4 String VS 5 String Basses & Why are you practicing the wrong Music?! Metal Bass Monday EP.16! 

Your English is great! Greeting from Los Angeles! That's a great piece of experience you shared. Again, one isn't better than the other. You should choose what is right for you, and 6 string does exactly what you want. It's awesome that you found your home right away.

Gotta follow your own north star. Good luck

Same here, man.

Thanks Bobby, really glad you're getting something from it.

The right tool for the right job. If it's the one you vibe with, it's the right choice.

Welcome aboard!

That makes total sense. I keep debating on doing that myself.

@@RodneyMcG Thanks. Good show today as usual. 🤘🤘

Glad you enjoyed it!

I've learned so much I apply to metal by playing other forms, but I've just made sure they are ones I truly love, and no the ones I feel obligated to like. Sounds like you have too.

The one string bass workout program! I think we may be on to the next big fitness fad!

I really appreciate all the kind words! Truly appreciated, and i'm glad you're getting something out of the videos. It can be really liberating when you find just the right tool, and it's all becomes fun again. Good for you for finding the right one for yourself.

You're doing great! You have some considerations that make total sense, and you're looking into the right tool to accomplish it. It's your decision, not one influenced by other players, or the convention of the time. You do you!

I've found things are easier with a 5 too, it helps some if you have to transpose as well.

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching

Congrats on the Evil Twin! I appreciate you sharing your experiences. I've had very similar ones. More videos coming, have a great week yourself!

Thanks, Stu. Glad you found what works for you and stick with it. I appreciate the schedule vote.

Hey Trevor, hopefully getting back to work is a good thing for you, best of luck with that. I do remember you talking about a 5, and it's a question I get a lot. I definitely wanted to bring it up as I think a lot of bassist especially in metal grab one out of obligation, or get shamed about down tuning and don't wind up with the bass they really want. Hope that info helps out a bit. Be well.

@@RodneyMcG you too buddy. We have only had 2 cases in two weeks. Things are looking good.

Shhhh. That mocking bird can't sing!

Hey - Sorry I didn't fully address your question on IG, I couldn't see the whole thing. I went back and looked and gave you a full answer. Hope ti helps!

Rodney McG -No worries, I figured it was too long of an answer for an ig message lol. So I didn’t take it personal if that was the concern. Either way I look forward to the next episode and all future content that you will be releasing!

Ha! Tricked ya! I love it that you stick to your guns. Play what you want, on the bass that you love. That's the whole point. No choice is wrong unless it's a choice you made under the influence of others. You do you shall be the extent of the law!

Props for the progress👍

Sounds like you've made exactly the right choice for yourself. Well done.

It's a great thing when you can be true to yourself. I totally understand how hard it is finding people. It's the same everywhere. Thanks for checking out the video and joining the conversation!

If it's the right tool for the job, then you have all you need!

Perfectly said!

Sounds like you have your functionality together, and are using the right tool for the right job. Good on you, TJ!

@@RodneyMcG i broke several strings trying to tune back up to G before i got the point.

That a lesson hard learned through the wallet!

Thanks, Joe. It's always a good idea to have options, glad you know what you really prefer.

Thanks a lot for sharing that. It can be a really tough road at times. It's true - getting real clarity on where you are with things can be difficult. Without going too philosophical, I've followed a regimen of introspection and self awareness for a long while. It's paid off in knowing why I want and do the things I do, so I can make more accurate judgements. I hope you are able to refocus and pursue the things you really enjoy again going forward. All the best.

Nothing wrong with playing any form of music, as long as you like it and it works for you. If you're just being influenced by other people, or don't care, that's where the problem comes in!

DeGeest, I know the feeling. I’m a 43yo Metal bassist in a scene where country &/or 90’s cover bands are king.

I'm going to be covering a lot about "scenes" etc soon. Hopefully it will help with some new options and ideas.

