I liked that you mentioned using the B string as a thumb rest when first starting going from 4 to 5 strings. I did that before I saw this video, and found it very helpful. Apparently I wasn't alone.
You hit the nail on the head! Good info. I have played a 4 string for 30 years and transitioned to a 5 string. Rehearsed 1 time with it then played it at church and found my self all over the map a couple times instinctively going to the B when I was intending to play a fretted note on the E. Good advice on not rushing it. Will play it for a few weeks using the B as a thumb rest. Many thanks!
good tips. when i switched to a 5, i just ignored the B string completely for awhile. it takes some time to get used to even looking at it. at this point its just natural for me. i dont have any issues switching back and forth from 4 to 5. Now, a 6 string.... still working on that one... i also find floating thumb to be the easiest way to keep things muted.
Just picked up a five string a week or so ago. Sounds great love the low-end. Many of your points I have already begun to adapt prior to this video. However, many other points were brought to light; and are invaluable! Thank you for your insight.
As a longtime five string player, electric and upright, it sounds too me you need to raise your action on the B and E strings as a lot of fret buzz evident. Love the T - shirt!!
Just found your site and really like what you have to say as far as advice. You answered all of my concerns about my desire to play the 5 string. Thanks again. I will definitely join your facebook group.
I've been using a floating thumb technique since I started because I didn't know you were supposed to anchor. A little later, I read a Geddy Lee interview in which he talked about his use of it. Now, my floating thumb technique has evolved over the years and is better at muting now.
Good points about the extra muting you have to do! Been using a 5 for just over 20 years now - made the move as the 4 doesn't cover the keyboard bass range efficiently (imo). I use Adam Nitti's "moveable anchor" technique, but the guy for "floating thumb" is Todd Johnson. I think he has a technique book that covers it.
I bought a five string squire (vintage modified) out of curiosity and it was cheap. Turns out it was one of the best basses I have ever bought, plays just as good as my fender if not better and I love the range of a five string. Don't get me wrong, I still love my four strings, just wish I had bought a five string alot sooner.
This is my situation hahaha.. I have a passive 4 strings and I thought of getting an active vintage 5 strings eventhough I have not played pass C major scale 😁😁..
I wanted to start playing a 5 string honestly because they are built better and have that "real bass" feel when you play it...plus almost all bassists nowadays wanna play a 5 string (gotta be cool). lol. O, and I am a 6 string lead guitarist mainly so having the 5 strings closer together is great.
First time gigging my five didn't work out so good.Took a long time for me to pick it up again.And it's a very nice Spector,the most high end bass in my collection.
I had just been giving a little thought about going with a 5-string. This was super helpful to think through all the angles of this decision. As always, I appreciate how thorough you are in what you cover!
Got into a reggae situation. Mass low end was a must. Que the Sire V3 5 String. It's a room thumper. It did take me a week to wrap my head around the new fretboard, but it's all natural now. And jumping back and forth from 4 to 5 is no problem. Great to have a 5 in the toolbox.
im a prog metal fan and felt like i wanted the extra range on the low end. i love having the b string, anything i do on a 4 string i get to do more of on a 5. plus i can go to adadg tuning (wont go lower to avoid extra tones). it works as fun drop tuning, but its basically assbackwards dadgad for a bass. so it gets to be a very open tuning
A well-presented and very informed video, thanks James! I'm primarily a double bassist but I keep my hand in with the bass guitar (Vintage fretless four-string is my default). Do you have much experience with fretless fivers? Any recommended models on a budget? I've been looking at some Cort, Peavey, and Warwick Rockbass. For the occasions I'm on electric bass I'd love to have that extra bottom end for keys like C and E flat. I wouldn't be entirely against going with a fretted five-string, but I've come to love and be much more familiar with the expressive possibilities of fretless. Thanks again for the content, top stuff mate!
I picked up a five string more on impulse I wanted to play some korn. Should of thought a bit more still in the return period. As far as I'm aware I can still.do the sane stuff as a 4 string. I mostly play guitar.
Great advice about getting used to the 5 string before playing out. Thankfully, the people I play with were patient as I stumbled through 30 days' playing 5-string ONLY. Not the way the way to get there - if you are playing @ church or a gig!
I started learning the Bass for 8 weeks and the first time I was to play in church was a 5 strings bass and I was totally confused. I decided to get a 20 year old vintage 5 strings bass and I hope it would be a good idea..
@@ebassguitar I got the five strings, and I am loving it because of the heavier bass and more notes to play without having to run around the fretboard haha
I am contemplating trading one of my 4 strings for a 5 string as I have limited movement in my left hand which makes playing low F,G and Bb stuff painfull the 5 string gives me an option to play it in a more comfortable position.
i start with 5strings as my dad bought it from his friend and after 3/4 years i bought a 4 strings cause i feel like its more "original"/"fundamental" and it came with a crazy headache for me especially how im still not that good at the bass
The main reason I want to learn 5 string is because, why would I not? The only two advantages I've seen so far of starting with 4 string, is entry level prices and learning material. Meh. I'd rather start learning with a 5 and add a 4 if I ever see the need later, but since I don't wish to start playing professionally, I don't see that I will.
@UCg509iOSxrYkBrDDKatxClg The reason why a 5 String Bass neck is only a little bit larger than a 4 String Neck, along with the smaller spacing is so that way it sits more natrually in your hands. Because the String spacing on a 5 String Bass is smaller than a 4 String Bass, it's much easier to play with a Pick.
5 String was my first bass... I play 99% metal, so a 5 strings is just better, than keep down tuning a 4 string and prolly have to work on it, so bigger strings fit, since i dont want that, im better of with a 5 String..
I play quite hard so it might be that... or the other thing the lav mic that picks up my voice always accentuates the top end. Not ideal for bass tone... but ce la vie!
OK I see. Are you happy with the Sadowsky 5 string? Also what is you take on the myth/claim that the E-A-D-G strings on a five string sounds thinner than on a four string? I have no experience but my guess would be that many 5 string players to some extent eq their amp and whole chain to make the B sound good... and hence end up with a thinner sound on the regular strings.
AA1969 that's one I've never heard before! In my experience the opposite happens... 5 strings always have a bigger body and neck... and that extra mass is recognised to improve tone. That sadowsky 5 is great - it records beautifully
eBassGuitar - Online Bass Guitar Lessons Good stuff old chap There's a lot of BS talked about 4 vs 5. I've played 5s since the late 80s when I worked in Haven Warner house bands and had to double bass synth parts and can't say that I've found that 5s sound much different in tone/solidity than 4s. I have an identical Sadowsky PJ 5 to yours and I love it.
don scimo what device are you listening? We’ve found that this can happen though mobile phone speakers because bass response is limited in small speakers :-)
Shame instructors don't just say "plucking hand" and "fretting hand", it doesn't demand inverting what the "tutor" is saying because they can't be bothered with being inclusive of all bassists.
