Hey nerds, the real reason you get a 6 string is to jam at home with phat chords and B string thunder. Yeah, you don't need the extra strings for most music, but that doesn't mean they're not fun.
Yes but if you plug in to a thrash metal pedal and have heavy metal distortion you can shred on the G and C strings and play heavy metal muting chugggg
For me, one of the biggest advantages of a 6 string is economy of motion. I can play more vertically, which is actually easier for me that jumping around on a 4 string, or even a 5.
it's setup like a dream bass? Like you can just vertical play the pattern without having to move up frets? I started playing bass some months ago, and i've tried the floating thumb on a four string and that works too :)
the band's name is erik truffaz quartet and the name of the bassist is marcelo guilliani. one of my favourite bands and bassists. also the tune is called istanbul tango.
Played bass in high school jazz band while I was learning guitar. Then put the bass down for 25 years! Just picked it up again partly because of Scott's bass lessons. Thank you Scott.
That’s not actually completely true. You might want to check out d’addario six string packs for 37$ at my local guitar center... My old DRs for five string were 50-55$. Back then...
I feel it's easier to contend with the extra range if you look at it like a 4 string with an extra string on top and bottom. You can focus more on incorporating those extra notes without being overwhelmed. It's easy to overthink it
That's basically how it works: a 4-string with more bass and more treble; I usually think my technique with the 6-string as being more vertical than horizontal
I've played a six string for over 7 years and I think they're awesome. I tune mine low E to high F which lets me get some guitar-like notes along with the cool bass notes.
@@dorfusjiorle2002 Hi, what I usually do is buy a set of Dean Markley SR2000 Medium 2698C 7-String Bass and toss out the low bass string. .022 .027 .047 .067 .087 .107 Hope this was helpful.
It sounds great don't listen. Gerald Veasley specializes in it with his ultra narrow string spacing 6 string bass. Playing through a guitar head can help.
Firewolf Not recommended lol it sounds like crap, even if you tune it like a guitar 😂 Even my 4 string sounds like crap when strummed and 6 strings will sound even worse 🤣🤣🤣
I’ve been on a 6 string bass for a few months now. There is no going back. I can add 1 more reason why it sucks though, if you buy strings often, most run of the mill sets cost $40, anything out of the ordinary puts you upwards of $60.
Very true. What do you use? Since I was 13(30-now) I've played rotosound when I played 4 string and eventually switched to 5 string. Now I use DR black beauties. If I need strings desperately before a gig, I may run with Ernie Balls if I'm on a budget.
It might throw you on single note runs and patterns for a while as the Six string Bass standard tuning is Low to high is B,E,A,D,G,C ; as i only pick a six string guitar up now and again tuned E,A,D,G,B,E. it's the move from the G to B string that throws me,
@@mogs9999 thats some stereotypical shit right there dude just because he's english doesn't mean they always drink tea and not coffee. in fact, i know many brits who hate both
After watching your "Reasons not to play 5 str... 6 string..." and whatnot my takeaway is "If you are going to play X, then practice and play X. You do not need to progress from A to B to X, just pick what you want and practice away!'
Shermith totally agree with u. I have a 5 string bass (Stadium). Very sufficient for a 7 string and 8 string guitar when recording tracks in the studio.
That's great for you. ....it's not for everybody.....but it's worked exceptionally well for me for over 20 years and I get plenty of work. Use what works for you and you can't go wrong.
Same. Years ago I went from 4 to a 6, and realized that I rarely if ever used anything on the C string. My playing style and the style of music I was playing in didn't use that high of a register in bass. And I'm not one for writing leads or anything like that. That's when I realized a 5 banger was perfect for me.
As a contrabassist I would LOVE to get my hands on a 6 stringed classical! Shifting on a contra is a whole different beast, and without frets it’s a ton to process when you have to play in the middle of the neck on the G string or tune down E for a single low note at the end.
i totally understand when your playing classical pieces for koussevitsky or Bach anyone really from that era its insane with some of the reaches you have to make
Most of the time I play 5 string. I have a 6 strings at home to practice and to workout my finger strenght (It's 35" scale long). Another cool use is for selecting people I wanna play with. How? Easy : I tell them I play 6 strings basses. If the answer is somekind of "dah! bass must be 4 string" or "Why you don't play guitar?" I know that I'm dealing with people who doesn't think like me so I move on...
MomoTheBellyDancer mine is a special model, there are only 7 of them in world, they were quickly put out of production after animal abuse rates spiked or something
I've never actually wanted a 6-string bass before. But this video piqued my curiosity about them...especially that Yamaha model you're playing. Thanks!
Sixers are for thinkers and planners in bass playing. I do all 4, 5, and 6. Currently just acquired an amber TRBJP2 along with an Ibanez RS5000. My second language is the Alto Sax and keys as the third. So naturally, a sixer is my ideal bass on any genre. My foundation and genre is Fusion. Genesis in bass : 1974.
I love the 6 string too. 16 years on my Cort Curbow. Had to play a 4 string last week for another gig and felt so restricted like between a rock and hard place. :)
I've played 6's ... (mostly my Curbow Petite 6) for over 20 years and get plenty of work because of my approach which is groove and pocket FIRST. ....you have to be disciplined to play ONLY what the music needs you to play. ....Just because the 6 has 2 additional strings doesn't mean you have to play them all the time....."Widdle" when it's required. .....when its not, GROOVE.
