Members Longhair Posted September 9, 2009 Members Share Posted September 9, 2009 First I need to get this out of the way... It has been so long since I played an instrument - job ruined my hands for playing. I am at the point to where I no longer have to worry about that anymore but at the same time I am basically starting over from scratch. Way back in the late 80's when I was first starting out, I wanted to get a 5-string to be different but someone said "learn how to play on 4 strings before jumping to 5 strings". Things have changed over the years so I wonder if that still holds true today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bassplayer7770 Posted September 9, 2009 Members Share Posted September 9, 2009 If you already know you want to play a 5-string, I don't see any reason why you couldn't learn on a 5-string. I like both 4 and 5-strings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Sugarskull Posted September 9, 2009 Members Share Posted September 9, 2009 I started on 5 string, now I play Upright 4 string. I can honestly say that it has absolutely no effect on your playing whatsoever. 5 or 4, use whatever tickles your fancy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rpsands Posted September 9, 2009 Members Share Posted September 9, 2009 No problem starting with a 5er. I wish I had - I am having to relearn how to use all the extra low end notes. Like, in 5th/7th position having direct access to F# - G without having to move position sis amazing!! I think it would come more naturally if you practiced it that way to start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bassthumpintwin Posted September 9, 2009 Members Share Posted September 9, 2009 Started on 4 myself, and then moved to 5. Now I hardly EVER play 4 strings. It throws me off too much... But like many have stated already, there shouldn't be a problem. It's just one more string. Granted, you won't find as many bass tabs written in 5 string format, but you probably shouldn't be looking at those much anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members pamackie Posted September 9, 2009 Members Share Posted September 9, 2009 Get whatever neck feels more comfortable to you. 4-strings can feel a bit pencil-necked to me, so I got 5 to start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members LanEvo Posted September 9, 2009 Members Share Posted September 9, 2009 Over the years I've played 4-, 5-, and 6-strings. Fretted and fretless versions of each. I've found my way back to 4-string Jazz Basses after 20 years. It's all about what feels right to you. Personally, when I go bass shopping I look for whatever bass "speaks" to me. I don't really pay too much attention to the number of strings, fretted vs. fretless, active vs. passive, etc. Just go in and buy whatever feels right in your hands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members moogieotter Posted September 9, 2009 Members Share Posted September 9, 2009 Go ahead and switch to drums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members walkerci Posted September 9, 2009 Members Share Posted September 9, 2009 Fretless 5 FTW! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Longhair Posted September 9, 2009 Author Members Share Posted September 9, 2009 Thanks for the advice. I'll see if I can grab the same model - 4 & 5-string versions to limit the variables down a bit. Not worried about gear or anything like that since I will more concerned about getting my hands into shape first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Thrustin Posted September 9, 2009 Members Share Posted September 9, 2009 I would suggest starting out with pro equipment, so get a 5er. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Longhair Posted September 9, 2009 Author Members Share Posted September 9, 2009 I would suggest starting out with pro equipment, so get a 5er. Are you saying that the 4-string is becoming obsolete (like LP's)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Longhair Posted September 9, 2009 Author Members Share Posted September 9, 2009 Go ahead and switch to drums Are you saying that the bass is becoming obsolete (like 8-track players)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Hopi Posted September 9, 2009 Members Share Posted September 9, 2009 I stopped playing for 10+ years, and restarted on a 5-string. Wasn't a big deal. In fact, it took a little while to get used to a regular 34" scale 4-string after I started playing again. I guess it's all relative to what you're familiar with. Anyway, since I built my Warmoth, I've become a 4-string j-bass freak (Ended up getting 3 more j's after that). So that's my preference now, but I still play the 5-string just about every night. Really came in handy when my buddy/guitarist experimented with down-tuning awhile back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members LanEvo Posted September 9, 2009 Members Share Posted September 9, 2009 Are you saying that the 4-string is becoming obsolete?Ignore him (we all do). It's an inside joke. I would say that 5-string basses have become more and more popular almost to the point where they have become the new standard. But the 4-string never went anywhere. Tons of pros still use them. I'm not a pro by any means, but I love the 4-string. When I used to play 5/6-string basses, I realized that I basically never used the low-B string. So, it was just another string to mute for no good reason. Other guys love the low-B and couldn't live without it. Really depends on the player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members FloydianAnimal Posted September 10, 2009 Members Share Posted September 10, 2009 I own/have owned many 4's, a couple 5's, and a 6er and of those found a 5 string to be the best fit. I think you have the right idea- just narrow it down to a model of bass you like and try out 4 vs. 5 string versions of that bass. I like my 5, but my thing is I love having the low B. It's great since playing in metal bands typically tuned to drop C I don't have to deal with drop tuning and instead can play a bass more or less in standard (I actually tune the low B up to C most of the time). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Longhair Posted September 10, 2009 Author Members Share Posted September 10, 2009 Are there any good beginner books for the 5-string bass? I just don't want the 5-string feel like a good fit and realize I don't know how to utilize it right away while in the learning process. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Kaesh Posted September 10, 2009 Members Share Posted September 10, 2009 Really, the difference is way less than you make it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Xuf Posted September 10, 2009 Members Share Posted September 10, 2009 I hate 5 strings... but then again I play da guitar, so who the {censored} cares wtf I think?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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