4 String or 5 String Bass | Which Should You PRACTICE With?

Does it really matter which bass you practice with? In today's video I use a 4 string and a 5 string bass to highlight some of the major differences between practicing with each instrument.

I always try and challenge myself to practice outside my comfort zone in a quest for exposing weaknesses in my playing, and am always looking to build that trouble-shooting muscle whenever possible.

[WCruttenden]

I usually bounce between a four string P with flats, and a six string with fanned frets. Very different from each other but good for me to play and learn on both.

[patrickr.]

That double reverse P bass is probably the best bass sound I have ever heard.

[maxthub]

I played 5 and 6 strings for 10 years. For the last 5 years I’ve played short scale 4 string almost exclusively. Recently I pulled out an old 5 string with a high C tuned down a whole step and I’m loving the way it makes me think differently about the instrument.

[Redtenbachersfunkestra]

Janek! Keep up your brilliant work! Just awesome! Nobody can beat you at your game...you are the GOAT in that!

[Scomelbasses]

I say just practice, doesn’t really matter on what instrument. I only own 5 strings, haven’t owned a 4 string since 1990.

[dr_b_bass]

Repertoire I always always practise with my 6 string ibanez BTB(im a 6 string player for 20 years now, aka its what i use for gigs and work), however for reading I generally start on 4 string as most written bass I come across (I'm relearning to sight read properly again after 20 years of exclusively playing by ear or jazz charts)
I also have a 5 string acoustic that I strung EADGC but dropped a tone to DGCFBb (Helps with action) only a cheap gear4nusic acoustic 5 string, but it's SUPER handy for training My hands re: strength training and endurance (the action is super high so its like doing a workout)
Further, I got a vintage musician stingray copy with 4 string flats for jazz

It's all about context, but my honest take on this:
Practise on whatever ur main instrument is for everything; otherwise ur practising limitation

[mikeoneill]

GREAT VIDEO! I find picking up a Bass I haven’t played for a while can inspire me to practise more and somewhat differently as well.

[andrewpinner]

Thanks Janek for giving your precious time to make these videos which give inspiration & motivation !

[edburdo]

I have 5 string (Sire M7) and a Kala UBass. Switching between those is dramatic... but really does make you think about your practice in a more tightly focused manner.

[R_o_m_u]

Mattisson is my favourite.
Thanks for your video : I purchased my first C string earlier today, a couple of hours before seeing it. I was kind of lost with the gauge, choosing 30 as a starting-point.
Wish you a good touring next days !

[justinmills]

I have a series 1 TRB 6 string that when I played or practiced on would force me to clean my technique up because of its huge neck. Then my gig would feel easier and more comfortable after the good stretch and extra thought I would have to put in to get the notes clean and clear.

[wallace_nelson]

Really great insight. Thanks for sharing 👍🏿 safe travels 🙏🏾

[InFerrumVeritas]

I'm an intermediate player at best returning after a long time off, but I've found that practicing fingered songs with wide range on a 4 (to make me shift accurately) and slapped or picked songs on my narrow spaced 5 (to hone muting and accuracy) makes playing the reverse (slap and pick on the 4 / fingers with range on the 5) feel easier.

[RDog]

I mainly practice on a 6 string, since that's the main instrument I play. However, I do have a 5 and a 4 string that I will practice and play on to get outside of my comfort zone.

[Dimitrivsky]

Thank you for the insights, Janek! I have been switching between 4 and 5 string basses, but spent most of the last 3 years on a 5 string. Now that I only have a 4 string, it seems a bit odd to me as I need to 'remember' that my E string is no longer a B 🙄

[oliplaysbass]

If I have a show to practice for that requires a 5 I practice on the 5. Otherwise I’m back on the 4. 5 sure is fun though. Narrower string spacing makes a big difference

[harkalybass]

Great video, thx Janek! Can you please make a “deep dive” video about your right hand technique? If you play octaves or bigger string spaces where do you tend to put your right thumb? Do you use your thump in general or only in chords and muted playing? Thx in advance

[charliecarrot]

See I just recently got a 5 string, but I strung it EADGC as well - easier to switch back and forth between it and a 4 string with that tuning for me. But the string spacing is way narrower on my 5 than on my 4 strings, so it still requires some mental adjustment. Scales length is the same, at least.

Personally I tend to want to focus on the 4 string for now because a 5 string is just an extension of the technique I learn on 4 string.

[TwoBadBassist]

I tend to practice all of my technique drills (scales, arpeggios, thirds, finger dexterity/speed) on my Yamaha JP2 (6 string). Then when I go to play my 4 or 5 string basses, they feel easier/simpler.

[bassimprovjams]

I really enjoyed this video, I started practicing in classical position since your video and especially with my thumb bass their nice and small I’ve found it to be so comfortable what book would you recommend of yours I get to get better at soloing and just getting better in general