Timmie Raynor III....Well said my man..i used to really dislike the whole idea of playing more than the traditional 4 strings.. this was mainly because if 4 strings was good enough for the Legends who played on untold million $ selling hit songs why fix what aint broken. Most bands who have a bass player expects he or she to know their role especially when there is a guitarist with an over inflated ego present. That role is (as you rightly said) to basically carry the band with a rock solid "groove" (covering any of their mistakes along the way) and boy dont we ..Also being ready to throw in that flash bass solo "if" and "when" called upon.. Apart from that who needs a bassist to play high pitched lead solos or chords, thats the guitarists job surely (im joking) 🤣 unless its to gain revenge on the bass player jokes of the past...i think we have well and truly kicked some ass on that score thanks to a whole army of slapping, tapping, popping heroes doing their endless rounds of the worlds music stores and Utube these days.. However im kinda coming round to the idea of having more room to be extra creative and also push those assumed boundaries. Who knows maybe Violin,double bass and Cello players could become 6,8, 10 even 12 string players too and add chords. Why should thinking outside the box stop at bass players..BLESSINGS..
A 6 string has more notes. You still have to fulfill your role in the music. Taste is required. It's the person behind the Bass, not how many strings. It only has 5 more notes on the bottom and 5 more notes on the top. The octaves are all there in the money note region.
Back in 2006, I was brought in to replace the guy in a respected Prog-Metal band that I had been listening to for years. It required a 6 string to play the old parts, so I got one. It sounded amazing and I could do some cool stuff with the high C but it felt like I was playing a 2x6 board with strings.........
Scott, I just acquired a 7 string bass from all in one guitars, I do own 4,5,6,and now 7 string with a f# low string. I'm enjoying it. I'm finding that I have to focus on where I use the f# string to create an effect depending on the type of song, I play gospel music and the low f# comes off like a b52 bomber, the weight of this bass, 12.5 -13 lbs is a challenge, but I like the weight, I've been playing for 45+years and with this seven string I'm up for it. I could stand to have about another inch of finger added to my existing hand size.
Absolutely agree with all of the points you talked about. I play a six-string tuned down and the muting was an absolute pain to get used to. Love it to bits because it really opens up the world of chords to the bass player. Also tapping is heela fun :) keep up the good content
HOW THE FUK is muting ever hard?? The neck hand mutes the high note strings when not used, & the playing hand mutes the low note strings that are not used. Everything U want muted gets snuffed. WTF? How dumb R bass players? I guess it's true what 'spectresoundstudios' says HAHA & yes, I play bass... AND guitar =)
I had a “six-banger” for about a year. Always thought they looked cool - especially the model you are playing. I found it exceptionally tiresome always reaching over the “C” to play standard bass stuff in “blues/classic rock/country” band situations. Traded it for another 5-string which is what I mainly use. Seems to me the only ones truly benefiting from a modern 6-string are the jazz players who have ample opportunity to solo on the upper register where the “high C” comes in handy. The reason I like the “bottom B” is to get to lower notes while playing upper neck positions along with the occasional “Drop D” where I can play without tuning down.
My 4th finger on both hands is quite short. A six string is like trying to play an ironing board for me. I have just two basses. An Ibanez four and a dead cheap Korean built Saein (Shine) 5 string. The string spacing is quite tight but it surprisingly good play and the active pickups are very quiet.
I wish you would do a video focusing on the B string and all (if any) pointers related. Do you need additional height for that string? Are B strings readily available in the proper gauge? Does a B string take longer to stretch. What style of strings on a 6 string do you prefer? Thank you!
I had two sixers - both Hohner VI B Basses. Very compact, fantastic wood, great players and superb sound - all for around £250 $300 2nd hand. But it is very easy to think of them as 4+2 if you're a beginner.
John Whyte-Venables played the same bass for years. ....was blessed to play some great stuff with that instrument! I play a 1994 Curbow Petite 6 now that I've had since 01.....LOVE it!
John Whyte-Venables okay cool! I also have 2 Tom Martinson 5's. One is a single cut fretted Phat 5 and the other is a Nessie fretless 5. Love both of those as well. ...great playing instruments. Tom is a wonderful builder out of Morristown Tennessee.
Play what you love....play it well....4,5,6,7 fretted or fretless...if it sounds good it is!! I only play a six but my heros are Anthony Jackson, Alain Caron, John Pattituci, Oteil Burbridge and Keith Horne. Can I play with the facility of Jeff Berlin, Jaco or Jeff Andrews? I'm working on it. LOL
Have had a TRBII6 for a few years now my mute style is using both hands to cut down string noise. First year it was a four string with two extra strings, but over time it opened up and i found it great for reaching notes across rather than up the neck.
One thing in particular that I like about them is the narrow string spacing. I'd be happy with a 4 if they made more with a narrow spacing. Any recommendations for 4 strings with a 6 string bridge spacing are welcome. Also, as a guitarist, each string can be tuned like a guitar (octave down) and not need to learn new chords or scales
All basses are tools if you will. Only thing that "sucks" would be the quality of the instrument. Amount of strings they have doesn't make them any better or any worse than any other. If you like 4.. Cool... 5?? Great.. A 6? Killer.. 7, 8,, 9, 10.... Have at it! I completely enjoyed this video!!
Although I have several 4 string bass I've been playing a 6 string fretless for over 25 years (only one of those). You get a whole new horizon when you play. It's my swiss army knife for anything thrown at you.
6-string basses don't suck ... glad you finally mentioned the word, "awesome." They're a marvelous innovation to the evolution of the bass guitar pioneered by maestro bassist, Anthony Jackson. #1. It's easy to mute the strings. Totally natural, in fact. Just relax your right hand and move your hand up and down as a unit -- engaging from the elbow/forearm across the strings, letting your thumb course along the strings, thus muting them. I never had an issue with this when switching from a 4-string to a 6-string. A relaxed right-hand does the trick. #2. I agree, 100%. #3. It takes time to map out your expanded neck. I invented a few exercises I can share. #4 With a 6-string bass guitar, you can become a quasi-rhythm guitar player with triads, 7th chords, inversions, etc. Take advantage of that. Create new voicings.
