5 String Basses Suck for Beginners (7 Reasons)
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- Опубліковано 9 лип 2022
- 👉 My full beginner bass course: yeah.bassbuzz.com/5string
Is it dangerous to learn on 5 string bass? Here are all the reasons you might wanna stick to a classic 4 string when you start out.
Yeah, 5 string basses can be super cool. But also, as you’ll learn in this video:
- slapping = harder
- 25% more notes to learn (yes I do have a math degree)
- may hurt your back like an out of shape Spiderman
- can lead to tasteless rumbly playing
- harder to pluck the right string
- may make you sound like a muddy earthquake
You read all the way through this video description… you must really like bass lessons. Subscribe so you don’t miss the next one - yeah.bassbuzz.com/subscribe
#5StringBass #Versus #4StringBass
Everything Josh says here is absolutely true. I wouldn't mind betting that many 5-string players spend more time trying to control the B string while playing on the other four strings than actually playing the 'extra' notes. Carol Kaye is on record somewhere as saying that too many 5-string players were buying them not for the extra low notes but to ease things for the left hand by making it possible to play the ordinary range of the 4-string starting in the fifth position. She also said 'get your playing together so you can play a whole bass on the four-string first, then you can graduate to a five-string if you want to; it’s not the other way around.'
I've always found that all notes played on the B string have a different timbre, too. Carol thought that they tended to change a band's balance, and not in a good way. Maybe that isn't true on high-end instruments: but for most people, their first instrument isn't going to be expensive.
notes on any string have a different timbre to one another
That's not something specific to the B string but literally true for any string
Playing something in 12th fret position compared to 2nd fret 2 strings down sounds wildly different on any pitch, even worse on guitar than on bass
Yes, you need the scale length to make it sound not shitty and muddy
B strings sound muffled as shit
@@dutchdykefinger I mean that’s what the extended multi scale basses are for, specifically ones with a 37” B string. Makes it a lot more of a note than a rumble. Check dingwall bass videos for examples if you haven’t heard it before, it’s quite distinctive. The problem is that a vast majority of players look at multi scale as metal only. I mean lee sklar plays a dingwall but other than him I don’t know any others doing it. That being said, the average 34” B string is muffled as hell. I’ve had a 5 string PJ for a little over a year now and you have to be very specific with the B string, it’s just not capable of that clarity that the others can do, so it instead almost just becomes a low note regardless of if it’s the right note or not. 5 string foderas seem to be a bit clearer somehow, but like you said that is hardly a budget instrument. Same can be said for dingwall, but maybe multi scale will start to become more prevalent and therefore more affordable.
@@dutchdykefinger All this is true. However, the differences between the upper four strings and the low B are very obvious on many basses - particularly inexpensive ones that typically are not extended scale or multiscale. It can almost sound like the player has switched to a different instrument every time they go to the B string. Minimising that effect is one of the things you are paying for with a quality instrument, I guess.
Thanks sharing Paul, I agree with Carol on both counts. I know a lot of people like playing a low F on the 6th fret of the B instead of the 1st fret of the E... but sometimes it just isn't the right tone/timbre.
Playing fretted E rather than open E is the reason I got my 5. As for tone, B5 and open E sound the same. I also play one song where I do a run that includes B7 instead of E2 because it's a passing note between E5 and E10. Just easier fingerings. But B7 and E2 sound the same. Maybe I just got lucky because my 5 is a cheap Rogue III I got 2nd hand for $100. Then again, I had it set up, too, instead of playing it straight from factory.
I’m a bass newbie learning on a five string. The only thing I could play before was my stereo. Two months in and I’m progressing slowly but steadily. I sooo enjoy it. For anyone new who wants to learn 5 string, don’t let this vid discourage you.
That's great Jack, as long as you're enjoying it and handling the challenges then all is well!
I wouldnt say the same. Its not easy to find a cheap bass with a good B string everywhere
Idk if u got a teacher or anything, but i could drop my discord tag if you felt u needed/wanted some guidance.
I usually dont do this 😅 but idk ive been at this for 15 years and keeping most of what i know to myself
@@emaheiwa8174 I'd say the Cort action is a relatively good 5-string budget bass
My first bass is going to be a 5 string, so yea i basically have to ignore this video lol.