DeGeest dude, I’m sorry to hear that you’re having trouble getting into a metal band because of your age. Being 42 I’ve been the oldest guy in most of the bands I’ve played in and fortunately never had issues. From my perspective having someone with experience and heaps of playing hours behind them would be more preferable, as long as they can play and get the required material down then who cares about age or image or whatever? I really hope you get to jam out some metal with players far less short sighted soon brother 🤘

Dude, age is just a number. They obviously weren't old enough, or wise enough to understand that. You're only as old as you allow yourself to feel.

Glad it helped. I went down that road and totlly regretted it.

Taking off some weight is definitely an advantage too! Unless you're playing my Black Avenger bass. I think that thing was built out of dark matter!

@@RodneyMcG 10 Months later....After getting the Ibanez EHB1505 a while back my 4 strings have been collecting dust. The weight of 7lb 11oz makes it my most comfy bass to play on long gigs. I will say this. If they made the same bass in a 4 string with the same scale length I would string it BEAD and roll with it. That high G rarely gets touched on this bass. In essence I'm still playing a 4 string haha.

Thanks! I tend to lock into 3 things. I like fast tempos, and it generally gives me an adrenaline jump that makes me want to play. A really strong groove line that isn't overly simplistic will always inspire me. And on the other end, something really ethereal with lots of room to move around will make me want to explore some melodic space.

Yeah, i got into the stuff (Later Era prog) and even played in a band that did pretty well in the style. Played, 6, then 7. It wasn't even the technical part that I got tired of. I still love shred, and all that. I finally realized that what I really loved about hard rock and metal was the aggression and wildness. Prog was absent that for me, and I had to go back to the inspirations that I first had. Not slamming it at all. I have total respect for what those guys do. But for me, when i think about what makes me reach for the volume knob and start shouting a long, it's when I hear the Aggro! Everybody has their thing!

Sometimes putting yourself in a smaller box makes you have to think bigger. Sounds like you're on to it. Well done!

Sounds like you have exactly the right tool for the job!

You can definitely learn a lot from stretching out. I chose to integrate it all and groove with a shit ton of notes!

It's all good, man! Glad you're able to finally get some time in and explore new music that you dig. I'll look forward to seeing you.

Can't go wrong with the Geddy! I keep meaning to get some detuners and never get to it. Good choice!

Gotta go with what suits you!

Point well made and taken. It depends heavily on your goals though. Leaving my job teaching didn't turn me into a "weekend warrior" It actually helped me recover my desire to play. Besides, with the way things are now, making a living off of playing alone is a rough hurdle! It all rests on what is a compromise for the person, and what is taking them down a road that could be destructive to their art. Thanks for the comment.

@@RodneyMcG I didnt mean you in no case. Its more about me and guys I see around. Besides the art I have to fill my plate and buy a new strings. And when I get 300ru(around 4$) for 40+40min live performance in local bar its makes me upset. Most of guys give up, grow up, go to their regular job. But I like to play bass more than some specific kind of music. That is the motivation point. So I start to find some vibe and groove in pop rock and funk instead the metal. I learn more theory, English, quit my job and move to a bigger city to find a cover band :-). Sad because of corona situation I stuck in a lockdown and all entertaiment industry stopped. Thanks for your channel, for Schecter basses rewiews.

I totally understand your position. Everybody has to do what's right for them. Follow your own heart and mind. Respect to you for staying true to yourself. Really sorry to hear your struggling. It's difficult here too. Thanks for your comments, and all the best for your health and safety.

Thanks for sharing that, Anthony. Totally agreed, you have to use what allows you to express yourself the best, and no one else's opinion matters. Groove on!

BONDED BY BLOOD!! Yeees!

All bass is challenging, just in different ways. Glad you know what really works for you!

After switching back and forth, I've found the 5 easier to play, but that's just me. The Fender J string spacing is pretty tight, but I'm not much of a slap guy anyway.

Hehehe

Finding the right option can definitely be a journey. Funny, the transition from 4 to 6 was easier than 5. The 5 just felt lop sided for a while. I eventually got used to it. Now I'm happy with whatever fits the project. Congrats on getting it to work for you.

And being miserable is why we signed up for this, right?!! Gotta follow what you love.