Thanks for the muting tips. Any help about how to mute the B string while slapping the E string ? My neck is too large and I can't reach it with my thumb :(
MomoTheBellyDancer on guitar it is pretty common to mute with the fretting hand thumb. It's common to actually play notes with that thumb too while playing chords. Tons of teachers teach it and pros do it all the time
I currently own (and play) John's Knooren 6 string bass that he got rid of when he signed with Yamaha. I presume the Yamaha Patatuci bass has John's setup, which is slightly wider spaces between the strings (to accommodate his stumpy fingers). With my left hand flat on the finger board, my middle finger barely reaches the B string. The main benefit I see with a 6 string bass is most apparent when sight reading. 6 strings provides 2 and a half octaves without shifting positions (low B to high F in one position).
Scott, I would love to see a complete “widdle” tut video. I know my scales and modes and I just don’t understand how you modulate and doodle around all the trills and embellishments. I mean is this the part where I would be better off just learning different artists lines? I’ve never been someone into all the big names and all that. Could that be a flaw, just as not knowing theory can be a flaw? I hope that doesn’t sound snobbish. Being real
I was at Sam Ash today and there was a Warwick thumb 6 I grabbed off the rack, I loved it, loved the feel of the neck and the depth of the bass sound. I went into the shop to have my 5 string jazz bass checked out for intonation. Problems. Took a little getting use to, but I'd buy one, fun to play with.
I play 6-string bass, and honestly, none of these "problems" are that big a deal. A bass guitar is a type of guitar, so as far as I'm concerned, a bass with less than 6 strings isn't a real guitar. I would have got a 6-string bass as my first if I had that option. I've always felt limited playing 4 and 5 strings. My creativity didn't really blossom until I got a 6-string.
this one doesn't have issue's at all though. Yamaha's are genererally 35inch scale for 5 & 6 string. 34 can have issue's from time to time although nothing that can't be helped.
It's still an issue for 5 strings, but not quite as much. He does cover this in his 5 string video. The further you get away from the low B, the more attention you have to pay to muting it, because your thumb wants to lift up from the strings the higher you get. The C is just that little bit further away than the G, so it's a bigger problem on a 6 string. Still an issue on a 5, but not so much on a 4.
Muting isn't a problem for me and I'm a female with small hands. I cheat a little by wrapping a hairband around the neck just in front of the nut. I think I got the idea from watching Victor Wooten play.
Hey Shredfreak83! that's the point... he uses to play a 5 strings bass and presented issues about noise of a B string for a 6 strings.... it's just about a way to play and doesn't matter 5 or 6 strings on this case. About a "standard" 5 strings it's regarding the tones of the strings (B-E-A-D-G)... some bass players uses E-A-D-G-C. Not sure if he uses it on his 5 string basses... And after all he's telling that a 6 string bass sucks!
He answered the question as to why they suck to play which is the point of us bass players watching a lot of his videos who are looking for ways to improve and investigate...i really hate how all these guys took it personally when it wasn’t an insult to the bass itself to begin with. My goodness.😑
You're spot on with every point... I played a GTBD-7 (Bill Dickens) exclusively for a few years - because of the tendency to 'widdle around', It made me develop bad habits and made me a worse player when playing with an ensemble. Decided to switch back to a 4-string but often turn to my 7-string when I practice. I will say that overall, practicing with a 7-string has made me a much faster and a more well-rounded 4-string player.
When you pulled that thing out of the case, it had more fingerprints on it than an old $89 Tasco from back in the day that's been demoed to death in a pawn shop, but nobody buys. Sorry, I'm kinda funny that way about the bass...wipe it down!
Been playing a fiver for years. Pre-ordered the Ibanez BTB806MS because it has my entire wishlist of bells and whistles plus the extra vertical range. Really hoping I didn't make a mistake. We'll see
Here's a bass hack for extended range basses. Rap a "hair scrunchy" lightly positioned around the first fret to help mute or keep the open strings from overtones and droning. A trick from Baby Al Caldwell bassist for Vanessa Williams.
John is great but check Alain Caron (solo now or with his old band UZEB), he plays fretted and fretless 6 string basses, mostly in Jazz Fusion style… ;)
Thanks for posting. Just bought a used Carvin 6 string from Guitar Center. Got 45 days to decide if I want to keep it. I'm a lefty, so that's why I grabbed it.
Scott, if I didn't know for sure that you actually love playing, I would never imagine that while looking at your videos... you look like suffering or disgusted while playing! XD
These days I play mainly 6 string bass (a Yamaha too! TRB1006J) and I've found I mainly use the high string for chord construction. Chords on the highest 3 strings just sound so nice. I'm not a very widdle-y player, so that was never a problem :'D
nice:) im getting a 6 string bass now. good thing im using that thumb technique...started using that a couple of years ago, and now its floating like a dream. Easier to adapt to a 6 string:)
4:47 - Reason #1
7:17 - Reason #2
9:09 - Reason #3
Thank you
God bless you
You da man.
Thanks bru
Jesus thank you . Lol 🙏🏾
Hi, I'm John Patitucci, and I approve this bass.
John Patitucci 😂😂
John Patitucci outside of a dog a book is man's best friend
Inside of a dog it's too dark to read
John Patitucci, the best bassist known to man
With Erik Truffaz... What was the name of the band?
@@aaronbolte6391 Dream Theater, and the bassist is John Myung
Hey nerds, the real reason you get a 6 string is to jam at home with phat chords and B string thunder. Yeah, you don't need the extra strings for most music, but that doesn't mean they're not fun.