Kinda doubt its going to be much harder than a 6 string... Which is what ive been learning on anyway.
Great advice. Seriously regretting buying the 16 string bass now.
Everything Josh mentioned is true. At the same time, if you want it, whether you need it or not, get it.
thanks for the advice mike patton, trey spruance, scott ian, dave lombardo & trevor dunn
At the end of the day, who's going to stop you?
I told the guitar center dude. I want a 5-string. He said, uhh that’s not recommended for beginners. I said, it’s what I want to learn. He’s like, okay!
Having spent time with 7 string guitars, I've only ever played 5 string bass and love it.
Makes sense Darien, if the guitarists are adding extra low strings you've gotta keep up. 👅
I was just going to post this.
I started on a 7-string and now REFUSE to play anything else.
I just ordered my first bass guitar and went with a 5 string because EXTENDED RAAAAAANGE IS EXTENDED! 😅
I'm sure it'll be fine. But I can see how I've been 'learning uphill' this entire time.
I guess I like the challenge? (or hate myself?) 🤔😳
@@Quigomy I tend to learn uphill as well. It didn't take me long at all to learn floating thumb technique. It's not really an advanced technique if you just start out learning it. Everything feels difficult when starting out so why not just give it a go?
Four string can be more difficult because you don’t have those lower notes close by on the B string, you gotta be quick to move around and get to them on the other 4 strings. I still learned on a four and I don’t foresee myself ever getting a 5 string bass. I have a bass VI,but that is a completely different animal altogether.
@@donnix1192 not only do you not have them close by
You don't have them at all
But an octave is only 2 frets and 1 string away, so it's kind of a non argument lol
I got a 5 string as my first bass in High School and I never had any of these problems with my learning on it. Got used to it super quick and prefer them over my 4 strings any day.
If you want a 5 string, go for it when you want to and enjoy the hell out of it
I started on 4 but was forced onto 5. The band im in play a real mix-up of tunes. Its handy having those lower notes so you dont have to retune, its also super helpful for your singers if they need you to drop a step or two to experiment singing in different keys. I appreciate these arnt newb issues and you can always sell your 4 to fund the 5 when you need to. The problem is by then youve mapped the low string to E, not B, and youve also anchored your thumb for muting which is hard to unlearn. I wish Id started with floating thumb. Great video though, I agree with most of it.
Same here
@@bazmole i started with 4 but because i also play guitar the string spacing wasn't a problem and i normally mute every string except the one i am playing at that moment so that was easy to get around, but the lowest string not being E took a while to get used to but i applied a bit of what i know from playing banjo to get used to having 5 strings
Spot on dude.
For anybody playing in those metal subgenres mentioned near the end: Consider whether you need the full range of a five-string or whether all you need is to go lower than a four-string in E standard can. If it’s the latter-that is, if you need a low B, A, or whatever you’re tuning to, but you don’t need the high notes on a five-string’s high G string-consider just getting a longer-scale four-string. I’ve got a 35-inch scale four-string right now, and it’s been good so far. It’s got a tighter low A than my 34-inch five-string, and it’s easier to play.
For beginners not familiar with the term, you'll want to look for a "BEAD bass".
a 5er will still be easier. Longer scales are harder to play, especially for us small hands people. I'd rather use a 5 string. Not sure why you bassists are so close-minded and afraid of change. You basically say that bassists are too stupid to play more than 4 strings. I play guitar and only add bass in the production but man, 6+ strings must be scary for most of you
I experienced this a lot while playing metal in the early 2000s.
I was using a 4 string tuned low to high CGCG.
I'd have other bassists come up and ask why I didn't get a 5 string, and I'd always reply, "Dude, I'm not paying that much for one semitone."
@@xNachtmahRx I play guitar ~and~ bass and you're being a silly goose
@@xNachtmahRx I got a 6 with an extended range, my small hands are pretty fine with it. Though my arms are weird and long so that might have something to do with that. The 2 extra strings are nice, especially since I have that c string. I was originally just wanting a 5 but then I was like "but what if more"
5-string basses are excellent for beginners.
