I think you are an exciting player to watch. You make the music feel good with the way you move to it. It's an Elvis thing. You certainly have it. Showmanship. I wouldn't watch a band that didn't have it.
the secret is to play an active, headless, multiscale bass so people get upset about that and forget about it being a 5-string lmao. fr tho a lot of the songs i play are in low tunings (C standard, drop B etc), and it's way more convenient to use a 5 string, no filing my nut for super heavy gauge strings, no retuning, plus (imo) it sounds a lot better than floppy detuned strings
About 3 years ago, i bought a Yamaha 5 String as well... I was in a metalband that time and it was obvious that this step was necessary. It felt good, sounded amazing and opened up so many possibilities for my playing. I never played a 4 string since. The best point you mentioned is my singer asking to play a song in lower keys and i have the pleasure to see the desperate look on my guitar players face!
Another thing that's great about a 5 is that if you're reading music that has the low notes in that range. It is far easier to play those notes rather than having to think about transposing the note up an octave and possibly missing more notes. Happened to me before.
@@donaldothomoson Well...YEAH. When I play in the studio, I NEED a five. Exactly because I'm NOT as skilled, being primarily a drummer. I'm more familiar with a five, having started on one (yeah, I know now to start on a four, but whatever). It's WAY easier for me to reach certain notes, depending on the key of the song, which isn't usually up to me.
@@theskintexpat-themightygreegor "(yeah, I know now to start on a four, but whatever)" I think if you start on a 5 then you get the feel of a 5. I've seen a lot of people saying moving from a 5 to 4 is easier because you just don't have one of the strings, but moving 4 to 5 is hard because now you have to totally change up your muting, how you hold it, and learn how to use a new string. I also started 5 string because I play funk and metal, often doomy and they all like to throw those lower register notes in. I couldn't be happier with my decision because sliding around strings fucks my fingers up and I don't have to do it as much now. I find it's a little harder for slap and pop, but I do a lot of finger strumming anyway because I love the way those fast triplets sound as I roll my fingers on a string. Picks... feel weird unless I'm trying to do some Motorhead kinda stuff...
I play a 5 string and everything he mentioned as a pro to playing one, are things I intuitively knew, just never really articulated to myself. The hardest thing is, switching back and forth between my 4 & 5 string. Often times, if I'm not concentrating enough, I'll forget which one I'm playing.
Same here. It's only difficult if I learned the song on the 5 string first. I sometimes forget when playing the 4 that I don't have that other string...
@@WilDBeestMF I dont miss anything, actually u cant miss things u never had... I can play anthing my bands play without tuning down, if i would play a 4 string i have to tune down to C and that doesnt really work with standart strings... There is exactly no reason for me to play a 4 String, even if i dont need these low notes, i just use the b string as a thumb rest... I also learned playíng Bass on 5 String... But i dont mind what others play... u can play 4,5,6 or what ever how many string, what ever u want... For me a 5 String was always the best fit...
@@StraiyEU It was the "Why?" that got me. I was like are you high? 4 is awesome, don't talk about them like there's no point. It didn't read good to me because text on internet lol. But now I get what you mean. I used to play 5ers when I was in heavy bands, and these days I'm the opposite. I don't even remotely need the low B tones, all my stuff is in E flat, and I prefer the thinner neck.
I think you made a great point about not over doing the 5th string, it's so easy to want to just play with the fancy new string lol and it's not always the best or most musical choice.
So very true, its a taste thing, and it certainly can get an audiences attention with a chest thumping bottom C but you don't want to be pissing everyone off with a world of thunderous bottom end all night.
One cool thing, you can get cool power chords when the bass plays the lower note and the guitar plays the two high notes. To combat the B string not being defined enough: Get a 5 string with a humbucker (on the bridge) and a 15" bass cabinet/combo/PA. The bucker mid range and low freq response of the 15" really helps to even the sound.
If you're going to get into orchestra gigs having a fiver is pretty much a necessity; there are arrangements that actually write in a notated e-bass sheet and some will dive into that lower register that demands that B string.
From an outside perspective, I find it fascinating that bass players and the bass guitar itself are a focus point for so much tumult. Be it five strings or four strings, fingers or picks, P or J, the ire of bass is like no other in modern music.
I wouldn’t call it “ire” , I would call it interesting discussion and preference. At least that’s my experience. I have, and play all. You left out active vs passive basses. :)😉
I love working with A 5 string. Those pros are on point. It’s ideal for Reggae And R&B having the advantage of that lower register. It’s Also great for other genres too
Everything you said about the 5👍🏾, playing in jazz band, the 5 is a godsend especially when not playing the upright bass. I also play a 5 in a electronic/synth band. As for muting, I use fretwraps that take of the sympathetic ringing. Also on the weight issue, I've been using ComfortStrapp. It's neoprene and takes the weight off my shoulders and balances the bass perfectly
I mute the B and E strings using my thumb by resting it on the E string and leaning it against the B string. I mute my A string by resting my ring finger on it. Everything else is muted by the fretting hand. It took me a bit of time to get enough coordination to consistently move my ring finger on and away from the a string but it became second nature eventually. If I want to use the E string I simply rest my thumb on the B string instead. If I play a 4 string I don't use my ring finger.
I learned to play on a 5 string bass way back in the very late 80’s early 90’s. Didn’t own a 4 string until maybe 2008 and it felt like I’d been handicapped by losing the low B. Sold both of my 4’s about three years later and never looked back. From 2001 to 2018 I played a 6 string exclusively (big mistake). Now I’ve fallen back in love with 5 strings and only bring my 6’s out when the gig calls for them. Even owned a 7 string Conklin Groove Tools bass in the early 2000’s for a short period! I’m so embarrassed! 🤦🏾♂️ My bass journey through the years has been all over the place. Kids don’t be like me! 😂
I feel like it depends on what kind of music you play because as a worship bass player I’ve found my self more often then not wishing I had a 5 string because of that lower register being needed, also as a Hispanic a lot of our music (Bachata, Salsa, Merengue) demands that low B string I can’t play Spanish music correctly without it, I’m getting one soon so hopefully i Can fulfill my needs :)
I can't transition between 4 and 5 string basses instinctively, so only play 5s. My technique and approach to bass has changed radically since switching, and that was the push I needed to practice more. Some bands raise an eyebrow or 2, but 5s work for me
I have a question. Did u ever try to treat a 5 string as a 4 string with an extra string? Or was that already tried? I'm not trying to be facetious. I'm dead serious. Because I saw a guitar center worker jam the hell out of a 7 string guitar, and I thought it was way above my pay grade because I haven't even got a hold of 6 strings yet. So I gave the man props for the skill, especially on a 7 string. And he thanked me for it, but also told me something I'll never forget..... "A 7 string is just a 6 string with an extra string." And I was like........"It IS?!????? 😮😮😮😮 That's imposibru!!!!!" 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I personally don't have too hard a time switching back and forth between a 4 and a 5. And that concept I started off with helped out a lot with that. I'm not scared of 5 strings anymore! ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾
@LEOsoulMonarch originally I had 4s and a 6 string, as the 5 was too confusing. When I got my first decent 5 string, I played it exclusively for about 3 months. Now I've sold all my 4s, and have built a small collection of 5s that I use for everything.
@@garethjones3979 Ah, nice! So it was essentially destiny. 5 strings ended up being a match made in heaven. 😂 "Why are we not funding this odd number of strings? How come no one thought of this before? *Peter Griffin intensifies* " I still need to play around with a 5 and 4 some more. I play in church with my 5 string (because if you play with 4 strings in a gospel church long enough, you're gonna wish you had the 5th), so I haven't gotten as much time with my 4 string as I'd have liked. I also need to get my 4 modded. I haven't decided if I like one better than the other. For now, I like em both, and I want to like em both. Lol. 4 strings are mad customizable. The only one I'm scared of is a 6 string. And I also don't think I have much use for one. I don't think I have a reason to need the higher range yet. 😅
Hey, did you realize a dog takes the stage at 11:48? He wanders around for a while and (when he realizes Security is lax) he even moves to centre stage for a quick jig and his 15 minutes of fame. Lovely. Good thing he didn't leave any "bio hazard" for the band to tread in. Fans, eh? (EDIT: He even gets a little pat on the head from your sax man at 12:02. Nice.)