Or you play in a band that uses 8 string guitars
@@myronmosley2167 you can easily play along with a 5string.
try playing pretty much any TECH death with a 4 string, its not even really possible to do much tech stuff yknow?
hahahahah. I would like a 5 string though. I'm bummed that I bought a 6 string. Thanks for saying what you did. LOL
Yes but if you plug in to a thrash metal pedal and have heavy metal distortion you can shred on the G and C strings and play heavy metal muting chugggg
For me, one of the biggest advantages of a 6 string is economy of motion. I can play more vertically, which is actually easier for me that jumping around on a 4 string, or even a 5.
I have a 4 string and it has been a pain in the bass to play the high notes on the bass, a 6 string will def make it easier
Great point
it's setup like a dream bass? Like you can just vertical play the pattern without having to move up frets? I started playing bass some months ago, and i've tried the floating thumb on a four string and that works too :)
Yamaha: Here's a six string! We look forward to your video :)
Scott: 3 reasons why six strings SUCK!
Yamaha: :0
such a roast lol
Lmaooo
😂
lmaooo God Christ Jesus bless you all and have a great day my family
the band's name is erik truffaz quartet and the name of the bassist is marcelo guilliani. one of my favourite bands and bassists. also the tune is called istanbul tango.
Bruh ur cool
Ok
If you get on stage with a 6, expectations are higher. Be prepared to deliver.
This is absolutely true. ESPECIALLY in the church / gospel world.
I've got a 7 string and this comment is very true.....expectations are MUCH higher....no matter the difficulty of the music....
Hahaha facts!
I don't think so. Thats a stigma idiot musicians put on the 6. The six string wasn't created just for soloing.
@@EliezerMercado1975 I think he means the audience expects more because it's more then a 4 string, which is dumb.
Played bass in high school jazz band while I was learning guitar. Then put the bass down for 25 years! Just picked it up again partly because of Scott's bass lessons. Thank you Scott.
Gitfiddle 7766 TRAITOR !!!
u abandoned bass for guitar
6 string bass guitars are just electric guitars that hit puberty.
And began hitting the weights. Hard.
Puberty didnt hit 6 string bass
6string bass hitted puberty
or lost it
HAHAHA
change my mind
Strings for a 4 string are expensive. Strings for a 5 string bass are MORE expensive. Strings for a 6 string bass are TOO expensive.
That’s not actually completely true. You might want to check out d’addario six string packs for 37$ at my local guitar center...
My old DRs for five string were 50-55$. Back then...
@@MeshuggahDave. that's still more expensive than a 4 string pack.
@@craigdamage lol yeah, if you play ernie ball...
As if we are changing bass strings
price/quality ratio-wise, the Warwick Red Label ones are pretty good
I feel it's easier to contend with the extra range if you look at it like a 4 string with an extra string on top and bottom. You can focus more on incorporating those extra notes without being overwhelmed. It's easy to overthink it
That's basically how it works: a 4-string with more bass and more treble; I usually think my technique with the 6-string as being more vertical than horizontal
It's a guitar... But it's T H I C C
E X T R A T H I C C
A thick boy
Naw, it's a bass
+Marty Muke Music TV *T H I C C B O I*
Even Scott's bass lessons isnt safe from T H I C C
"6 string basses suck!"
*Les Claypool wants to know your location*
Primus suck
@@zal8424 fuck you
@@hugoalbornoz4208 how do you know enough about Primus to like them but not know the saying that they suck?
@@Haulaton well, i learned something new. Thank you and sorry
thundercat; basically defies every way of the bass
The dog in the background is so interested until he opens the case, then he's like "Oh not food, nevermind" LOL
There's nothing I can play on a four or five string bass that I can't also play on a six string. The opposite can't be said.
Oh yes there is.
@@robertkaye5434 go on?
I've played a six string for over 7 years and I think they're awesome. I tune mine low E to high F which lets me get some guitar-like notes along with the cool bass notes.
Nice. I have a Hip-Shot on my B-string and lower it to A.
@@robertkaye5434 It's also fun to play with different tunings to mix things up from time to time.
What gauge strings do you use for that tuning?I want to set up one of my 6ers like that👍
@@dorfusjiorle2002 Hi, what I usually do is buy a set of Dean Markley SR2000 Medium 2698C 7-String Bass and toss out the low bass string. .022 .027 .047 .067 .087 .107 Hope this was helpful.
As a guitar player, I have a strong urge to strum it.
@Mitch Wild Too muddy sounding?
It sounds great don't listen. Gerald Veasley specializes in it with his ultra narrow string spacing 6 string bass. Playing through a guitar head can help.
Firewolf
Not recommended lol it sounds like crap, even if you tune it like a guitar 😂
Even my 4 string sounds like crap when strummed and 6 strings will sound even worse 🤣🤣🤣
@@CobaltLancer If you play in the high register it can sound fecking great
it sounds good if u want to do the outro or fight fire with fire.
I really think "evoke the widdle" should be the name of a really wanky jazz fusion trio
yes
that no one but three hipsters in the chelsea disctrict understand.
XD
For some reason, I'm reminded of Ian Dury and the Blockheads.
I only play double bass, what am I doing here??
Tradition or German grip?
@@terrancat the correct grip.
Same
Seems to me that your subconscious is telling you to get a six string bass.
Melvin Croll a 6 string double bass, haha
I’ve been on a 6 string bass for a few months now. There is no going back. I can add 1 more reason why it sucks though, if you buy strings often, most run of the mill sets cost $40, anything out of the ordinary puts you upwards of $60.
Very true. What do you use? Since I was 13(30-now) I've played rotosound when I played 4 string and eventually switched to 5 string. Now I use DR black beauties. If I need strings desperately before a gig, I may run with Ernie Balls if I'm on a budget.
I play a six string bass and it can do chords that no other basses can do. No other bass can compare to sound and quality.