You've got to learn muting anyway, so it's better to learn to position your hand in a way that can be applied to 4 or 5-string basses, rather than learning the wrong way and having to relearn a different way later
I have a 5-string with a high C and I love it. It resolves many of the issues that you were talking about, plus, it helps out a lot when playing in the higher octave range.
This is my plan, I just ordered a 5 string short scale and the first thing I'm doing is changing it from low B to high C.
The high C string on a bass is terrible I played a Pink Floyd song and the guy ruined it with that high - bass bullshit
The editing on this video is phenominal, im going to have to watch this multiple times to admire the hard work. Well worth the wait from the last video
I think the problems you mentioned are actually a good reason to start on 5 string. I transitioned from four to five s couple of years ago and had to relearn much of the habits that were entrenched in my playing from playing four strings for so many years.
Bingo. I almost got a fretless 6 string as my first bass, but I'm not that masochistic. With that though you'd either git gud or just quit so it's a good weeding mechanism if you really wanna git gud
Don't want to discredit this video but I think if you definitely want a 5 string then get one, even as your first bass. My experience starting on a 4 string bass was that I still had the same troubles playing a 5 string bass just because it is different. Even worse when you are accustomed to a 4 string bass then going to a 5 string bass will throw you off even more imo, since you aren't used to that 5th string. I had a hard time adjusting to that.
So my honest advice: If you are 100% sure you want a 5 string bass, then get one. Maybe get a teacher that can show you the proper techniques and tell you what you are doing wrong.
Totally agree! This video is a good litmus test - if you watch the whole thing and still want one... then screw this random Josh bass teacher guy and go for it!
@@BassBuzz Yeah I watched the whole thing and what you said in the end. Just wrote this because most people won't watch until the very end
@@BassBuzz 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I absolutely agree with you. I started on a 5-string and while these seven reasons are completely true, the excitement and joy of owning and doing your thing on that instrument that you like so much reduces all of this to obstacles that we gladly face.
I have been playing for 30+ years and just got my first 5 string last year. I used to use my fingers for songs/musicians that used fingers and picks for players/music that they used a pick. Playing fingerstyle on Beatles/McCartney songs sounded terrible to me!
One day I fell and fractured the first, second and third fingers on my plucking hand, and they healed ok but never got the previous strength they had, so I use a pick all the time.
I also think if you know you will want a five string and you are just starting out, you should go for it! Otherwise, there is a good chance you will spend many hours playing four string but being distracted by that 'Someday I will get a five'.
Another amazing video, love the production value & the spot on content as always. Great job man, i was so excited to watch this one too & couldn't time till now hahaha.
Great video. A lot of people read the title and then commented, but Josh does a great job of laying out the argument, then being like "go ahead and do it if you are committed and/or love it". Thanks Josh
I've been considering getting into bass for a while now. Finding your channel will definitely help.
Good man.
I love my 4 string. It’s all I need. I agree with the video although I had a hard time watching it because I’m laughing so hard at that “ talking 5 string” bass! Keep up the good work. I’ve learned so much from you!!!
My first bass was a 5 string. Sure its tricky controlling the B string at first but thats what practice is for, improving and learning how to control the sound coming out of your instrument. Been a year since I got my bass and ive gotten some real nice sounds out of that B string and have grown used to the extra string
The wider neck of the 5 string ruins it for most people I play a 4 string tuned down to B but the low string sounds dead sometimes because its not extra heavy
@@worsethanhitlerpt.2539 you are true to your name sake
The joy of 5 strings for me is the ability to play two octave arpeggios without shifting positions
When your band want to copy a D song, 5-string is a saviour. Ok I started from a 4-string, and then I join the darkside of the 5-string. and I only consider 5-string.
This. Having more strings is not about extending your overall range (although it's a nice bonus). It is about extending your range in certain playing position. With additional bass string I can play low F without constantly moving my hand to nut positions.
bass buzz ur videos are by far the best on youtube for lessons. creativity effort and charm radiates from every video.