The look matters for sure. Even if you're just driving to work, you will always be happier in a Ferrari than a Volvo!

I always look at basses like Excalibur. When the time is right, the tool you are supposed to have will become obvious!

Variety is the spice of bass! Good for you for sticking to your guns!

I think anyone is going to push what they play to be the pinnacle of accomplishment. It's easy to be mislead. You never know what the magic combo is for a bass. I have some 4s that sound great, and others that my 5s blow away. It's one of those pieces of bass voodoo I don't think we'll ever solve!

I'm from Uruguay. Fusion jazz is like the top of the game for most players. But the truth is: they all sound the same. Idk why most people tend to go in that formless direction, maybe they think that the "harmonic complexity" involved makes their penises seem larger... But it doesn't. It's all the same. And the sound... Why jazz players seem to love farty sounding basses??

Fretbuzz ain't always bad!

My first instrument was the piano (and keys), then I learned drums (auxiliray percussion also), bass, and the last one I picked up is the (acoustic steel string) guitar. This is why 5 string bass, I can go as low as on piano, to A subcontra (27.5Hz, fundamental), if I want

I don't think there is a "deserve" in any way. You deserve to play whatever you want. If you may need a 5 for other genres, that totally makes sense and is the right tool for the right job. Again, my point wasn't to tell anyone they shouldn't be playing what they like, or need. It was just to say that the most practical approach will usually be the best.

Understood. Thank you!😉👍

Hero move!

I dig prog, and grew up on Rush and still love Fates Warning. For me there just comes a point with the newer stuff that there's no grit. I can appreciate it, but it's not what motivates me. I'll check out that band!

Rodney McG haven’t heard much Fates Warning but Rush are awesome, they’re another example of prog with hooks and song structuring that keeps you listening and not switch off. Not to mention Allegaeon do an awesome version of Subdivisions 👌

Hey Geo - It's never too late to make a change! I would definitely tune down the whole instrument. Just doing the one string would throw off your ability to play your music the way you are used to, and your scales would be wrecked. I think the best idea would be to play 4 detuned for a week and see how you feel at the end of it. If it fells more fun and like you're not missing anything, go for it. If you feel like you're missing something, stick with your 5. It should show the right answer pretty quickly. Hope that helps.

Right on....but I wasn't thinking about changing one string, my question is tune down the "standard 4 strings" on a 4 string, or use the lower gauge......meaning the low B, etc., of a 5 string. Thanks man! Dig your playing!

I imagine that totally depends on what tuning most of your music is in. If you're Killswitch, etc, it will make the most sense to go to low B, or doing C standard is common as well. Much appreciated on the compliment!

Sounds like you're on the same page on all counts. It definitely kills me how often I hear people that have lost enthusiasm for playing, or feel they lost years of time doing what they were "supposed" to do, rather than what they wanted to do. Glad you got back on track, and i gotta check out one of those drop pedals!

​@@RodneyMcG If you do pick up the Digitech, I think I mentioned this on another thread that my experience is that it works great to go down anywhere from 1-3 half steps on my bass. I've been playing Master of Reality stuff in C# that way and it sounds pretty good! Any further and it gets really weird, digital-sounding, and muddy. Even though I can play BEAD songs that way, it's pretty tough listening and playing. I'm guessing it works better for guitar for the other possibilities. It'll go 7 half steps down, then jump to a full octave down, and also has an octave setting where you get unaffected and octave down harmonized. I think there are more expensive options for this via a Helix and such, but for what you get for the price, can't beat that Digitech pedal.

I'll keep that in mind, thanks for the heads up.

So, the drop pedal is working out? I've always read they aren't that great for bass. I was in a band that I had to keep two basses and transpose in order to play in the vocalist's range.

@@Mike_LaFontaine75 As long as I don't drop more than 3 half steps down, it works great for me. Mind you, it does effect your tone a bit, and you might need to play with order of compression and use some EQ to compensate. All the rest of the settings mostly suck for bass. I was initially hoping I could use it to take me all the way down to B standard, but it really sounds like digital muddy garbage that way. The one thing that's kind of cool is the octave setting whereby you get the unaffected signal doubled with octave down. Gives a neat effect when you play on the higher frets, but obviously it's muddy garbage for low notes. I suspect all the other stuff works much better for a regular guitar.