It might throw you on single note runs and patterns for a while as the Six string Bass standard tuning is Low to high is B,E,A,D,G,C ; as i only pick a six string guitar up now and again tuned E,A,D,G,B,E. it's the move from the G to B string that throws me,
@@chrisc.4517 I played DR Low-beams 30-40-60-80-100-120. Had to buy a 5 string set and a single 30.
@herb stomp Yes, it's the same pattern
I'm like Goldilocks when it comes to bass. 6 is too much, 4 isn't enough, 5 is just right.
Jonathan Sefcik My thoughts exactly
High c or low b?
@@natehaiden Yes; playa's choice.
Same here
Same here, I love my 5 string bass, been playing for 20 years
Did you just dip your Oreo in coffee
he's English. so its quite clearly tea
@@mogs9999 he literally says "a cheeky coffee" dipshit
So much escalation of emotion from comment to comment lol. It's just a snack guys.
@@mogs9999 thats some stereotypical shit right there dude just because he's english doesn't mean they always drink tea and not coffee. in fact, i know many brits who hate both
North of England does stuff diferently lol
Oh no, quick! Somebody tell Thundercat!
Thundercat is FAN-TAS-TIC
And John Myung
After watching your "Reasons not to play 5 str... 6 string..." and whatnot my takeaway is "If you are going to play X, then practice and play X. You do not need to progress from A to B to X, just pick what you want and practice away!'
My takeaway is that more strings gives less reasons.
Or you can put a hair scrunchie at the nut of the bass to mute the strings.
I did this when I was learning how to play bass even on a 4 string. Mom and sister used to wonder why I stole their scrunchies lol.
A more expensive but more elegant solution is a fret wrap. I have one on all of my guitars and my bass
Fretwraps give even tension on the strings. I have been meaning to get one myself. I only have a 5 string.
Or you can learn how to play.
5 string is my favorite, as dumb as it sounds 4 seems lacking but 6 is just overt and too much for me
Shermith totally agree with u. I have a 5 string bass (Stadium). Very sufficient for a 7 string and 8 string guitar when recording tracks in the studio.
I am predominately a 5 string player, but getting used to a 6 is a very amazing skill to master
That's great for you. ....it's not for everybody.....but it's worked exceptionally well for me for over 20 years and I get plenty of work. Use what works for you and you can't go wrong.
My main bass is a 6 string but I agree with your statement. I just think " Why get a 5 when you can get a 6 that does the same thing and more?"
Same. Years ago I went from 4 to a 6, and realized that I rarely if ever used anything on the C string. My playing style and the style of music I was playing in didn't use that high of a register in bass. And I'm not one for writing leads or anything like that. That's when I realized a 5 banger was perfect for me.
I read a newspaper article about you the other week! Congrats on the huge success! : )
Lol, If you don't want it I'll take it. I play almost exclusively 6-string.
Same here haha
6-strings FTW!!! :)
Hahaha I'm sure he'll get right back to you on that lol
Same here 😂
Jpkrao I can take her off your hands
Tell that to John Myung...
bout time i found a Myung comment
and John Patitucci!
Or thundercat
And Les Claypool
@Mark Wright I feel like you're just trying to start shit for no reason lmao. Too each their own opinion tho!
As a contrabassist I would LOVE to get my hands on a 6 stringed classical! Shifting on a contra is a whole different beast, and without frets it’s a ton to process when you have to play in the middle of the neck on the G string or tune down E for a single low note at the end.
i totally understand when your playing classical pieces for koussevitsky or Bach anyone really from that era its insane with some of the reaches you have to make
Ever heard of Renaud Garcia-Fons? He plays a 5-string contrabasse (high C-string). ua-cam.com/video/eim_QlKcprk/v-deo.html
a fretless 6 string bass is the best kind of 6 string bass.
salah dabbech See also: Steve Bailey
Claypool
Dominic "Forest" Lapointe!
Yep, Beyond Creation are awesome
Stephen - a nobody - claims one of the best fretless players in the world is not in tune. *slow clap*
I didn't know Paul Reed Smith also made t-shirts 😜
My wife got me a 6 string for Christmas. I love it. Thanks for the inspiration and the words of wisdom.
Yes dude! Enjoy!! Check this video out Ian did recently, playing on 2 different 6-string Ken Smith basses!
ua-cam.com/video/jNiDXH2olr0/v-deo.html
@@devinebass you trying to give this poor man GAS right after getting a 6-string?
The bassist is Marcello Guiliani and he plays with Erik Truffaz (the guy with the trumpet).
"The case smells good." Truly a bass fanatic!
Erik Truffaz Quartet where Marcello Giuliani is the bassist... How many points to get that bass? ;-)
Can you please guide me to a place where I can listen to/watch that specific concert?
thanks !!! awesome stuff
De rien!
Saw them Live years back it was INCREDIBLE!
Most of the time I play 5 string. I have a 6 strings at home to practice and to workout my finger strenght (It's 35" scale long). Another cool use is for selecting people I wanna play with. How? Easy : I tell them I play 6 strings basses. If the answer is somekind of "dah! bass must be 4 string" or "Why you don't play guitar?" I know that I'm dealing with people who doesn't think like me so I move on...
I love my Warwick 6 string.... makes me quiver sometimes.....
Seraephus boo
warwicks high end guitars even 1203901293 strings are perfect
but does it technical death metal?
MomoTheBellyDancer my dog does technical death metal when I ram my cock into its forehead
MomoTheBellyDancer mine is a special model, there are only 7 of them in world, they were quickly put out of production after animal abuse rates spiked or something
I've never actually wanted a 6-string bass before. But this video piqued my curiosity about them...especially that Yamaha model you're playing. Thanks!
I own a 7-string bass and I feel you. Muting can be a challenge.
the bass player is marcello giulliani from Erik Truffaz quartet.
