positive warning and learning video and i can appreciate that, good video
I've been playing bass for 41 years. Back in the mid-80's, I saw a picture of Jack Bruce with a Warwick 5-string, and I had to have a five-string. I played it exclusively for a few years--forcing myself to make full use of that B string, but every time I picked up a four string, it was like, "Yes, I'm home!" For a while, I kept a 5-string around (just in case), but I never played it, because, honestly, I simply preferred the feel of the 4-string. So, my reason for NOT playing a five-string might be this: Don't do it just because a musician you admire uses one. A little irony for this Jack Bruce fan: Ultimately, Jack didn't like the five-string.
MiddleAgeMusic this is probably the best explanation why.
The efficiency bit is what really gets me with five-strings. I'd be happy to have one CFBbEbAb, for all things Sabbath
i love how he always shows himself testing his mic
You turn up at a gig and the guitar player has tuned down a half step to Eb. Do you: a. quickly tune your four strings down 1/2 step or b. go buy a $2,000.00 bass with an extra string
3. sigh and tell him to take his meds and tune back up, this wasn't in rehearsal
c. maybe buy a cheaper 5 string lol
@@weirdskyreallyweird.5519 That sounds like a brilliant idea.
I added a Hipshot D-tuner on the E string. There's a little thinking to do, but it's not difficult to get used to. I also have a 5 string, but the 4 string is so much nicer to play, IMO. I'm still struggling which one to commit to 🤯
C. Just tune that one string down even faster!
I play 6 string string bass because Im really a guitar player. Tune my bass B E A D F# B. All in intervals of how standard guitar is tuned. E (4th) A (4th) D (4th) G (3rd) B (4th) E. I do this so all my chords and scale shape/patterns stay the same you just have to know how to transpose to understand what note your really sounding
I am a guitarist who occasionally plays bass. Have to say the 5 string was much easier for me than a 4 string. I got to move my hand a whole lot less, and play higher up the neck which is so much easier. Just one man's opinion. Made me think about getting a 7 string guitar now :-)
I.m going to 5 string for lower notes in deep bass reggae. You are an excellent Bass Player, and Teacher. Thanks, Blessings, and Respect.......
Some other things to consider: 1- Most 34" 5 stringers have a bad 5th string (that is loose, undefined, unbalanced). Consider 35" or more for a well balanced 5th string that can hold the fundamental. 2- Some 5 stringers reduce string spacing at the bridge and/or nut to accomodate the 5th string, changing the overall feel of the bass. Some may prefer the cramped string spacing, some may hate it. There are some builders that keep wider spacing but you have to get used to wider necks and stretch your hand a little more. 3- Some people not only use the 5th string as a thumb rest, but also like the feel of the 4th string with the 5th above it, as when you are playing the rest of the strings and your index/middle finger hits the string above after each note. 4- You can also use a 5 string with a high C string, extending to the higher notes (for soloing, chords, etc). 5- D-tuners and altering your tuning on a 4 string defeats some of the "positive" points you mentioned about the 5 stringers.
The B on the bass he's playing is flabby af.
Pablo Cavallo just get a heavier gauge set of strings and set the Bass up properly....simple fix.
Yeah my B string is a .145, on my other favourite sets (Kalium) it's a .142.
To counter your 5th point, I still like 5 strings over drop tuning because I can use the same shapes and know what notes I'm playing more easily. One of the advantages of a string instrument versus a woodwind or brass instrument is that there is no native key so you don't have to transpose anything, and you also don't have to change fingerings. Sure you can adjust your patterns and learn how to transpose, but it's nice to be able to play a major scale in any key with the same fingering.
I'd take a wide neck before tight string spacing anyday. My first bass (a 5er) had a small neck and tight spacing. Found it hard to play. I moved on to another 5er, which had a wider neck and much more string spacing. Much better.
@ 2:38
It's called the "stank face"...stank factor etc...
then its pretty stanktacular
I got a 5 string 2 years ago. For the first year all I really used it for was playing stuff in drop D 😂 It’s a learning curve but I think it’s improved my understanding of the instrument massively
thanks for this you really answered questions I had on this. It helped with a purchase. 👌
Glad to hear it!! 🧡🧡🧡