I really like your videos, they are very well done and informative. Keep up the good work. I feel compelled to chime-in and say that I played 4-string basses for years until 5-strings became more common and available in the 80's. I still play my 4-string basses on occasion, with students, on sessions and when I'm doing upright bass gigs. For most of my pro gigs I will always prefer the 5-string bass. You are correct to state that 5-strings are well-suited to gospel and metal and it is also the proper bass for modern 'smooth jazz' as well. There's nothing like those low c's and b's when the time is right. I also will conclude by saying that many non-bassists (and even some bassists) don't have a clue about the 5-string's benefits. It's not all about the low notes...sometimes it is very useful to use the B-string in the 5th to 10th fret region for familiar patterns and fingerings.
Very good advice and as always, enjoyable to watch. I love your production and use of humor.
This is such an awesome video. I'm more of an intermediate player and have been thinking I would like a 5-string bass and so went here first to see if Josh had done anything on it. These points are so good and has made me rethink my reasons for wanting one. Such a funny video also - had me laughing most of the time. A big thanks Josh!
You always manage to make me smile.
Thank you.
And now back to my Dingwall. Need to practise muting.
Good points (particularly the "slapping problem" w/ 5 strings) but that low-B string makes it easier to play certain things in the middle of the fretboard (which is easier for beginning fingers), i.e., it's easier to play patterns that use lots of low F's, F#'s, G's, and G#'s when you can play them on the 6th-9th frets of the low B rather than on the 1st-4th frets of the E-string.
I feel like this video was made in my honor, considering I just commented just this topic recently on BassBuzz! LOL I have both 4 and t strings and it's been interesting going back and forth. Vader had some good in him after all. Keep up the good work Josh!
My first bass I really ever put serious hours in and giggles with was a five string. It definitely made four string easier and six string not as much of a learning curve.
You made a great point about over using the B there definitely is a time and place for it. Great Tip!
The first bass I picked up was a 5 string, but that was only because it was the cheapest bass there. I mainly used the B string as a thumb rest since the pickups were kinda sunken into the body. Not to mention all of the tabs I was looking at were for four string bass, and the extra string would often leave me disoriented trying to play along with the track, so I highly recommend you start on a 4 string bass
I admire the commitment to having 4 AND 5 string versions of the same awesome bass. 👏
Great suggestions. Love you bro. 👍
i recently picked up bass and love the vids man keep it up
i was looking through your channel, and i noticed it was created on my birthday (not the year) so thought that was pretty cool 👍
I started on a 4 string, moved to a 5 string after seeing a lot of bass players use them, then I moved back to my 4 string, I just use heavier strings on my 4, I use 110 - 55 set on my Epiphone Thunderbird and love it.
Thank you for well being you, and making this channel.
I just got my first bass and it's a 5 string Yamaha BB235. It is literally the complete opposite of wat I was originally looking for. I originally wanted a short scale 4 string. But I'm actually having a lot of fun, it's not as hard as I actually thought it would be. Might need a bit more tenacity and patience with the way you learn it compared to a 4 string but I'm all for it. The fact that it looks really pretty certainly helps.
I want that same Yamaha in a natural finish. They look so good.
I got a 5 string bass as my first and it’s great. I also have a 4 string bass and I have so much fun playing both.
Great video as always, Josh! I started on 4 string and resisted trying a 5 string for ages. Then, when I tried it, I never went back (except for the occasional Maiden cover gig). But you make some really good and valid points there as usual. 👏👏👏. Oh, and "can't stop my B string with the rumbles" was hilarious😆👍. I have that problem with 7 string guitars.
I would just like to say how helpful your bass guitar lessons are, in just a few days I'm so much better at bass🙂🙂
I started with an Ibanez Vintage 4 string passive bass playing simple metal songs and it was great for a first experience. The transition to 5 string was very natural and it was really funny seeing how your musical possibilities get increased 🙌🏻, this is the bass I still have and it is an ESP B-155 Active Bass
I’m planning to start with a Dingwall six string active/multiscale and I hope the same great experience as the previous transition
I remember when I got into bass and I really wanted a 5 strings bass... then my dad got me a bass as a birthday present and it was a 4 strings Pbass... at the moment I got disappointed but just a few months later (and for the rest of my musical life) I’m glad it was that way...