"6 string bass suck"
Abraham Laboriel: "Hold my beer"
Les Claypool: Hold my wine
Erik Truffaz, bass player : Marcello Giuliani... Too easy, friend of mine!
Sixers are for thinkers and planners in bass playing. I do all 4, 5, and 6. Currently just acquired an amber TRBJP2 along with an Ibanez RS5000. My second language is the Alto Sax and keys as the third. So naturally, a sixer is my ideal bass on any genre. My foundation and genre is Fusion. Genesis in bass : 1974.
#1 reason why 6-string bass sux:
String sets are too expensive, they take 50% longer to tune, and you only use half of them anyway :)
Yes, and difficult to find. Yes, but so what. No, you use 2/3 99% of the time.
I love the 6 string too. 16 years on my Cort Curbow. Had to play a 4 string last week for another gig and felt so restricted like between a rock and hard place. :)
I've played 6's ... (mostly my Curbow Petite 6) for over 20 years and get plenty of work because of my approach which is groove and pocket FIRST. ....you have to be disciplined to play ONLY what the music needs you to play. ....Just because the 6 has 2 additional strings doesn't mean you have to play them all the time....."Widdle" when it's required. .....when its not, GROOVE.
Timmie Raynor III....Well said my man..i used to really dislike the whole idea of playing more than the traditional 4 strings.. this was mainly because if 4 strings was good enough for the Legends who played on untold million $ selling hit songs why fix what aint broken. Most bands who have a bass player expects he or she to know their role especially when there is a guitarist with an over inflated ego present. That role is (as you rightly said) to basically carry the band with a rock solid "groove" (covering any of their mistakes along the way) and boy dont we ..Also being ready to throw in that flash bass solo "if" and "when" called upon.. Apart from that who needs a bassist to play high pitched lead solos or chords, thats the guitarists job surely (im joking) 🤣 unless its to gain revenge on the bass player jokes of the past...i think we have well and truly kicked some ass on that score thanks to a whole army of slapping, tapping, popping heroes doing their endless rounds of the worlds music stores and Utube these days.. However im kinda coming round to the idea of having more room to be extra creative and also push those assumed boundaries. Who knows maybe Violin,double bass and Cello players could become 6,8, 10 even 12 string players too and add chords. Why should thinking outside the box stop at bass players..BLESSINGS..
A 6 string has more notes. You still have to fulfill your role in the music. Taste is required. It's the person behind the Bass, not how many strings. It only has 5 more notes on the bottom and 5 more notes on the top. The octaves are all there in the money note region.
bass
walter
Back in 2006, I was brought in to replace the guy in a respected Prog-Metal band that I had been listening to for years. It required a 6 string to play the old parts, so I got one. It sounded amazing and I could do some cool stuff with the high C but it felt like I was playing a 2x6 board with strings.........
Scott, I just acquired a 7 string bass from all in one guitars, I do own 4,5,6,and now 7 string with a f# low string. I'm enjoying it. I'm finding that I have to focus on where I use the f# string to create an effect depending on the type of song, I play gospel music and the low f# comes off like a b52 bomber, the weight of this bass, 12.5 -13 lbs is a challenge, but I like the weight, I've been playing for 45+years and with this seven string I'm up for it. I could stand to have about another inch of finger added to my existing hand size.
dipping oreos in coffee?? now THAT is a technique I gotta try!
Absolutely agree with all of the points you talked about. I play a six-string tuned down and the muting was an absolute pain to get used to. Love it to bits because it really opens up the world of chords to the bass player. Also tapping is heela fun :) keep up the good content
HOW THE FUK is muting ever hard?? The neck hand mutes the high note strings when not used, & the playing hand mutes the low note strings that are not used. Everything U want muted gets snuffed. WTF? How dumb R bass players? I guess it's true what 'spectresoundstudios' says HAHA & yes, I play bass... AND guitar =)
I had a “six-banger” for about a year. Always thought they looked cool - especially the model you are playing. I found it exceptionally tiresome always reaching over the “C” to play standard bass stuff in “blues/classic rock/country” band situations. Traded it for another 5-string which is what I mainly use. Seems to me the only ones truly benefiting from a modern 6-string are the jazz players who have ample opportunity to solo on the upper register where the “high C” comes in handy. The reason I like the “bottom B” is to get to lower notes while playing upper neck positions along with the occasional “Drop D” where I can play without tuning down.
My 4th finger on both hands is quite short. A six string is like trying to play an ironing board for me. I have just two basses. An Ibanez four and a dead cheap Korean built Saein (Shine) 5 string. The string spacing is quite tight but it surprisingly good play and the active pickups are very quiet.
I wish you would do a video focusing on the B string and all (if any) pointers related.
Do you need additional height for that string?
Are B strings readily available in the proper gauge?
Does a B string take longer to stretch.
What style of strings on a 6 string do you prefer?
Thank you!
I had two sixers - both Hohner VI B Basses. Very compact, fantastic wood, great players and superb sound - all for around £250 $300 2nd hand. But it is very easy to think of them as 4+2 if you're a beginner.
John Whyte-Venables played the same bass for years. ....was blessed to play some great stuff with that instrument! I play a 1994 Curbow Petite 6 now that I've had since 01.....LOVE it!
Tick Timmie. I now moved to a single cut Ibanez Cerro 5. Not sure I wouldn't rather have my last B Bass back!
John Whyte-Venables okay cool! I also have 2 Tom Martinson 5's. One is a single cut fretted Phat 5 and the other is a Nessie fretless 5. Love both of those as well. ...great playing instruments. Tom is a wonderful builder out of Morristown Tennessee.
Play what you love....play it well....4,5,6,7 fretted or fretless...if it sounds good it is!! I only play a six but my heros are Anthony Jackson, Alain Caron, John Pattituci, Oteil Burbridge and Keith Horne. Can I play with the facility of Jeff Berlin, Jaco or Jeff Andrews? I'm working on it. LOL
Well said ! "4,5,6,7 fretted or fretless...if it sounds good it is!" After all, it's just a tool to create music, nothing else.