Wow, you really made my point, and i'm glad you found your own path. You did exactly what you needed to get the job done, and used the bass as a tool to that end. Then, someone tried to shame you about it, or influence you to another choice. Good for you for sticking with it! There is no wrong answer unless it's the one that you made because outside pressure convinced you!

how the heck you can tune the 5th string to E without breaking it?

Use a 4 string set with an additional high string, not a tuned up low B string

@@damaco78 ??

Go with your gut, and you can't lose!

There's no such thing as a proper gauge string. If there were, there would only be one type available. Different gauges for different styles, techniques and tones. I've also never seen a string change actually destroy a nut. This is coming from someone who's worked on several thousand guitars in their lifetime and has been a tech for multiple guitar companies.

Gotta do what makes sense for you.

Of course. Just string it like you would the bottom 4 of a five string

Sometimes you just don't need the extra option, or don't bond with it.

Drop C 😉

@@RodneyMcG i meant like for all the strings?

@@vhslaughterhouse931 Same as the bottom 4 on your guitar.

Well, it's always appreciated that you comment, and don't worry about language. If you want to contribute, or get more info, do the best you can, and we'll figure it out and get you more info. Fire away!

@@RodneyMcG i'm just confident about saying few things, when i'm starting to :D for about few months i started to realize, that i'm forgeting word even in my native laguage, so sometimies, especially in english, i rather would drink another glass of water than finish the comment :D depends on day (;

Right tool for the right job!

@@RodneyMcG Exactly. I didn't turn to 6-string bass until I needed to.

It's all what your particular situation calls for. I use 5 and 6 a lot and use all the additional strings. And I actually like the sound and feel of detuned strings. It depends greatly on the tension of your particular favorite strings.

A Rick might take some heavier strings with the smaller scale length, but it's doable

Ouch, sorry to hear that, Tim. I hope you are on a more enjoyable path now.

@@RodneyMcG oh, for sure. I thought I liked the bass and I was really late to figuring out that was part of the problem. Also, not having a decent amp to play through kind of ruined it. I got a couple new basses and a decent amp and now I'm obsessed again.

A completely practical approach to the instrument. Love it!

For fretted basses yes. Wooten and Marcus mostly play 5 string fretlesses though. The limitations of 5 strings (slapping, tapping etc) don't apply as much with a fretless.

A comment disappeared?! Not cool!

@@RodneyMcG and a damn lengthy one, just how I like them! I'll try to recreate it :)