I love my 5 string basses. It took a little getting used to when I first got it, as I would accidentally hit the B string instead of the E string, I like the extended range, the ability to play in drop D without retuning, and less moving around the fretboard, I also like to occasionally hit E an the forth open string and on the fifth fret of the fifth string at the same time, which can really kick. Also when I play songs that have a fatter bass sound, I like to use the fifth fret on deeper strings, like you mentioned. I also usually use my thumb to mute the low strings; muting the B string took me a little practice. Unless desired, no string should ring. My old BTB 5 string, with I called my "Yule log" because of it size and weight, and the upper frets on the 5th string were locking up the knuckle on my little finger because of the reach across the wide neck. It sounds great, especially plugged into a passive input on the amp while using it in active mode. It sometimes would growl like a tree bending too far in the wind. I recently got an SR Prestige 5 string because of the lighter weight and thinner neck; however, it is a bolt-on neck when I usually prefer a through-neck.
Spot on. I recently picked up a 5 string mainly for one of the exact reasons you mentioned related to transposing. A lot of songs I had been playing were requiring me to drop the E to a D (even to a low C at one point) in order to properly play a song where the key had been dropped one or more whole steps (going high would’ve just been no good as you also said). So far its been incredibly helpful, especially considering I no longer need time to change the tuning in between songs. And the additional playing options you brought up were something else I realized during the first few moments of playing a 5 string (playing a G progression using the B string for example). And I agree, the low notes like E or G on the B string have an additional richness or fullness to them. Going from a 4 to a 5 is a journey, but I’m loving it so far. Nice use of the Yamaha BB btw. I’ve played them too and they’re great basses. I’ve played a 1980s model Yamaha as well, plays great.
This is a good video. Fair and honest. The problem with muting does require learning new techniques either with the palm, pinky finger, or "floating thumb".
I've only been playing for 10 ish months.. I'm not very good. I bought a 5 string a couple months ago. I can do a few simple songs but I CAN mute! Maybe just because I loathe the racket that not muting properly causes. 😏
I was recently handed a 5 string while watching some friends practice while I was doing art. Their bass player could never make it, so they handed me a 5 string and said you're the bass now. I personally love the added B string~ Recently saw Thundercat playing a 6 string and kinda want one now lol
I've been primarily playing 5 string basses for many years, I would occasionally get jokes or negative comments but it really wasn't that often. However, my Stingray 5 weighs 11 lbs. and I am now in my 50s and needed to get something lighter and more comfortable if I was going to continue playing. So now I've been showing up to gigs with a headless 5 string and man does that ever make some people's head explode.
Being someone who records in my home studio and I like to have a lot variation in my creations, I like the 4 string for simplicity helps me be creative in a different way and the 5 string most importantly bring thunderous low notes that I find very necessary. If I was to pick again I’d just go 5 string and recommend the same for most people.
They make 5 String Upright Basses too. The Low B String makes transposing easier especially in Church Gigs. I tune mine down a Half Step (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb) so that the high notes are easier for me to sing.
I want to get a 5 string actually because I feel like its all I will ever need. I'm not a big fan of having to detune all the time so I love the idea of just going from song to song.
I'm a guitar player to begin with, but I do enjoy playing the bass, and I'm the bass player in one of the bands I'm playing with. When I'm on bass, I'm definitely in the 5-string camp, I think it gives more options, and like you said, that fifth string has a different character to it. Great vid, thanks!
I had three 5-string basses, and while they were super fun to play, I just wasn’t using them for anything more than I could do with a 4-string. But definitely I would recommend to those that haven’t tried it.
I’ve been thinking of getting a 5 string for along time, so this was brilliant to watch. BTW, I also play sax so it was good to see the clips of your band. Thanks.
Awesome video! Another thing to note with 5 strings (own and play two of them, Sire V3 and Sire M7) is that they increase the likelihood of things like tendonitis, bone spurs and carpal tunnel if they're a 35" scale length, which most 5 string players prefer since the low B is a bit tighter. I'm looking for a 4 string myself since I just got diagnosed with carpal tunnel in my left hand (not because of bass, but I'm sure it doesn't help). Anyways, rock on!
Keeping the same position to hit the octaves is the reason why I want a 5 strings bass. In shoegaze or some metal songs, when you to play melodic riffs, having a 5 strings bass can save you a lot of energy cause you won't be running all the frets
Been playing bass for 29 years. Started of with my Epiphone Newport 4 string and what a bass it was and did my apprenticeship on that bass. It was in 2002 that I walked into Marshal Music Johannesburg that I saw this Ibanez GSR200 4 string in transparent red.....I was in love. Next to it was a 5 string GSR 205 5 string and I tested both and walked away with the 5 string and the rest is history. So much versatility on a 5 string and if you are playing metal like I do the 5 string just works better with those lower notes. I still play my 4 string from time to time but my 5 string is my war machine. Great video and what I like is how you present the pro's and cons where other big bass master just dis the 5 string bass. Shake the stadium with that lower B ...Rock On !!!!!!!!!!!!!
hey, I have been playing a 200$ 4 string for 9 years before my ex gf dumped me and i needed ti fill my affection hole. So i spent all my money on THE bass that had all the features i liked, it's an Ibanez EHB 1005MS in the colour pink pale mate and it had everything i wished for, a ms fretting (cause it looks cool), headless so it takes some weight off, plus i barely have to retune it even when it's on my bed so it's really convinient, and since i liked to improvise a lot i was interested in having a fifth string. 2 years passed and i still love it, i now have some flatwounded strings (It sounds fcking amazing, i recommend ernie ball "custom gauge flatwounded 5 stings") In conclusion: Don't be a dck, admit it, 5 strings are awesome, they are just different.
Yes I've made the pact with the devil. Once I got my first five string I've lost any interest in four string basses. I have minor deslecsia, and I can't swap one for the other. I also have a Kay five string upright bass (Chubby Jackson model). I won't own any bass without 24 frets and I prefer 35 scale. I would consider a 31 scale 5 strung E to C.
Greetings, I have a Ibanez RB850 5 string circ 1985....When I was playing in a 3 piece and the guitarist was soloing I used the 5th string to open up the music. Also with a 145 gauge B string it is handy as a tow rope when your mates car needs a tow.
When the band dynamics go "big," that extended range lets you plant the whole thing by going "low!!" Just love how a 5 string gives you control over the chord voicing of the entire group!!
I started on a Washburn XB125 which is a great inexpensive Indonesian 5er but doesn't have a great variety of tone and very dependent on its active preamp. I then got a Yamaha 735a like yours and it's fantastic, there's just something magic about Yamaha pickups and the passive tone is just as usable as the active. My next bass will probably be a Sire P7 fretless 5er, they're looking very good.
I agree on everything you said! My first bass was actually a 5-string, even a Yamaha BB. It was the BB-G5 back then, already 25 years ago. And the Yamaha BB range is still one that I'd recommend for somebody looking into getting into the 5-string world. These are awesome basses, from the entry-level BB 235 up to the MIJ BBP. But there are many great 5-string basses out there, so just choose whatever works for you.
I'm mainly a drummer. Back in 2009, I went in to record a couple of songs playing all the instruments but without any training. (That turned into my first album.) I learned guitar chords from a Beatles fake book and I just made up bass parts in my head for my own songs. When I tried to record with a four-string, I just found myself unsatisfied with the range of the four-string. Fortunately, the studio I was in had a five-string and it was just so much more comfortable. Fast forward to now. I want to learn bass properly. All the Internet advice is to start on a four-string, so I went to a music shop thinking about buying an Ibanez IJSR 190 kit, with a bass, strap, cheap amp, etc. I just didn't like it. But the store had an Ibanez GSR205SM, and I fell in love. Except for the extra string, it looked the same - a beautiful instrument. I'm starting out learning to play properly on a five-string. Sure, I'm not a COMPLETE noob, at least in that, I've been a musician most of my life. For a complete newbie, maybe (MAYBE) a four-string is where to start, but I just don't see it that way. All the other problems are not problems, just the muting thing. But I already knew that and already knew how to mute with both (well, either, depending on the situation) hands. Pain in the ass? Yes. Worth it? Yes.