I'm intermediate and have no want for a 5-string. I'm just glad that I get to watch another video from Josh
Important thing with 5 string basses is to use them correctly (by playing all the notes that are more easily accessible). Some people just play it for the low B, and at that point just downtune a 4 string.
Well obviously you would need new strings, nut filing, raised action... You can't just go to BEAD tuning on a whim
@@Thurgor_Supreme It's possible to use a heavy gauge e-string as a low B. Oftentimes it works better than than the original B string. Of course it would be more work still to downtune, but having a whole extra string and not using it is also quite a bit of work.
@Adam They also make 35in scale 4 string basses ment for B standard.
@Adam Then you have some really shitty bass. Mine was the cheapest in the shop(the only one I could afford at the time)and it sounds and plays perfectly fine.
@@KiKfilms yeah
Calling bullshit
Most low Bs sound like gash even on decent basses, most get it completely wrong
The fact you may have a really goos bass or really shitty ears doesnt make their bass bad
This is a video for beginners and every point is valid.
The *only* reason I got a 5 was to do walking baselines with a low E starting on the B5 and not have open string notes.
When you look into buying your 2nd bass, adding a 5 is not a bad choice.
My 5 is my "go-to" bass, even though I rarely play on the B string. Main reason? BECAUSE THE STRINGS ARE CLOSER. For a beginner it's a problem. If you want to play fast riffs, it's an asset. Plus the neck on my 5 is *maybe* 1/8" wider at the nut than my 4 string which itself has a narrow neck (not all 5-strings have such a narrow neck -- my friend's 5 feels clumsy because it is maybe 1/4" wider than my 5).
When you get serious, having basses for different tunings and styles is fine. A 5 in standard tuning, A fretless, a 4 with different pickups for different tone and a 4 in drop D pretty much cover you without having to adjust tuners or your amp eq.
My friend is trying to sell me his 6. No thanks. I barely use the 5th I have and the neck on that thing feels like a log.
very happy you used the term hit box when talking about bass. :)
As a drummer and bass player that comparison of over using low notes too over playing a driving drum beat has got to be the best comparison Ive heard and honestly made me understand bass as a instrument a lot better. I know this video is old now but keep up the awesome work man!
I can definitely attest to some of the challenges of starting on a 5-string! The extra string was a pain to mute at the start, but like with anything, putting the extra time into it helped a tonne especially when I switched over to a 6-string about a year later. And yes, I was guilty of sitting on those low notes whenever I had the chance :P But it's as you said, I just wanted a 5-string because most of the stuff I wanted (and still want) to play is in certain sub-genres of metal, so I guess it worked out ^.^
Thanks for video Josh!
I love this five string character! More please! But only if the lessons are worthy 😉🤘🏼✊🏼
One thing I will say is this. I started on a 4 string for about a year, learned the basics, but the bass was really crappy. A $50 bass off of Amazon I think. So after a year of committed playing, I got a 5 string. The learning curve was steep, and there were some frustrating hurdles (muting and slap I'm STILL working on everyday). And even when you get decent at the 5 string, if you've been playing a 4 string for awhile and go back to the 5 string its a little disorienting.
But THIS is the cool thing: After playing my 5 string for awhile, when I go back to playing a 4 string... I can absolutely SHRED on it. It's incredible!
I owned 6 5-string basses (including 2 fretless) before buying my 1st 4-string and I have to say that this 4-string Squier JB is the most fun to play.
I started out with a 4 string first act bass guitar. It's so fun to play and if you have a friend who wants to learn it's a great starting point. I love my 5 string ESP and they definitely play differently. It's all in what you are trying to do.
I started on a Squier JB, and I love it so much. I just got a 5-string, but I still play my 4-string
Awesome video Josh! Love the channel! Maybe a cool follow up to this video could be a "Great Bass Players" spotlight video on Tom Hamilton from Aerosmith (a legendary rock bassist who uses a 5-string)?
Josh; you are a great bass player and teacher. Love your videos and keep up the good work! By the way; where did you get that Peavy bass? Ive always wanted one of those.