What's most important is the Bassist. The bass is just a way to make the music happen. No matter what you use, you have to be good with it.
I play a guitar with my E string replaced for a bass string
What gauge is the string? Is it tuned differently?
Antonio Gonzalez i have 2 4 Strings a 5 string and my dad’s fretless I use occasionally
This video should be titled: 3 reasons why YOU suck on a 6 string bass (and how to fix it) :D
Totally agree!
Yup!!!
Exactly!
Obviously :)
Tamara Zawada - Idk. He clear does not suck.
Have had a TRBII6 for a few years now my mute style is using both hands to cut down string noise. First year it was a four string with two extra strings, but over time it opened up and i found it great for reaching notes across rather than up the neck.
One thing in particular that I like about them is the narrow string spacing. I'd be happy with a 4 if they made more with a narrow spacing. Any recommendations for 4 strings with a 6 string bridge spacing are welcome.
Also, as a guitarist, each string can be tuned like a guitar (octave down) and not need to learn new chords or scales
John Myung and Mark Michell are extremely talented, and they plays 6-strings
Along with Steve digorgio and Dominic forest lapointe and Jared Smith (death/testament/session, first fragment/beyond creation, archspire)
All basses are tools if you will. Only thing that "sucks" would be the quality of the instrument.
Amount of strings they have doesn't make them any better or any worse than any other. If you like 4.. Cool... 5?? Great.. A 6? Killer.. 7, 8,, 9, 10.... Have at it! I completely enjoyed this video!!
pensnut08 - I would go as far to say that it's the player that makes the difference - even on the cheapest of cheapest.
(Insert SMG reference about bassists here)
I have an eighty-eight string bass - it's called a piano....
Ken Gibson Ayy, me too! Mine is tuned to Drop A!
Pianos are actually in the percussion family despite having strings
I play a 6 string upside down because I can't afford a left handed one. I'm so used to it now that idk if I could play a left handed bass.
Great video about the things that makes a sixstring special. Reminds a little about the video with the five strings.
Although I have several 4 string bass I've been playing a 6 string fretless for over 25 years (only one of those). You get a whole new horizon when you play. It's my swiss army knife for anything thrown at you.
6-string basses don't suck ... glad you finally mentioned the word, "awesome." They're a marvelous innovation to the evolution of the bass guitar pioneered by maestro bassist, Anthony Jackson. #1. It's easy to mute the strings. Totally natural, in fact. Just relax your right hand and move your hand up and down as a unit -- engaging from the elbow/forearm across the strings, letting your thumb course along the strings, thus muting them. I never had an issue with this when switching from a 4-string to a 6-string. A relaxed right-hand does the trick. #2. I agree, 100%. #3. It takes time to map out your expanded neck. I invented a few exercises I can share. #4 With a 6-string bass guitar, you can become a quasi-rhythm guitar player with triads, 7th chords, inversions, etc. Take advantage of that. Create new voicings.
I would love to see some of those exercises. Just got a 6-string and I'm gonna need a lot of practice. Do you have a link to access them?
@@damilliron Alas, they're not online. Maybe I can walk you through them via Skype or Zoom?
Thanks for the muting tips. Any help about how to mute the B string while slapping the E string ?
My neck is too large and I can't reach it with my thumb :(
MomoTheBellyDancer on guitar it is pretty common to mute with the fretting hand thumb. It's common to actually play notes with that thumb too while playing chords. Tons of teachers teach it and pros do it all the time
Thank you
Buy a fret wrap
Juan Pablo Monzon i have two, they are ok but it feels like cheating :) and the open string slap is quite muted
Fret wraps, I find them kind of cool for tapping technique.
I currently own (and play) John's Knooren 6 string bass that he got rid of when he signed with Yamaha. I presume the Yamaha Patatuci bass has John's setup, which is slightly wider spaces between the strings (to accommodate his stumpy fingers). With my left hand flat on the finger board, my middle finger barely reaches the B string. The main benefit I see with a 6 string bass is most apparent when sight reading. 6 strings provides 2 and a half octaves without shifting positions (low B to high F in one position).
Simply Awesome!!!!..Great Information on the 6-String Hand Bass!...Great Job Scott!!!
Scott, I would love to see a complete “widdle” tut video. I know my scales and modes and I just don’t understand how you modulate and doodle around all the trills and embellishments.
I mean is this the part where I would be better off just learning different artists lines? I’ve never been someone into all the big names and all that. Could that be a flaw, just as not knowing theory can be a flaw? I hope that doesn’t sound snobbish. Being real
Scott does Yamaha still sell those. Thought it was discontinued. Nice tone. Would love to get my hands on one.
Andy Barnwell yes they do sell them. You find them at online stores
I'll take it I need a new bass plz
“The case smells good”
Same, bro. Same lol
I was at Sam Ash today and there was a Warwick thumb 6 I grabbed off the rack, I loved it, loved the feel of the neck and the depth of the bass sound. I went into the shop to have my 5 string jazz bass checked out for intonation. Problems. Took a little getting use to, but I'd buy one, fun to play with.
I play 6-string bass, and honestly, none of these "problems" are that big a deal. A bass guitar is a type of guitar, so as far as I'm concerned, a bass with less than 6 strings isn't a real guitar. I would have got a 6-string bass as my first if I had that option. I've always felt limited playing 4 and 5 strings. My creativity didn't really blossom until I got a 6-string.
You should try 12, it will blow your mind!
@@vladimirolujic6637 No thanks.
i tune my 6 string to EADGBE
i dunno if this is stupid. Maybe it's that i got it when i was still mostly a guitarist.