I started playing bass recently and chose to start with a five instead of a four. I certainly don't regret my decision! Every bassist said I can't start on a five, but it seems to be working for me lol
There isn't really much difference between a five and a four as long as you're employing proper technique. I think where a lot of people screw up is they have sloppy muting technique on a four and it becomes very evident on a five, so they just think it's super difficult or something. I had a lot of people tell me that you can't start out on a fretless, but honestly, starting out on fretless was the best call for me, I think. You should play the instrument you want to play, whether that be four, five, or six strings, or fretted or fretless.
Some bass teachers claim that beginners should start with a four. I guess if you want to learn classical guitar you should start with a ukulele. In all seriousness, as a five string player, I wish my first bass was a five.
One of the nice things about being one of the pick bass weirdos is that, even when you go all the way up to SIX strings, the muting becomes a non-issue pretty quickly; a solid right-hand muting technique is way easier to pull off when you can just rest the edge of your hand on the strings.
Lucky. Actually, I LOVE the sound of a picked bass. Only thing is, I also LOVE playing bass fingerstyle. Oh well, guess I'll just listen to you other guys play with a pick. Oh, and I LOVE the sound of a picked P-bass. Only thing is, I've always played J's fingerstyle. Go figure. (Also, I LOVE to hit the 'all caps' button.) Rock on - JD, Montréal
Been playing bass in bands for 20+ years, I have genuinely never even picked up a 5 string, never really even been curious, that is until now…. Great video, new subscriber here 👋
Great vid. Thanks. My recommendation for a starter 5-string would be an Ibanez SR because they're cheap, slim neck, sound good and are light. The reason NOT to would be the string spacing makes picking and slap hard work so depends on what style you play most. FYI my tutor has a 5-string that gets a lot of use in covers gigs (Eb for Superstitious anyone? and SOOO useful when a singer wants to drop the key by a tone) and also uses a Yamaha BB bass.
I'm a big fan of the Sterling SUB Ray5 HH - decent weight, medium neck, tight string spacing, and a lot of tonal variety view the 5 way pickup blade switch + pre amp. Though it's a bit more cash than the super basic SRs.
I started with 4 strings bass 10 years ago and it was so inconvinient having no bottom D that I sold it after a year of fruitless training. So when I bought a 5-string bass during COVID, it fitted so well in what I tried to play that I can't imagine playing my spare 4-string bass with full feedback now. B1 in a lot of songs sounds weak as hell
started playing bass 2 months ago, bought my first bass, learned it was a P-bass, then i learned that what I wanted was a J-bass and therefor bought a Mexican made Fender Player Jazz Bass Fretless because when i went to actually play on a J-bass from the store, they only had like a Squire Vintage 60s fretless J-bass available for me to play, the rest was Fender P-basses. So i grabbed the Squire, which in my head i thought ( omg i remember the Squire Stratocaster i had....) But it actually sounded great not gonna lie, it sounded so great that i shifted from just wanting a J-bass to now wanting it fretless too, and due to experience with Squire guitars, I wanted something i knew had quality, at least used to have quality, so i got a Fender. Now its not a perfect Fender, the knobs are mounted too high, the fingerboard has a black oar in it going from the nut all the way down which i found kind of annoying for a fender to be like that but it is what it is! 5 String bass is not my kinda bass, i like sticking to the E A D G's I don't need that extra deep B and to mute on a 5 string, all you do is put your thumb along your fingering fingers so your thumb slides up and down on the strings muting all the ones it touches. =) A 5+ threads bass is like a baritone guitar basically :)
When I started playing 5''s I stopped Using my 4's(so that i wouldn't go running back to my 4's) I use the B string as a thumb rest and this also doubles as a mute until I want to use the low B ,You've mentioned all the points I've encountered so Great Job , I can't be doing with Transposing and re tuning, sooner learn the music in another Key and keep all the same patterns.
5 strings basses are a must have for modern metal and modern prog. Its extended range is so usefull, but there is some elements to put in a consideration: -muting requiers a floating thumb technique instead of a anchored thumb technique. It actually was a real challenge for me since I first learned to mute the E string with my pinky and the A string with my ring finger. As you mentionned, it's also harder to mute with the slap technique. In order to fix that I use my forearm ( like Fernando Molinari ), wich is so damn hard ! -the extra tension needed on the low B/low A ( drop a ) may cause some problems for non multiscale basses. The B string naturally comes a bit flubby and muddy, thicker gauge helps to get more tension but darkens the sound, and lighter gauge help to get more clarity but easily ends with a very flubby string.
#4 in the pro column about note selection and playing choices has been very apparent for me since I picked up my 5 string in lockdown. I like it. It’s easier to find new grooves and so I’m playing the bass more. Oh and you passed the fact-check. Lol
I'm a long time 5 and 6, I'll never go back to a 4 :) A neg point with a 5 is often the string spacing at the nut, I'm a tall girl with big hands and playing on a 43mm(1.69') wide nut is a pain in the bass.... I've fall in love with a 2010 Squier JazzBass-5 Deluxe, active, 51mm (2.01') wide at the nut. Match my needs perfectly.
Something resonated with me when you were discussing the probability of being considered pretentious by owning an extended range instrument. I never understood people's deal with being sour about someone else using a tool to create... There are so many great songs that are written with a 7 string guitar or 5 string bass.... And if those artists gave a flying squirrel about what other people thought, we might have missed out on some really great music. So to those who give people the stank eye because it's not a fender P or J 4 string... Just play and demonstrate through the final product sound and tone that the visual aspect should be the very last thing people focused on...
One of my favourite pros of a 5-string bass is that top string is really helpful for balancing my thumb on while my fingers pluck the other strings. It makes it much easier for me to pluck faster on the other strings.
I got a five string nearly a year ago. I've found the best thing is that I can approach a low e from below, and since loads of guitar songs are in e it's great to get below the bottom e. I use the d quite a lot, but I rarely use the lower notes tbh. The other great thing is being able to play stuff in f and f# on the 6and 7th frets rather than way down the bottom end of the neck.
great video and nice two octave scale ;) I will say this. 5 and 6 string "upright basses" were in use hundreds of years before the electric bass was invented (for guitar players)
I played Fender jazz basses for 30 years. I had a Carvin 5 string built and I think of it as "a 4 string bass with this other accessory." I don't use it often because I get a better tone on most of its notes above the 5th fret on the E string. I play some pieces that are written for stand up with an extension. In that case, I like having the Eb, or being dramatic with a low C or D. The open B is barely discernable as being a pitched note. I don't regret buying it. but I'll not buy anything other than 4 strings in the future. I
I had one five-string for a short time and also couldn't figure out how it fit with the band's style (at that time). It was a weird experience for me to hit that low B and it felt like the waveform was so long and slow that it would actually be out of sync with the tempo on faster songs. Anyway, got rid of the fiver after barely playing it and just used one of my 35" scale fours tuned to drop-C when I wanted really low-end.
I'm looking for the ideal four string bass to play B-E-A-D. I don't have a problem with muting, but I think I'd like to adjust my playing so, like you said, I'm not tempted to overplay. I also like to have a fretted E, Eb, and D. I don't use the low B much since the open low B sound as well as the open E sound is usually harder to control although since I've started playing mostly with my thumb and four fingers I find that I can tame the sound a bit easier. The problem I have is so many basses I've tried kind sound crappy past the seventh fret on both the E and B strings. I have two five strings where this isn't the case and what they have in common are five piece necks, tilt back headstocks, 35" scale and more than four bolt necks. I'm not sure if it's one or a combination of those factors, but they seem to combine for a B and E string that don't sound dull or dead the farther you get up the neck. I think I would like a four string Dingwall, but they're really expensive even for the lower tier models. Other more affordable options would be an old Ibanez BTB four string (one of my five strings is a BTB), one of the ESP LTD multi-scales or a Kiesel Vanquish multi scale.