I‘m planning in the future of buying a 6 string and diving in. The extra 2 strings are very daunting but I love the journey of widening the knowledge of the bass. I may have not discovered the secrets of my 4 string, but it‘s always gonna be there if the 6 string wears me out.
Great video as usual. I have never played a 5-string, but realize the issues you describe are legit. I was kind of bored and recently set up my Fender J-bass B E A D. I took the four low strings from a five-string set. I used lighter gauge flats. It stays in tune great. It's not as nimble as a normal setup, but very playable and fun. It's kind of a novelty and I had a spare bass to do it with. Thanks again for the awesome content!
I've just bought my first 5 string and Love it. low B gives that extra low/drop tuned range I was looking for.
While I definitely didn't begin on a 5 string, I definitely moved to one before perfecting a lot of the techniques like muting. Amplifying those skill gaps as well as the 5 string kind of completing a pattern that I always knew was in bass tuning (but now I could get hands on with it) did provide more motivation to learn. Plus extending scales into the low B and carrying out the pattern for longer kinda tickles my brain (and is the reason I want a 6, but I should probably practice more first, though Ibanez does make some very pretty ones...)
The talking headstock is hilarious. Thank you for adding some humor to your lessons.
My parents bought me a 5 string bass as my first one... I didn't thought about that
I get what Josh is saying so im not knocking his knowledge at all. What I will say is that if your first bass is a 5 string, then just take the extra time to learn your instrument. I picked up a 5 string maybe 2 months after I started playing and honestly? I love it. I'm pretty much a primary on my 5 now. So just take your time and enjoy the low-ness haha
pro tip though? Playing the low B is tempting, but there is a time and place for everything
I'm in the same boat.
In the longrun i dont really think it will be that much of an issue. If you love bass you'll find love in a 5 string regardless IMO.
Hi! i really like your videos, as i play 5 string bass as my first one before i became a luthier, and i struggle with a 4. As far as having trouble muting the 5th, or any string, i still do. But i think the instrument follows the music, if the music you play or like has a 5 string, use that, then, a 4 is ok for pretty much anything really. Keep up the good work!
Love the 5 string bass doing My Girl,
sure fire hit for the alternative metal chart😏
Love your vids, Josh! Could you do a livestream for us bassists? No one does this for our community 😂🙃 Thank you❕
Solid advice sir!
So hysterical! Josh you need to do a vid on Drop Tuners!
I just started playing guitar after 10 years of thinking I would never play again. I bought a Fender Player Plus 5-string two weeks ago because I thought it would be a good complement to my baritone guitar and my current favorite player uses a 5-string as he's part of a certain metal subgenre. I just subscribed and I'm learning a lot!
I agree w/ this video. I have a 6 string that I wish I hadn’t bought. Years ago, I started on 4 string. I like both 4 & 5. 4 strings you can thump pop& tap easier w/o banging into the wrong string.
5:31 Flight of the Conchords. That was excellent! I hope there's a longer version of that somewhere
Man you’re funny. That makes you a great teacher. Thanks!
I don't need a 5-string bass but after this video I know that I need to put googly eyes on my bass.
Well Josh, nice video. I'm addicted to five string basses because of those two reasons you mentioned at the end hehe.But almost 30 years ago when I started, I always missed some deep tones and I didn't know that low B even exist and I didn't even had opportunity to get five string. If I did, I surely would get some. BUT before I got my first five string I discovered that low B exist and changed my four string tuning to B E A D and man, it was a totally new dimension! I can agree with you that four string is maybe better for beginners, but on the other side if the music genre is in matter, then I'd suggest try out with B E A D four string and if this is the thing, move to five string.
Beginners should start with an ultra short scale 3 string beginner bass. Easier to start out with, then down the road you can get that 4 string bass when you’re ready for a real challenge.