@@RodneyMcG Soo, attempt to comment number two... :D I. Spy. Red. BIRD! Will you let it out of the cage anytime soon, Rodney? :) Got my first 5-string when I was 16, mostly because I liked how it looked :) It was a cheap Chinese Ibanez knock-off (made under the brand Invasion, but the shape was identical to Ibanez) with two J pickups that hummed like hell, frets scraped your hand, but it still was better than my first bass (Soviet time semiacoustic that was probably meant to stop American tanks in a melee than to make music with it :D). I spent the next five years playing that 5-string (symbolic, eh?) until I got a decent job and started upgrading my arsenal with a better axe... and another one... and this one, too... :D In the end I sold that 5-string to a local dude, and was quite happy with it. He probably wasn't, but who cares :D Come autumn 2018, the band that I was playing in started to write more and more songs in Drop D tuning, and as I got a bit tired of downtuning the 4th string all the time, I got myself another 5-string bass, white Indonesian Jackson CBXNT, and transposed all my parts accordingly. Long story short it did not work out as I expected, some parts became a pain below the back (and a literal pain in the left hand occasionally) to play live, the neck thickness did not help the matter at all :) And the bass is one heavy bastard which does not make it easy to play it live. So I'm back to downtuning the 4-stringer. Needless to say I like the sound of and open D much more! And the bass itself was built like an ass :D For an axe that did cost me 700€ shipped I expected it to be of a better quality... uh-huh, sure :D 4th and 5th strings chewed through the stock plastic nut on a 2nd rehearsal already and rendered the bass unplayable, so I was forced to order a graphite replacement from eBay. When it arrived, I was "delighted" to discover that unlike on the rest of my basses, the nut on this Jackson was sitting not on the neck itself but on a piece of fingerboard that extended right to the truss rod cover (which was also held in place by only one screw instead of three, and rattled when you played. Great job, Jackson!). I spent about 4 hours filing down both the new nut and that piece of fingerboard until I got them on a decent level to each other, and when the time came to replace that nut, too, I simply took the bass to a luthier and asked him to get rid of that unnecessary fingerboard "tail", so now the nut sits right on the neck, as it should :) Another disappointment was the hex keys: the one that was meant to adjust the saddle height simply did not fit the screws it was meant to adjust! It's size was 1.5 mm whereas the one that did fit these screws was 1.27 mm (0.0030 something in Imperial measurements; curse you buggers who use it :D :D), so I had to order it separately from Thomann. Class! Besides, the saddles got deformed by strings already, especially the one under the 5th string. Class, too! The bass is equipped with Jackson High Output humbuckers, and the bridge pup is buzzing from day one. My luthier said that the pup is definitely faulty: it has impedance of 24 kOhm instead of 11, as the schematics say. High Output indeed, my ass! :D The neck volume pot has started dying recently, which does not do the justice to the "craftsmanship" at all. Can't wait for the replacement pots and a pickup (some 10$ no-name from eBay) to arrive, so that I can practice my soldering skills >:) I think this comment got even bigger than the original one :D I'm not sure if I should get rid of this Jackson or not... For all I know I can buy a cheap ass 5-string PJ-bass and rig it with Seymour Duncans that each costs more than the bass lol This Jackson plays and feels nice in general, looks astonishing with its alpine white finish, but is not a live axe for me, not at least until I hit the gym :D Oh, and the extra long scale makes it pricey to change the strings (55€ on Thomann for an Elixir set, whoosh!). Decisions, decisions... :D Maybe you can give me a hint what can I possibly do, Rodney? :) I'm not playing in low tunings, so maybe getting this axe was a bit of an overkill :)

The bird will probably pop up here and there! I just got 2 basses from Japan that were nostalgia for me. I used to play the original BC Rich basses and a friend in Japan found 2 really cheap - a mockingbird and a warlock. I got them both just a couple of days ago. I'm setting them up for how i want them. they are a lot of fun! As far as your bass, I didn't read you saying there was anything you really enjoyed about it. It sounds to me like no matter what you do, you'll never truly be happy with it. If it were me, I would probably let it go. Sometimes all the effort just makes you angry at it, and you never get happy about it. It's like a girlfriend that you fought too much with! Only you can decide, but i'm only willing to do so much work, before I realize my time is worth more than the bass or the money. Good luck!

@@RodneyMcG A Mockingbird and a Warlock? Can't wait to hear/see them in your videos! Wonder what happened to the originals? Btw, did you consider starting a Facebook group, like Owen from Circle of Tone did? :) Damn... I guess there cannot be a better analogy to this than the one with a girlfriend. Yeah, it feels to me that I spent more time tinkering with it than actually playing it (even though it really was vice versa; I even recorded 4 out of 6 songs on our first EP on it!). Thank you Rodney, I guess I know what to do now :)

Scott does great work, but I can understand your frustration. I'm not saying something like what you wish was available in the works, but.....;) I've been working on the early version with some students that found me through the channel and it's getting great results. I'm looking forward to expanding and sharing it with more players. I love that you're open minded enough to be tackling extreme genres. Good for you!

@@RodneyMcG I requested info for the SkeletonKey, would love to check it out but im kinda meh on live lessons

I understand. There are some recorded options if you're still looking to work with it. The future platform will be more extensive and video based

Sounds like looking for a trade might be the way to go!