You can get a mute strap to put around the upper neck. You can even use hair bands if you don't wanna go buy one. They are also very helpful when tapping.
I play in my church, between the three of us who rotate, we have 3, 4 stings, all fenders and I’m just looking to mix it up and expand. I’m thinking about getting the Yamaha BB235 5 string just to see if I’ll like it or even be able to utilize it. Is this a good entry level choice? I’m just not looking to add another fender into my personal collection
I don't know much about Yamahas. I think I might try em out. The trbx series looks pretty nice and versatile. And the B string should be able to ring clear on em. I hope I'm getting the model code right; it should be a bass with 5 strings and two humbucker looking pickups that are wide as hel-, err, heck. Like a J bass that uses thick Bois instead of single coils. One of the models is a 300 series, which should be versatile with its tone, comfortable, and affordable. But depending on which church you play at (CCM vs gospel for example), you'll probably get more use out of that 5 string than you'd think. If you find yourself having to do walking church bass lines, find a 5 string that you're comfortable with, and don't even hesitate in buying it. Lol. I think that a 4 string is viable in any setting, but a 5 string is great for church. Because if you play with a 4 string in certain churches long enough, you're gonna wish you had the 5th. 😂😂😂😂😂
Also, is the BB235 the bass with the big round bottom that looks mostly circular? Because if it is, try one out and gauge how clear that B string sounds. I've seen a review on TH-cam for it, and it said the B string is muddy. It may not be completely unusable, but it may be worth investigating further.
i always found that when the fellas wanted to go low "D" or Low "C" i would be confused at all the stuff i learned for the past 15-20 years, so transposing and getting creative with a 5 string is a cool thing, because ive always liked doing something different than the guitar players, thus opening up a 5 string role!!! Forget tuning down and just get creative!!!! thats where im at!!!
I own the same bass, the black one. It is a beast. From 4 to 5 string takes some study and getting used to, but i love it. And you are right it needs a good amp. Thanks for your video!
Started with a Squier PJ; buying an Ibanez SR875 allowed me to learn songs in BEADG and even some ADGCF tuning; the low string and close spacing made learning slap more difficult.
My recommendation is the Mono Betty straps. I have a five string Musicman Stingray dual humbucker. It is a heavy bass and find that the Betty long strap is perfect for long standing gigs without getting a sore shoulder or back.
Wow! Fantastic tips! I was aware of some but others were so obvious I was a little embarrassed I hadn't noticed them before. I've stayed away from 5 strings in the past because of the wider necks and my extremely low vision. But I recently purchased a Sire P7 and I love it! The B string is tight and doesn't flop around like a beached walrus. The sound is fat, buttery, and clear! Your video was informative and entertaining.. I really dug the video clips of you playing with your band showing us real world examples of what you were talking about. Excellent job bro!!
A few years ago I had a 5 string, but sold it out of frustration. The more I play with my current band, the more uses I've found for a 5-string... HOWEVER, all my wife remembers was me complaining about that old bass, making it difficult to get her on board with agreeing to another go. Money is tight these days! Your video might have been the push I need to sell one of my 4's to fund a 5. Thanks! (I think...)
I love my 5 string. I didn't really want one, but I picked up a second hand Ibanez for $80 and I couldn't say no to that kind of deal. I took to the 5 like a fish to water. I love it. It gives me so many more choices with fingerings and voice. I don't understand how people can say that it's only good for those 5 lower notes. The 5 definitely makes moving around the fret board so much easier. I also play my 4 strings as well. However, it's not always easy to go from the 5 to a 4 when I learned the song first on the 5. Going the other way is easy since I can just play 4 strings on the 5 and not worry about it.
i play a 5 string in a band that does drop C# so I tune as they do but I also drop the 5th string is drop tunned to Ab. I have found that this gives me a lot of options especially dropping certian runs down an octave easier.
Interesting you played a Prince song as it reminds me of an old story. Prince was auditioning bass players and from the get go told anybody who brought a 5 string to leave lol. I don't know how true it is but certainly sounds like him. He wanted a very traditional minded player to lay traditional funk grooves.
I got my first V string bass back in 2002, inspired by Gail Ann Dorsey during her time with Bowie. Never had another 4 string since, It just feels right for me, due to the very reasons mentioned. Besides I can do on a 5 what I can do on a 4 but not the other way around. I use the floating thumb technique for muting. It's great to make electronic music.
Yea- my concern about 5 string basses is just this- I don't need one. And in a lot of music- it is very feasable to have a 4 string HEAD CFBbEb DGCF Bass if one wants to have access to lower notes. It depends on the music, but imho there are far too few bassists playing tuned down 4 strings instead of 5 strings where the high G string is rarely needed in styles where low D and C tunings are rare. My favourite tuning is and remains DGCF
you touched on warmth, deeper notes. I find my 5 string to just overall have more depth, more dynamic range. string guages are slightly thicker. more wood, more sustain.
Fivers are epic and really, you DO need one laying around. They will come in handy. That said, having gone back to playing mostly 4 string from playing mostly 5 string for over a decade, I'm having such a blast. You can see it in my gig photos, I'm beaming. I forgot how much fun 4 string is. Easy on the hands. I play differently.
I play a 5 (G&L M2500), but don't use the low B that much. It's nice once in a while to have, sort of like that tool you rarely use but happy to have if you need it. In my current band I might use the low B twice all evening.
I shared a lot of short clips from shows my bands have played. Would you guys be interested in seeing the full unedited footage from my gigs?
Absolutely!
I would!
Yes!
Certainly!! (Love those 5 strings, two octaves anywhere…)
I think you are an exciting player to watch. You make the music feel good with the way you move to it. It's an Elvis thing. You certainly have it. Showmanship. I wouldn't watch a band that didn't have it.
If a 5 string is a one trick pony, than a 4 string is a dead horse.
🤣
the secret is to play an active, headless, multiscale bass so people get upset about that and forget about it being a 5-string lmao. fr tho a lot of the songs i play are in low tunings (C standard, drop B etc), and it's way more convenient to use a 5 string, no filing my nut for super heavy gauge strings, no retuning, plus (imo) it sounds a lot better than floppy detuned strings
Exactly! Ibanez EHB1005MS I`m looking at you! ;)
I really enjoy the look of those types of basses. It makes people sooooo mad haha.
Can I get a headless fretless 7-string w/ dual active electronics?
do you tune your b up to c? isnt it too tight? asking cus i tried and it felt weird
I think the the sax player overplaying, will piss them off enough, to cover what bass you're slapping up.
About 3 years ago, i bought a Yamaha 5 String as well... I was in a metalband that time and it was obvious that this step was necessary. It felt good, sounded amazing and opened up so many possibilities for my playing. I never played a 4 string since. The best point you mentioned is my singer asking to play a song in lower keys and i have the pleasure to see the desperate look on my guitar players face!
Another thing that's great about a 5 is that if you're reading music that has the low notes in that range. It is far easier to play those notes rather than having to think about transposing the note up an octave and possibly missing more notes. Happened to me before.
@@donaldothomoson Well...YEAH. When I play in the studio, I NEED a five. Exactly because I'm NOT as skilled, being primarily a drummer. I'm more familiar with a five, having started on one (yeah, I know now to start on a four, but whatever). It's WAY easier for me to reach certain notes, depending on the key of the song, which isn't usually up to me.
@@theskintexpat-themightygreegor "(yeah, I know now to start on a four, but whatever)"
I think if you start on a 5 then you get the feel of a 5. I've seen a lot of people saying moving from a 5 to 4 is easier because you just don't have one of the strings, but moving 4 to 5 is hard because now you have to totally change up your muting, how you hold it, and learn how to use a new string.
