Why you SHOULDN'T play a 5 string bass...

I get asked a LOT about the whole "should I play a 5 string bass thing?"...

And I get it... because I used to wonder the same thing.

Should I?...

... Shouldn't I?

So in this bass lesson I'm going to share 5 reasons why you SHOULDN'T play a 5 string bass.

And they're probably not what you might thing ;)

As always, see you in the shed...

Scott :)

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[Monocultured]

Reasons to play a 5 string bass:
It's the only one at my parents' house.

[Caaynee]

so the 5 reasons why you should play 5 string:
1. Lower notes
2. Lower notes
3. More efficient shifting
4. Lower notes
5. Lower notes

[XxStonedImmaculatexX]

I should play a 5 string bass because of the depth it adds.

I shouldn’t play a 5 string bass because I actually have no depth and suck lol

[crimsonschizoidman]

whew, good thing I bought a 6 string instead of a 5 string.

One of the biggest things I like having a low B for is the smoother tone. Playing higher notes on the lower strings gives you that well-rounded, deep tone perfect for hip hop and you can instantly switch back to the higher strings if you want more attack and clarity for double stops and such.

[wumpus]

Title: "why you shouldn't play a 5 string"


Scott:Proceeds to jam out on a 5 string

[olivecool]

5 reasons to play a 5 string:
- big boy low notes
- big boy lower notes
- big
- cool sounds cool
- makes you brain shakeshake

[yigitcengil]

3 more reasons to play 5 string basses
1.If you like synth bass tones
2.If you like metal music
3.If you want to experiment more

[markthurman]

I started playing (4-string) bass in 1971. I added a 5-string bass at the beginning of 2006. My only problem was a BIG problem - at first I often started any given song on the wrong string. After 35 years of the top string being the E string, I had to get adjusted to the fact that the E string was now the second string, or that the A string was now the third string, etc. Once I found the correct string at the beginning of each song, I was good for the rest of the song. But, it took about a year of regular playing and making a mental note at the beginning of each and every song to make that transition successfully. I eventually got to the place where I could comfortably switch between 4 and 5 string basses with very minimal disruption. That one issue challenged me much more than I expected.

[catboyzee]

Play whatever instrument you want. Just make sure you play it WELL. Haters be damned.

[Abonodi]

6- string player here. My personal advice is to pick as many strings as you need to express yourself as a bassist.

[ryckjunior]

Instead of saying "should" or "shouldn't", rather think "pro's and cons".

[TheRealMrBeercan]

I got a 5-string because I'm in my 60s and it easier to play some songs that hurt more on a 4-string. I can move down on the fret board and as a result move my left fret hand less. When you get arthritis and joint stiffness, you appreciate not having to move as much.

[Daniel-fyfn]

Reasons to play 5 string
1.reggae
2.segae
3.raga
4.metal
5.lower note

[davidbaines]

I prefer 4 string with B-E-A-D. I get more use out of the low B than a high G. Also more comfortable with my smaller hands.

[gooney]

I prefer a 5 string for a few reasons: 1) I can play along with Drop D without tuning down. 2) I have the lower notes B-Eb. 3) There is now an E and F at the 5th and 6th frets on the B string.
4) You can play E as a fretted note or an open string.

Muting is harder for sure but I'm learning to play bass so I can avoid learning things....

[pierfrancescobiagiola]

Damn, who would imagine Johnny Sins was a killer bass player!

[airmusic]

Takeaway from this video: Stevie Wonder invented 5 string bass.

[UkkoBass]

I play in a metal band (with a five string) with two guitarists using heavy distortion, usually playing in standard tuning. I think it's nice to be able to play the lower notes to make the sound even heavier and also to cut through the distorted guitars. I think I use the B-string in about every song we play.

[nishimura-katsuo]

Good reason to play a 5-string bass. It's my only bass!

[cladinarglye]

tbh, I love my 6 string. The "shift" you were talking about, is very convenient. Such a huge percentage of the entire 4 string bass range is available from a single position.