Saw a great looking and feeling bass on a good discount 3mo back, so I got it! Hadn´t ever touched a bass before, but had had an eager to learn to play for years. Actually realized it was a 5-string instead of 4 when I got back home, but for the stuff I wish to play one day this is actually a perfect bass. I can just practice trivial things as long as I need to, as long as I see like weekly improvement it´s all good, and I know I´ll get somewhere some day. :)
I started with a 4 strings. After like 6 months, I was able to distinguish between different bass sounds, so I fell in love with p-bass. But I also wanted to have a 5 strings to play some songs that had that lower D note. So I ended up buying a Fender p-bass V. Since then, I practice with both, 4 and 5, switching between them every other day. Guess what? I still suck with both. So trust Josh: stick to the 4 string. I came to the conclusion that if Geddy Lee did all he did with 4 strings and 20 frets, I should be less pretentious and keep it simple.
Who said it was pretentious?
But geddy does play a regular 4 strings bass, what u talking about?
Very enjoyable vid!
My first full scale instrument was a squier jazzbass 5 string and learning on it was a bit of a challenge but i dont regret getting it and learning on a 5 string whatsoever, its really up to prefrence
Personally im glad that I got it early on. Started with a 4 string, but the music I like almost always uses the Low B string, so i love it. Plus, im a pick player. Overall, I love the 5 string a lot more than my 4.
@Adam You'll get used to it in a week of practice.
I like to slap.... but damn I love the sound of a pick on bass.
I had to learn on my 5 string bass because I picked it up when I had money, and I only really hit 1.5/7 reasons /problems with learning on a 5 string but I'm also not everyone and we all learn differently and still was able to walk away with some information from this video on 5 string (which is a bloody nightmare to find on You tube without hearing "if you played a 4 string, It's like that but with a extra string" as the only help for 5 string for beginners). All in all, a actual moderately help 5 string video
As a beginner currently learning on a 5-string via the Bass Buzz course, I say follow your heart. Definitely listen to Josh, and if you're not sure, start with 4. But if you feel the pull of a 5-string, then go for it. Yes, it is by definition more challenging than 4, but hey, a 1 string would be super simple and that's not what you want to do, right? You learn to play an instrument because of the sounds you want to get from it, the music you want to play. It would have been much simpler if I was learning piano on a two-octave keyboard with no pedal, but... that doesn't do what I want to do.
And if 5-string is the way you want to go, then you'll be more versatile, have access to simpler fingering for notes, and be playing the instrument YOU wanted to learn.
Thank for this funny video, I bought 5 string bass this weeks but I played 4 sting since a while..
Lol, I’m on the “screw this Josh guy anyway, and all these sexy five string clips…” 😆
my first bass is a five string fender squire, it was love at first sight and I simply couldn’t leave the store without it. But these learning curves are facts, but all your vids are hella informative and helped me a lot.🧡
I usually play guitar but one day bought a Squier P Bass 4 string and I loved it. Now I regret it deeply but I sold it because I didn't play enough. I dreamt every night of playing a bass just for fun. Now I got a 5 string bass and I love it so much. I will never again get a 4 string bass again. I dont know why. But I so extremely love this low B string.
I’ve never encountered anyone who has the exact same sense of humor as me. You sir, are truly a gem.
This video was hilarious! I agree though and it has been daunting to an extent. I went to pick up my first bass earlier this week and wanted a 4. I looked for awhile and my wife saw a 5 string version of the 4 I wanted and it was a great price and "limited edition" although I didn't know it then. I knew down the road I'd want a 5 but really wanted to learn on a 4 and take my time with it. I got the 5 and man, its been interesting for sure. I'm having a blast though. Having played drums for the past 20 years, and having been in band for most of my highschool years, luckily I know what learning an instrument is like and the time and patience required to be successful. So I'm taking my time, and just enjoying the journey. I can't say everyday I don't envy the spacing of a 4 string though! Luckily there are so many more resources for learning nowadays than there were back then.
i just picked up a 5 string like 4 days ago. I play in an extreme metal band always in drop c. Its nice to have pickups that can handle the lower notes im looking for. I also play primarily with a pick so that helps. its definitely challenging adding an extra string but for what im looking for its perfect.
I learned on 4 strings but after about 5 or 6 months, I gravitated right to 6 and adapted pretty well. Everyone moves at their own pace to I advise people to always learn on 4 first
You put this up about a month after I bought a 4-string after being dissatisfied with my first bass, a 5-string, for years, and all of these reasons were the reasons why.