I also started 5 string because I play funk and metal, often doomy and they all like to throw those lower register notes in. I couldn't be happier with my decision because sliding around strings fucks my fingers up and I don't have to do it as much now. I find it's a little harder for slap and pop, but I do a lot of finger strumming anyway because I love the way those fast triplets sound as I roll my fingers on a string. Picks... feel weird unless I'm trying to do some Motorhead kinda stuff...
I play a 5 string and everything he mentioned as a pro to playing one, are things I intuitively knew, just never really articulated to myself. The hardest thing is, switching back and forth between my 4 & 5 string. Often times, if I'm not concentrating enough, I'll forget which one I'm playing.
Same here. It's only difficult if I learned the song on the 5 string first. I sometimes forget when playing the 4 that I don't have that other string...
switching back and forth? why? i only play a 5 string, dont even own a 4 string anymore...
@@StraiyEU Why? Because 4 string is cool, practical and fun to play. That's it. You're missing out not having one anymore.
@@WilDBeestMF I dont miss anything, actually u cant miss things u never had... I can play anthing my bands play without tuning down, if i would play a 4 string i have to tune down to C and that doesnt really work with standart strings... There is exactly no reason for me to play a 4 String, even if i dont need these low notes, i just use the b string as a thumb rest... I also learned playíng Bass on 5 String... But i dont mind what others play... u can play 4,5,6 or what ever how many string, what ever u want... For me a 5 String was always the best fit...
@@StraiyEU It was the "Why?" that got me. I was like are you high? 4 is awesome, don't talk about them like there's no point. It didn't read good to me because text on internet lol. But now I get what you mean.
I used to play 5ers when I was in heavy bands, and these days I'm the opposite. I don't even remotely need the low B tones, all my stuff is in E flat, and I prefer the thinner neck.
I think you made a great point about not over doing the 5th string, it's so easy to want to just play with the fancy new string lol and it's not always the best or most musical choice.
So very true, its a taste thing, and it certainly can get an audiences attention with a chest thumping bottom C but you don't want to be pissing everyone off with a world of thunderous bottom end all night.
One cool thing, you can get cool power chords when the bass plays the lower note and the guitar plays the two high notes. To combat the B string not being defined enough: Get a 5 string with a humbucker (on the bridge) and a 15" bass cabinet/combo/PA. The bucker mid range and low freq response of the 15" really helps to even the sound.
Love how you put the pros and cons. Always been a 4 string player but just recently laid away a 6 string
Dude, awesome video! I appreciate how well thought out and presented all the information is. Great gig clips too!
Thanks dude! That is high praise coming from you!
If you're going to get into orchestra gigs having a fiver is pretty much a necessity; there are arrangements that actually write in a notated e-bass sheet and some will dive into that lower register that demands that B string.
From an outside perspective, I find it fascinating that bass players and the bass guitar itself are a focus point for so much tumult. Be it five strings or four strings, fingers or picks, P or J, the ire of bass is like no other in modern music.
I would commit war crimes defending P bass superiority 😤😤😤
I wouldn’t call it “ire” , I would call it interesting discussion and preference. At least that’s my experience. I have, and play all. You left out active vs passive basses. :)😉
By far the biggest point of contention is 4 string purists shaming 5 stringers and steering newbs away from a 5 string that they don't understand.
@@christianfoster3806 that’s really interesting Christian. Thanks for sharing that.
@@MrTennisgolf Also missed fretted vs fretless. ;)
I love working with A 5 string. Those pros are on point. It’s ideal for Reggae And R&B having the advantage of that lower register. It’s Also great for other genres too
Thanks for inserting examples of your band playing. Thanks.
Everything you said about the 5👍🏾, playing in jazz band, the 5 is a godsend especially when not playing the upright bass. I also play a 5 in a electronic/synth band. As for muting, I use fretwraps that take of the sympathetic ringing. Also on the weight issue, I've been using ComfortStrapp. It's neoprene and takes the weight off my shoulders and balances the bass perfectly
The fretwrap is definitely a good option, but it does eliminate your ability to play open notes. Again, tradeoffs!
Honestly, I just learned to incorporate my left thumb to help with muting on a 5+ string bass
I mute the B and E strings using my thumb by resting it on the E string and leaning it against the B string. I mute my A string by resting my ring finger on it. Everything else is muted by the fretting hand. It took me a bit of time to get enough coordination to consistently move my ring finger on and away from the a string but it became second nature eventually. If I want to use the E string I simply rest my thumb on the B string instead. If I play a 4 string I don't use my ring finger.
Gerat info. I love that there are clips of you playing in actual live situations. Thanks!
I learned to play on a 5 string bass way back in the very late 80’s early 90’s. Didn’t own a 4 string until maybe 2008 and it felt like I’d been handicapped by losing the low B. Sold both of my 4’s about three years later and never looked back. From 2001 to 2018 I played a 6 string exclusively (big mistake). Now I’ve fallen back in love with 5 strings and only bring my 6’s out when the gig calls for them. Even owned a 7 string Conklin Groove Tools bass in the early 2000’s for a short period! I’m so embarrassed! 🤦🏾♂️ My bass journey through the years has been all over the place. Kids don’t be like me! 😂
I feel like it depends on what kind of music you play because as a worship bass player I’ve found my self more often then not wishing I had a 5 string because of that lower register being needed, also as a Hispanic a lot of our music (Bachata, Salsa, Merengue) demands that low B string I can’t play Spanish music correctly without it, I’m getting one soon so hopefully i Can fulfill my needs :)
WE HAVE THE SAME BASS!!! bro i love it but unfortunately dropped the 5th and using it as a 4 stringer....maybe this video will help
My only regret is I bought a Yamaha BB734A last year which 4 string but now I'm playing 5 string and don't wanna go back with 4.😡
I can't transition between 4 and 5 string basses instinctively, so only play 5s. My technique and approach to bass has changed radically since switching, and that was the push I needed to practice more. Some bands raise an eyebrow or 2, but 5s work for me
I have a question. Did u ever try to treat a 5 string as a 4 string with an extra string? Or was that already tried?
I'm not trying to be facetious. I'm dead serious. Because I saw a guitar center worker jam the hell out of a 7 string guitar, and I thought it was way above my pay grade because I haven't even got a hold of 6 strings yet. So I gave the man props for the skill, especially on a 7 string. And he thanked me for it, but also told me something I'll never forget.....
"A 7 string is just a 6 string with an extra string."
And I was like........"It IS?!????? 😮😮😮😮 That's imposibru!!!!!" 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I personally don't have too hard a time switching back and forth between a 4 and a 5. And that concept I started off with helped out a lot with that. I'm not scared of 5 strings anymore! ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾
@LEOsoulMonarch originally I had 4s and a 6 string, as the 5 was too confusing. When I got my first decent 5 string, I played it exclusively for about 3 months. Now I've sold all my 4s, and have built a small collection of 5s that I use for everything.
@@garethjones3979 Ah, nice!
So it was essentially destiny. 5 strings ended up being a match made in heaven. 😂
"Why are we not funding this odd number of strings? How come no one thought of this before? *Peter Griffin intensifies* "
I still need to play around with a 5 and 4 some more. I play in church with my 5 string (because if you play with 4 strings in a gospel church long enough, you're gonna wish you had the 5th), so I haven't gotten as much time with my 4 string as I'd have liked. I also need to get my 4 modded. I haven't decided if I like one better than the other. For now, I like em both, and I want to like em both. Lol. 4 strings are mad customizable.
The only one I'm scared of is a 6 string. And I also don't think I have much use for one. I don't think I have a reason to need the higher range yet. 😅
Hey, did you realize a dog takes the stage at 11:48? He wanders around for a while and (when he realizes Security is lax) he even moves to centre stage for a quick jig and his 15 minutes of fame. Lovely. Good thing he didn't leave any "bio hazard" for the band to tread in. Fans, eh? (EDIT: He even gets a little pat on the head from your sax man at 12:02. Nice.)