I tried that, and I broke the highest string
No tuning is stupid so long as you have a musical reason to do it
@@billymayo3640 That sucks
The issue about the B string is just for 6 strings basses? What about a (standard) 5 string bass?
this one doesn't have issue's at all though. Yamaha's are genererally 35inch scale for 5 & 6 string. 34 can have issue's from time to time although nothing that can't be helped.
I don't like B strings, so I tune mine like standard 4 string, plus the high C and F strings.
It's still an issue for 5 strings, but not quite as much. He does cover this in his 5 string video. The further you get away from the low B, the more attention you have to pay to muting it, because your thumb wants to lift up from the strings the higher you get. The C is just that little bit further away than the G, so it's a bigger problem on a 6 string. Still an issue on a 5, but not so much on a 4.
Muting isn't a problem for me and I'm a female with small hands. I cheat a little by wrapping a hairband around the neck just in front of the nut. I think I got the idea from watching Victor Wooten play.
Hey Shredfreak83! that's the point... he uses to play a 5 strings bass and presented issues about noise of a B string for a 6 strings.... it's just about a way to play and doesn't matter 5 or 6 strings on this case. About a "standard" 5 strings it's regarding the tones of the strings (B-E-A-D-G)... some bass players uses E-A-D-G-C. Not sure if he uses it on his 5 string basses... And after all he's telling that a 6 string bass sucks!
The comments on this video... bunch of 6 stringers who got their butt hurt and missed the whole point of the video.
Timothy Henderson Yeah I know... Such a shame. This video is so interesting and educational and they just whine without even watching it...
That's how you get the clicks!
Oh - there's a point(?); GOOD! :D *back2video
Well maybe he should've made an appropriate title?
He answered the question as to why they suck to play which is the point of us bass players watching a lot of his videos who are looking for ways to improve and investigate...i really hate how all these guys took it personally when it wasn’t an insult to the bass itself to begin with. My goodness.😑
Great info....been playing a 4 string off and on but would like to get back on the trail of learning again.
Thanks!
You're spot on with every point... I played a GTBD-7 (Bill Dickens) exclusively for a few years - because of the tendency to 'widdle around', It made me develop bad habits and made me a worse player when playing with an ensemble. Decided to switch back to a 4-string but often turn to my 7-string when I practice. I will say that overall, practicing with a 7-string has made me a much faster and a more well-rounded 4-string player.
Meanwhile I’m here with my 8 string Conklin.....
Meanwhile the dude with the stalin mustache has 24 strings...
DogeWaffle1 / Doge it's Davey504 now
spencer koeller master 4 before you jump to 8..... Jaco was the greatest bassist ever and 4 was plenty for him. You saying you're better?
1Rad Honeybadger jaco was also a junkie that got kicked to death after mouthing off to a bouncer
Mike Mike Jaco was a legend who inspired the greatest people to play bass ever. You are no one but somebody who's jealous and clueless.
When you pulled that thing out of the case, it had more fingerprints on it than an old $89 Tasco from back in the day that's been demoed to death in a pawn shop, but nobody buys. Sorry, I'm kinda funny that way about the bass...wipe it down!
Holy M A C A R O N I
Been playing a fiver for years. Pre-ordered the Ibanez BTB806MS because it has my entire wishlist of bells and whistles plus the extra vertical range. Really hoping I didn't make a mistake. We'll see
As someone kinda new to your videos, I have to say it looks like you have an awesome life. Good for you, brother.
Whenever I see someone playing a six string bass my brain always goes "that is a tiny man playing a normal sized guitar"
If you're watching steve bailey though, fear not. It is not an optical illusion, he's short #HeightSupremecist
@@vasilias2230 *Laughs in tall from balkan*
Did anyone notice that the bass has 26 frets?
Jackon J lol
It’s also red
4:03 "Holy macaroni, it's *huge* !!! Like it feels _physically really big_ !!!"
Come on, all together now: that's ...
We need Michael Scott here
What she said?
T h a t ‘ s w h a t s h e s a i d
That thumb mute technique is great. I’m going to use it. I will also try JP’s technique.
Here's a bass hack for extended range basses. Rap a "hair scrunchy" lightly positioned around the first fret to help mute or keep the open strings from overtones and droning. A trick from Baby Al Caldwell bassist for Vanessa Williams.
Actually lots of bass players use this trick.
john myung bb
best six string bassist i've ever seen
John is great but check Alain Caron (solo now or with his old band UZEB), he plays fretted and fretless 6 string basses, mostly in Jazz Fusion style… ;)
Anthony Jackson. Beast.
I own one of these basses. Absolutely love it! aND YES, it IS huge!
Same here. Enjoy Brother. Love that bass. This bass adds the esthetic flower on the stage.
Should have cited 6 reasons. ;-)
Nah, there's only one reason: C.
Dude, that little lick you played at 11:06 was soooo sweet!
Thanks for posting. Just bought a used Carvin 6 string from Guitar Center. Got 45 days to decide if I want to keep it. I'm a lefty, so that's why I grabbed it.
And God said: "There will be Bass and it shall have four strings"
"and I shall send Leo Fender to electrify it!"
And Satan said: "Let ignoramuses argue about the number of strings and the good players play what they like."
Scott, if I didn't know for sure that you actually love playing, I would never imagine that while looking at your videos... you look like suffering or disgusted while playing! XD
I like the part when he says SUCC
These days I play mainly 6 string bass (a Yamaha too! TRB1006J) and I've found I mainly use the high string for chord construction. Chords on the highest 3 strings just sound so nice. I'm not a very widdle-y player, so that was never a problem :'D
nice:) im getting a 6 string bass now. good thing im using that thumb technique...started using that a couple of years ago, and now its floating like a dream. Easier to adapt to a 6 string:)