Amazing. Fits 100 %
For me the 5th string helped a lot due to the more easy patterns and the smaller gaps. If you don't play open notes you can play the e ladders in the 5th frat region. That helped me a lot.
But you are 100% right in your points if you target to play bass guitar as major instrument. For me it is just something to jam with and the 5th made it more easy that way.
Keep that good videos mate!
...or 3 you are already a competent guitarist. I had never enjoyed playing bass until one day by chance I ended up playing my friend's 5-string, and it converted me! The cool thing is that moving to a 4-string afterwards is like taking off a big backpack - suddenly I was faster, cleaner and more relaxed. I still use my 5-string for bands that transpose a lot of songs down, but if I don't need 5, I much prefer 4 now.
Josh. Love the rugrats Easter egg you put in there
I started on a 6 string bass. Well i built it myself since i had first played guitar. So it made sense for me to have 6 strings. 1 lower and 1 higher than a casual Bass. It was fine for me.
My 5 string is my favorite bass of the 3 that I own, but I switch between them a lot. When I first started playing 5 string, it was a challenge, because I had been playing a 4 string for 20 years. I actually think it might be easier if you learned to play one from the get go, but that's just my thoughts on it. Great video, BTW.
I've been a bass player for around 5 years now learnd with a 5 string cause it was the only one available to me at that time, everything you said is true specialy the smaller gap between strings point (i have fat hotdog fingers lol) but on the long run it was better, when i had the oportunity to buy my 2nd bass i got a 4 string fender jazz bass and honestly it felt easy to play, a little too easy if you catch my drift
One more advantage is for the 5 string is that you don't have to detune for the lower tunings, this way you can keep string tension normal on the other strings. I tried a few 5 strings basses but as a beginner, I felt more comfortable on a 4 string. That B strings just felt too floppy for me.
I literally just bought one yesterday, great timing
Nailed it 😢
I love metal, but I also love the feeling of how a 4 string plays. I fully intend to get another 4 string and have it set up for C standard tuning.
Do one for the 6-string. Actually, I currently only have a 6-string and I laughed so hard when you mentioned playing low notes too much, because I actually have to stop myself from playing guitar solos on my 6-string 😂😂
I'm currently building (or rather modding the crap out of) my first 5-string. It's a cheap PoS that i bought for the soul reason that it's neck-tru with 24 frets. I've reshaped the body slightly and will refinish it in black with the neck showing trough in clear, adding gold plated Warwick hardware and EMG P/J pickups and a 2-band EQ for a more elegant look and metal focused tone
I picked up my first bass, a 5-stringer, a couple weeks ago. As someone who is new to bass i don't need to adjust and unlearn habits that others would have learned from starting with a 4-string. Some of the points brought up in this video is why I chose a 5 over a 4. Anyway, the B string is nice but I only use it when i play songs with drop tuning. There is no need to re-tune the bass but you need to know that notes you're playing. The cool thing is that the bass strings (EADG) are similar to guitars (EADGBE), and on a 5-string that B is moved to the first (BEADG). So if you come from a guitar background you should already have a pretty solid foundation.
I picked up a 5 string after my first year of playing b/c the jazz band I was started giving me low d's and c's in the music. The only other bass I had was my beginning bass and ngl I totally fell in love with the bass. I'm actually kinda surprised I figured out how to deal with the b-string rumble so quickly and learned how to use the b-string to hit lower notes easier. I only occasionally use it now to hit the extra 4 notes but it still is so much fun to use
So funny story
I was thinking of getting a 5 string soon (probably an ESP or Spector for those intrested)
And as i saw this video in my reccomended, my mind had a sudden moment of "oh no, am i worthy"
But then as i watched the video all the reasons you had i had already gotten pretty good at
Im sure I will have trouble adjusting in the beginning but I think ill get past those
Cheers!
bought 5strings bass after 3 yr of playing 4strings. bought it with purpose to play in lower tessiture. first time it was a problem with muting, yes. but after fixing this problem, it is pleasure to play 5 st bass. and now I'm missing strings when playing standard 4 string bass
I didn't learn to play bass on a 5-string. I learnt on a 6-string, tuned low E to high F.