I love my 5 string basses. It took a little getting used to when I first got it, as I would accidentally hit the B string instead of the E string, I like the extended range, the ability to play in drop D without retuning, and less moving around the fretboard, I also like to occasionally hit E an the forth open string and on the fifth fret of the fifth string at the same time, which can really kick. Also when I play songs that have a fatter bass sound, I like to use the fifth fret on deeper strings, like you mentioned. I also usually use my thumb to mute the low strings; muting the B string took me a little practice. Unless desired, no string should ring. My old BTB 5 string, with I called my "Yule log" because of it size and weight, and the upper frets on the 5th string were locking up the knuckle on my little finger because of the reach across the wide neck. It sounds great, especially plugged into a passive input on the amp while using it in active mode. It sometimes would growl like a tree bending too far in the wind. I recently got an SR Prestige 5 string because of the lighter weight and thinner neck; however, it is a bolt-on neck when I usually prefer a through-neck.
B
E
A
D
G
That s the deal with 5 strings BASS
X3
Spot on. I recently picked up a 5 string mainly for one of the exact reasons you mentioned related to transposing. A lot of songs I had been playing were requiring me to drop the E to a D (even to a low C at one point) in order to properly play a song where the key had been dropped one or more whole steps (going high would’ve just been no good as you also said). So far its been incredibly helpful, especially considering I no longer need time to change the tuning in between songs. And the additional playing options you brought up were something else I realized during the first few moments of playing a 5 string (playing a G progression using the B string for example). And I agree, the low notes like E or G on the B string have an additional richness or fullness to them. Going from a 4 to a 5 is a journey, but I’m loving it so far.
Nice use of the Yamaha BB btw. I’ve played them too and they’re great basses. I’ve played a 1980s model Yamaha as well, plays great.
Like Jaco said and I paraphrase If it sounds good I dig it!! Lol 4 5 or 6 don't matter, it's all MUSIC❤️
This is a good video. Fair and honest. The problem with muting does require learning new techniques either with the palm, pinky finger, or "floating thumb".
Absolutely. There are lots of options for various parts of both hands for muting, and you'll need all the tricks to keep your playing clean.
I've only been playing for 10 ish months.. I'm not very good. I bought a 5 string a couple months ago. I can do a few simple songs but I CAN mute! Maybe just because I loathe the racket that not muting properly causes. 😏
I was recently handed a 5 string while watching some friends practice while I was doing art. Their bass player could never make it, so they handed me a 5 string and said you're the bass now. I personally love the added B string~ Recently saw Thundercat playing a 6 string and kinda want one now lol
I've been primarily playing 5 string basses for many years, I would occasionally get jokes or negative comments but it really wasn't that often. However, my Stingray 5 weighs 11 lbs. and I am now in my 50s and needed to get something lighter and more comfortable if I was going to continue playing. So now I've been showing up to gigs with a headless 5 string and man does that ever make some people's head explode.
Being someone who records in my home studio and I like to have a lot variation in my creations, I like the 4 string for simplicity helps me be creative in a different way and the 5 string most importantly bring thunderous low notes that I find very necessary. If I was to pick again I’d just go 5 string and recommend the same for most people.
They make 5 String Upright Basses too. The Low B String makes transposing easier especially in Church Gigs. I tune mine down a Half Step (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb) so that the high notes are easier for me to sing.
7:40 I just mute the B with my wrist while slapping. For the rest I use floating thumb. Works like a charm.
I want to get a 5 string actually because I feel like its all I will ever need. I'm not a big fan of having to detune all the time so I love the idea of just going from song to song.
I'm a guitar player to begin with, but I do enjoy playing the bass, and I'm the bass player in one of the bands I'm playing with. When I'm on bass, I'm definitely in the 5-string camp, I think it gives more options, and like you said, that fifth string has a different character to it. Great vid, thanks!
I had three 5-string basses, and while they were super fun to play, I just wasn’t using them for anything more than I could do with a 4-string. But definitely I would recommend to those that haven’t tried it.
I’ve been thinking of getting a 5 string for along time, so this was brilliant to watch. BTW, I also play sax so it was good to see the clips of your band. Thanks.
Agree completely and nice playing!!
Awesome video! Another thing to note with 5 strings (own and play two of them, Sire V3 and Sire M7) is that they increase the likelihood of things like tendonitis, bone spurs and carpal tunnel if they're a 35" scale length, which most 5 string players prefer since the low B is a bit tighter. I'm looking for a 4 string myself since I just got diagnosed with carpal tunnel in my left hand (not because of bass, but I'm sure it doesn't help). Anyways, rock on!
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Keeping the same position to hit the octaves is the reason why I want a 5 strings bass. In shoegaze or some metal songs, when you to play melodic riffs, having a 5 strings bass can save you a lot of energy cause you won't be running all the frets
Been playing bass for 29 years. Started of with my Epiphone Newport 4 string and what a bass it was and did my apprenticeship on that bass. It was in 2002 that I walked into Marshal Music Johannesburg that I saw this Ibanez GSR200 4 string in transparent red.....I was in love. Next to it was a 5 string GSR 205 5 string and I tested both and walked away with the 5 string and the rest is history. So much versatility on a 5 string and if you are playing metal like I do the 5 string just works better with those lower notes. I still play my 4 string from time to time but my 5 string is my war machine. Great video and what I like is how you present the pro's and cons where other big bass master just dis the 5 string bass. Shake the stadium with that lower B ...Rock On !!!!!!!!!!!!!
hey, I have been playing a 200$ 4 string for 9 years before my ex gf dumped me and i needed ti fill my affection hole. So i spent all my money on THE bass that had all the features i liked, it's an Ibanez EHB 1005MS in the colour pink pale mate and it had everything i wished for, a ms fretting (cause it looks cool), headless so it takes some weight off, plus i barely have to retune it even when it's on my bed so it's really convinient, and since i liked to improvise a lot i was interested in having a fifth string. 2 years passed and i still love it, i now have some flatwounded strings (It sounds fcking amazing, i recommend ernie ball "custom gauge flatwounded 5 stings")
In conclusion:
Don't be a dck, admit it, 5 strings are awesome, they are just different.
Yes I've made the pact with the devil. Once I got my first five string I've lost any interest in four string basses.
I have minor deslecsia, and I can't swap one for the other.
I also have a Kay five string upright bass (Chubby Jackson model).
I won't own any bass without 24 frets and I prefer 35 scale.
I would consider a 31 scale 5 strung E to C.
I've played nothing but 5 strings for nearly 20 years. I'm lazy and love having more notes under my fingers in a position, plus I hate open strings.
Greetings, I have a Ibanez RB850 5 string circ 1985....When I was playing in a 3 piece and the guitarist was soloing I used the 5th string to open up the music. Also with a 145 gauge B string it is handy as a tow rope when your mates car needs a tow.
When the band dynamics go "big," that extended range lets you plant the whole thing by going "low!!"
Just love how a 5 string gives you control over the chord voicing of the entire group!!
a 4 string gives you that same control lol
@ bro said all you need it a 1 string
I started on a Washburn XB125 which is a great inexpensive Indonesian 5er but doesn't have a great variety of tone and very dependent on its active preamp. I then got a Yamaha 735a like yours and it's fantastic, there's just something magic about Yamaha pickups and the passive tone is just as usable as the active. My next bass will probably be a Sire P7 fretless 5er, they're looking very good.
I agree on everything you said! My first bass was actually a 5-string, even a Yamaha BB. It was the BB-G5 back then, already 25 years ago. And the Yamaha BB range is still one that I'd recommend for somebody looking into getting into the 5-string world. These are awesome basses, from the entry-level BB 235 up to the MIJ BBP. But there are many great 5-string basses out there, so just choose whatever works for you.
I play Fender fretless 4, Warwick 5 and Carvin 6 string basses. They all have their place. Nice vid. Enjoyed the added footage, Nice playing.
