5 String Basses Suck for Beginners (7 Reasons)

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

#5StringBass #Versus #4StringBass

[innocentoctave]

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.

[mrbungle]

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.

[jb.]

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.

[bills.]

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.

[themightydingy]

Having spent time with 7 string guitars, I've only ever played 5 string bass and love it.

[onezerosevensix]

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

[Sinb]

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

[greycastro]

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.

[thunderheartwoman]

I don't need a 5-string bass but after this video I know that I need to put googly eyes on my bass.

[Technoriety]

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

[duncansmith]

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.

[majorrager]

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

[RogerCornelison]

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!!!

[tgirl]

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.

[FunkadelicPancho]

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.

[GreggOliverBass]

The joy of 5 strings for me is the ability to play two octave arpeggios without shifting positions

[odiseohoosline]

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

[davidbrianfaulkner]

Josh, everything you do is GOLD! I completed Beginner to Badass during the pandemic and refer back to it from time to time, but I appreciate that you have so many other videos out there for us!

[pepegalvan_]

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...

[VillageMonk]

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!