I'm mainly a drummer. Back in 2009, I went in to record a couple of songs playing all the instruments but without any training. (That turned into my first album.) I learned guitar chords from a Beatles fake book and I just made up bass parts in my head for my own songs. When I tried to record with a four-string, I just found myself unsatisfied with the range of the four-string. Fortunately, the studio I was in had a five-string and it was just so much more comfortable. Fast forward to now. I want to learn bass properly. All the Internet advice is to start on a four-string, so I went to a music shop thinking about buying an Ibanez IJSR 190 kit, with a bass, strap, cheap amp, etc. I just didn't like it. But the store had an Ibanez GSR205SM, and I fell in love. Except for the extra string, it looked the same - a beautiful instrument. I'm starting out learning to play properly on a five-string. Sure, I'm not a COMPLETE noob, at least in that, I've been a musician most of my life. For a complete newbie, maybe (MAYBE) a four-string is where to start, but I just don't see it that way. All the other problems are not problems, just the muting thing. But I already knew that and already knew how to mute with both (well, either, depending on the situation) hands. Pain in the ass? Yes. Worth it? Yes.
New drinking game, take a shot each time you hear bass(ically) in any shape or form
I started playing bass recently and chose to start with a five instead of a four. I certainly don't regret my decision! Every bassist said I can't start on a five, but it seems to be working for me lol
There isn't really much difference between a five and a four as long as you're employing proper technique. I think where a lot of people screw up is they have sloppy muting technique on a four and it becomes very evident on a five, so they just think it's super difficult or something. I had a lot of people tell me that you can't start out on a fretless, but honestly, starting out on fretless was the best call for me, I think. You should play the instrument you want to play, whether that be four, five, or six strings, or fretted or fretless.
Some bass teachers claim that beginners should start with a four.
I guess if you want to learn classical guitar you should start with a ukulele.
In all seriousness, as a five string player, I wish my first bass was a five.
If you can get over the initial hurdle of tighter steering spacing, you're on to a winner.
I want to get a 5 string bass now
Me too :)
One of the nice things about being one of the pick bass weirdos is that, even when you go all the way up to SIX strings, the muting becomes a non-issue pretty quickly; a solid right-hand muting technique is way easier to pull off when you can just rest the edge of your hand on the strings.
Pick bass is underrated IMO. Even if you go full Todd Johnson floating thumb to handle muting, the sound of the pick is a must have in the arsenal.
Lucky. Actually, I LOVE the sound of a picked bass. Only thing is, I also LOVE playing bass fingerstyle. Oh well, guess I'll just listen to you other guys play with a pick. Oh, and I LOVE the sound of a picked P-bass. Only thing is, I've always played J's fingerstyle. Go figure. (Also, I LOVE to hit the 'all caps' button.) Rock on - JD, Montréal
Been playing bass in bands for 20+ years, I have genuinely never even picked up a 5 string, never really even been curious, that is until now…. Great video, new subscriber here 👋
Great vid. Thanks. My recommendation for a starter 5-string would be an Ibanez SR because they're cheap, slim neck, sound good and are light. The reason NOT to would be the string spacing makes picking and slap hard work so depends on what style you play most. FYI my tutor has a 5-string that gets a lot of use in covers gigs (Eb for Superstitious anyone? and SOOO useful when a singer wants to drop the key by a tone) and also uses a Yamaha BB bass.
I'm a big fan of the Sterling SUB Ray5 HH - decent weight, medium neck, tight string spacing, and a lot of tonal variety view the 5 way pickup blade switch + pre amp. Though it's a bit more cash than the super basic SRs.
I started with 4 strings bass 10 years ago and it was so inconvinient having no bottom D that I sold it after a year of fruitless training. So when I bought a 5-string bass during COVID, it fitted so well in what I tried to play that I can't imagine playing my spare 4-string bass with full feedback now. B1 in a lot of songs sounds weak as hell
Thank you for more videos about the five string. Not enough of those. Warning: I am going to steal your dance grooves.
Steal away! Thanks for watching!
4 string player here, and a year late to the party. Great info and presentation. Thanks for the solid video! ⚡️
Thanks for the kind words, Phil!
started playing bass 2 months ago, bought my first bass, learned it was a P-bass, then i learned that what I wanted was a J-bass and therefor bought a Mexican made Fender Player Jazz Bass Fretless because when i went to actually play on a J-bass from the store, they only had like a Squire Vintage 60s fretless J-bass available for me to play, the rest was Fender P-basses.
So i grabbed the Squire, which in my head i thought ( omg i remember the Squire Stratocaster i had....) But it actually sounded great not gonna lie, it sounded so great that i shifted from just wanting a J-bass to now wanting it fretless too, and due to experience with Squire guitars, I wanted something i knew had quality, at least used to have quality, so i got a Fender.
Now its not a perfect Fender, the knobs are mounted too high, the fingerboard has a black oar in it going from the nut all the way down which i found kind of annoying for a fender to be like that but it is what it is! 5 String bass is not my kinda bass, i like sticking to the E A D G's I don't need that extra deep B and to mute on a 5 string, all you do is put your thumb along your fingering fingers so your thumb slides up and down on the strings muting all the ones it touches. =) A 5+ threads bass is like a baritone guitar basically :)
Excellent breakdown on the bass😊now explain the 6 string and up
When I started playing 5''s I stopped Using my 4's(so that i wouldn't go running back to my 4's) I use the B string as a thumb rest and this also doubles as a mute until I want to use the low B ,You've mentioned all the points I've encountered so Great Job , I can't be doing with Transposing and re tuning, sooner learn the music in another Key and keep all the same patterns.
5 strings basses are a must have for modern metal and modern prog. Its extended range is so usefull, but there is some elements to put in a consideration:
-muting requiers a floating thumb technique instead of a anchored thumb technique. It actually was a real challenge for me since I first learned to mute the E string with my pinky and the A string with my ring finger. As you mentionned, it's also harder to mute with the slap technique. In order to fix that I use my forearm ( like Fernando Molinari ), wich is so damn hard !
-the extra tension needed on the low B/low A ( drop a ) may cause some problems for non multiscale basses. The B string naturally comes a bit flubby and muddy, thicker gauge helps to get more tension but darkens the sound, and lighter gauge help to get more clarity but easily ends with a very flubby string.
#4 in the pro column about note selection and playing choices has been very apparent for me since I picked up my 5 string in lockdown. I like it. It’s easier to find new grooves and so I’m playing the bass more. Oh and you passed the fact-check. Lol
As a drummer myself, I wake up and start listening to the bass player every time he touches that B string... feels so good to me also 😆
AMP Thank You for the simple, concise dialogue. Appreciate the insights.
Low E: try Sandberg's 'zero fret' ;)
having never played I bought a 5 string primarily because of its extended range & I had no idea at that time what de-tuning was
I'm a long time 5 and 6, I'll never go back to a 4 :) A neg point with a 5 is often the string spacing at the nut, I'm a tall girl with big hands and playing on a 43mm(1.69') wide nut is a pain in the bass.... I've fall in love with a 2010 Squier JazzBass-5 Deluxe, active, 51mm (2.01') wide at the nut. Match my needs perfectly.
Something resonated with me when you were discussing the probability of being considered pretentious by owning an extended range instrument. I never understood people's deal with being sour about someone else using a tool to create... There are so many great songs that are written with a 7 string guitar or 5 string bass.... And if those artists gave a flying squirrel about what other people thought, we might have missed out on some really great music. So to those who give people the stank eye because it's not a fender P or J 4 string... Just play and demonstrate through the final product sound and tone that the visual aspect should be the very last thing people focused on...
One of my favourite pros of a 5-string bass is that top string is really helpful for balancing my thumb on while my fingers pluck the other strings.
It makes it much easier for me to pluck faster on the other strings.
Soviet engineers invented the: 'thumb rest' piece of plastic/wood.
I got a five string nearly a year ago. I've found the best thing is that I can approach a low e from below, and since loads of guitar songs are in e it's great to get below the bottom e. I use the d quite a lot, but I rarely use the lower notes tbh. The other great thing is being able to play stuff in f and f# on the 6and 7th frets rather than way down the bottom end of the neck.
Very cool video, great band
great video and nice two octave scale ;) I will say this. 5 and 6 string "upright basses" were in use hundreds of years before the electric bass was invented (for guitar players)
Is that why some older music seems to require five strings?
I went from a fender jazz to a Spector multi scale 5 string.
Love it. No Drop D here.
I played Fender jazz basses for 30 years. I had a Carvin 5 string built and I think of it as "a 4 string bass with this other accessory." I don't use it often because I get a better tone on most of its notes above the 5th fret on the E string. I play some pieces that are written for stand up with an extension. In that case, I like having the Eb, or being dramatic with a low C or D. The open B is barely discernable as being a pitched note. I don't regret buying it. but I'll not buy anything other than 4 strings in the future. I
I had one five-string for a short time and also couldn't figure out how it fit with the band's style (at that time). It was a weird experience for me to hit that low B and it felt like the waveform was so long and slow that it would actually be out of sync with the tempo on faster songs.
Anyway, got rid of the fiver after barely playing it and just used one of my 35" scale fours tuned to drop-C when I wanted really low-end.
I'm looking for the ideal four string bass to play B-E-A-D. I don't have a problem with muting, but I think I'd like to adjust my playing so, like you said, I'm not tempted to overplay. I also like to have a fretted E, Eb, and D. I don't use the low B much since the open low B sound as well as the open E sound is usually harder to control although since I've started playing mostly with my thumb and four fingers I find that I can tame the sound a bit easier. The problem I have is so many basses I've tried kind sound crappy past the seventh fret on both the E and B strings. I have two five strings where this isn't the case and what they have in common are five piece necks, tilt back headstocks, 35" scale and more than four bolt necks. I'm not sure if it's one or a combination of those factors, but they seem to combine for a B and E string that don't sound dull or dead the farther you get up the neck. I think I would like a four string Dingwall, but they're really expensive even for the lower tier models. Other more affordable options would be an old Ibanez BTB four string (one of my five strings is a BTB), one of the ESP LTD multi-scales or a Kiesel Vanquish multi scale.
You can get a mute strap to put around the upper neck. You can even use hair bands if you don't wanna go buy one. They are also very helpful when tapping.
I play in my church, between the three of us who rotate, we have 3, 4 stings, all fenders and I’m just looking to mix it up and expand. I’m thinking about getting the Yamaha BB235 5 string just to see if I’ll like it or even be able to utilize it. Is this a good entry level choice? I’m just not looking to add another fender into my personal collection
I don't know much about Yamahas. I think I might try em out. The trbx series looks pretty nice and versatile. And the B string should be able to ring clear on em. I hope I'm getting the model code right; it should be a bass with 5 strings and two humbucker looking pickups that are wide as hel-, err, heck. Like a J bass that uses thick Bois instead of single coils. One of the models is a 300 series, which should be versatile with its tone, comfortable, and affordable.
But depending on which church you play at (CCM vs gospel for example), you'll probably get more use out of that 5 string than you'd think. If you find yourself having to do walking church bass lines, find a 5 string that you're comfortable with, and don't even hesitate in buying it. Lol.
I think that a 4 string is viable in any setting, but a 5 string is great for church. Because if you play with a 4 string in certain churches long enough, you're gonna wish you had the 5th. 😂😂😂😂😂
Also, is the BB235 the bass with the big round bottom that looks mostly circular? Because if it is, try one out and gauge how clear that B string sounds. I've seen a review on TH-cam for it, and it said the B string is muddy. It may not be completely unusable, but it may be worth investigating further.
i always found that when the fellas wanted to go low "D" or Low "C" i would be confused at all the stuff i learned for the past 15-20 years, so transposing and getting creative with a 5 string is a cool thing, because ive always liked doing something different than the guitar players, thus opening up a 5 string role!!! Forget tuning down and just get creative!!!! thats where im at!!!
I own the same bass, the black one. It is a beast. From 4 to 5 string takes some study and getting used to, but i love it. And you are right it needs a good amp. Thanks for your video!
Started with a Squier PJ; buying an Ibanez SR875 allowed me to learn songs in BEADG and even some ADGCF tuning; the low string and close spacing made learning slap more difficult.
Thank you for your feedback on 5 strings basses. That was very informative ;-)
Sire v5 5er. Gigged for first time this past Saturday. Sounded and played excellent. Very affordable too
My recommendation is the Mono Betty straps. I have a five string Musicman Stingray dual humbucker. It is a heavy bass and find that the Betty long strap is perfect for long standing gigs without getting a sore shoulder or back.
Wow! Fantastic tips! I was aware of some but others were so obvious I was a little embarrassed I hadn't noticed them before. I've stayed away from 5 strings in the past because of the wider necks and my extremely low vision. But I recently purchased a Sire P7 and I love it! The B string is tight and doesn't flop around like a beached walrus. The sound is fat, buttery, and clear! Your video was informative and entertaining.. I really dug the video clips of you playing with your band showing us real world examples of what you were talking about. Excellent job bro!!
A few years ago I had a 5 string, but sold it out of frustration. The more I play with my current band, the more uses I've found for a 5-string... HOWEVER, all my wife remembers was me complaining about that old bass, making it difficult to get her on board with agreeing to another go. Money is tight these days! Your video might have been the push I need to sell one of my 4's to fund a 5. Thanks! (I think...)
I love my 5 string. I didn't really want one, but I picked up a second hand Ibanez for $80 and I couldn't say no to that kind of deal. I took to the 5 like a fish to water. I love it. It gives me so many more choices with fingerings and voice. I don't understand how people can say that it's only good for those 5 lower notes. The 5 definitely makes moving around the fret board so much easier.
I also play my 4 strings as well. However, it's not always easy to go from the 5 to a 4 when I learned the song first on the 5. Going the other way is easy since I can just play 4 strings on the 5 and not worry about it.
i play a 5 string in a band that does drop C# so I tune as they do but I also drop the 5th string is drop tunned to Ab. I have found that this gives me a lot of options especially dropping certian runs down an octave easier.
great explanatory video with examples ; thank you.
So yall are excepting 5 string basses now ?!?
Guess I'm off to buy a 6 string bass then .
Interesting you played a Prince song as it reminds me of an old story. Prince was auditioning bass players and from the get go told anybody who brought a 5 string to leave lol.
I don't know how true it is but certainly sounds like him. He wanted a very traditional minded player to lay traditional funk grooves.
That sounds very in character for Prince lol
I got my first V string bass back in 2002, inspired by Gail Ann Dorsey during her time with Bowie.
Never had another 4 string since, It just feels right for me, due to the very reasons mentioned.
Besides I can do on a 5 what I can do on a 4 but not the other way around.
I use the floating thumb technique for muting.
It's great to make electronic music.
Yea- my concern about 5 string basses is just this- I don't need one. And in a lot of music- it is very feasable to have a 4 string HEAD CFBbEb DGCF Bass if one wants to have access to lower notes. It depends on the music, but imho there are far too few bassists playing tuned down 4 strings instead of 5 strings where the high G string is rarely needed in styles where low D and C tunings are rare.
My favourite tuning is and remains DGCF
Plus not to mention if you tune down to B flat Standard or A standard it sounds a lot better than just playing in E flat Standard or D Standard
you touched on warmth, deeper notes. I find my 5 string to just overall have more depth, more dynamic range. string guages are slightly thicker. more wood, more sustain.
Fivers are epic and really, you DO need one laying around. They will come in handy. That said, having gone back to playing mostly 4 string from playing mostly 5 string for over a decade, I'm having such a blast. You can see it in my gig photos, I'm beaming. I forgot how much fun 4 string is. Easy on the hands. I play differently.
I play a 5 (G&L M2500), but don't use the low B that much. It's nice once in a while to have, sort of like that tool you rarely use but happy to have if you need it. In my current band I might use the low B twice all evening.
I have a chihuahua named Taco too lol
Seems to be a common name, but it just suits these dogs so well!