That low b string really kicks butt. I don't know why anyone would want to play a bass without it. I don't play, but I want to, and i gotta have that low b string because I wanna get down there and rattle the windows and shake the ground like an earthquake.
dear god, some serious bass playing right here, i had to turn the bass all the way up on my sound system so my speakers wont try to take it all and blow themselves up when this guy started playing
I'm into playing reggae and I want to go lower on my bass. But frankly, I haven't got the money to buy a five string bass. So this was an idea of mine: I buy a five-string set and put it on my four-string bass, resulting in a B-E-A-D tuning. I never use the G so I suppose I can miss it.
Do you know if this is possible or will it ruin my bass?
Many of my face-to-face students (plus a few of my online students) have made this conversion.
All you need is a single B string to add to the E, A and D you already have. You will have to adjust your action, intonation, and truss rod. You may have to file the slots in your bridge tailpiece and nut to accommodate for the thicker strings.
If everything is done well, it will not ruin your bass.
If you have a bass with a very thin and flexible neck - think again
Hi George, when playing with the five string could you still use the newest string to use as the top string on 4 string bass songs or should you still use the 2nd string?
Yes, if you like the 5 and listen to music that often uses a 5-string bass, I certainly encourage you to start on a 5. That way, you will not have to re-learn.
@BassLessonsOnline yeah man i agree with you, i played 4 string for 9 years, and i just got a 5 today, and wow i need to relearn how to play,but i love learing bass, its so fun for me,and i love playing
Nice video for playing the 5 string bassguitar. I've got a small question about the left hand technique : Should i curl my fingers, so that they won't hit the other strings, or do i have to let my fingers rest on the other strings while playing?
k i bought a 5-string cuz my friend wants to start jamming a little more hardcore, the only thing i have to say is a downer, my fingers are too short to incorporate the B-string properly..... stupid little Irish hands! why can't i have more finger and less palm! :-P
heyy is it possible to fix the broken volume panel (you know the swithces that you spin around) on you're base? mine's sorta breaks, liek it is really hard spin D: liek sumthin's stuck in ther
hi im playing on a 4 string bass for almost 5 years i know how to read notes for bass im also playing alot of styles like jazz blues heavy metal and more... and i have a few questions befor i buy my fender squier delux active jazz 5 string bass. like if the c note is still on his regular place like at the 4 string bass?. and what is the extra string that comes with it is it open c note?
and if there is any difference in the playing teqnique? please answer as fast as you can thank you :)
The standard tuning of the lowest (thickest) string on a 5-string bass is B. That maintains the tuning in 4ths. The main difference in playing technique (IMO) is that we have to pay more attention to muting the lower strings.
@ BassLessonsOnline I Recently started playing a 5 string bass guitar and my 6 string guitar skills have improved ten fold. I can shred like a motha f*ckah.
personally i much prefer using 5 string's to 4 strings, i find the string spacing much much easer to play and find the neck more comfortable as well, i used an ibanez btb which was 19.5mm string spacing (i think) and even that felt like it was too wide, mine has 16mm spacing, seems absolutely perfect for my playing. just depends on the person though...some prefer wider spacing
Ive been playing 4 string for about 5 years and am now making the jump to 5 string on a Ibanez SRA305. I would reccomend this bass for anyone, its 450 new but i got it at 300 used at my local music store, Good luck to ya!
Yes, you will need a B string and re-string the E, A and D strings (no G). Then check your bass neck relief, intonation, and action and adjust. Depending on your bass, you may have to widen the nut channel to accommodate for the thicker B-string and possibly even the holes in your bridge.
Thank you for posting this vid! I just drew an extra line and added the notes shown here to my fingerboard chart. Most helpfull to a 4 string turned 5 string bass player like myself. I also like that little haida eagle on your bass.
I started on guitar, too, so taking up bass was not too difficult. However, over the years I have changed my technique from "guitar technique" to "bass technique". Oh yes, and my mindset as well ;-)
@AzianPersuasion444 for me it was exactly the opposite, been playing bass for 7 years and up until recently, thinking of playing guitar. so now i play both :P keep on rocking!
I really enjoy your lessons and look forward to joining your online class as soon as funds are in the bank. You an awesome teacher and it is really great of you to take the time out for people out here who want to learn. Thanks. Walter
Ok theres this bass thats like 120 bucks but for only 10 dollars more, I can get it in a 5 string model, so what the hell should I do because I have not played bass before but I have layed alot of Regular 6 string guitar
I learned the hard way, which turned out the best way. I converted the only bass I had (a 4 string) to a 5 within a day, took it to a gig that night, made mistakes, noted what they were, then designed a practice schedule specific to my needs, stuck with it ... and eradicated most of my "mistakes" within about a week.
I still make the occasional mistake related to the specifics of a 5, but they are becoming less frequent.
Hi George - I wonder whether you could give me some advice; I'm suffering hollow sounding B on my warwick corvette - I do like light gauges though, I think I've a 120 - In your experience would a heavier B (130?) improve things (I know perfection is not possible!)
Hi George! Im going to be starting bass soon, and im not quite sure about what bass to get. Is the 5 string harder/easier? Is there any disadvantages of a 5 string? I like the versitality but I cant decide. Please respond. Just subscribed.
If you are attracted to 5, the sooner you start the easier and better it will be. If the music you like to listen to and play requires a 5, then that's what you need.
There are some traps (disadvantages?) to 5, such as floppy and uneven-sounding B-strings, string spacing too narrow, a bit harder to slap than a 4.
I mainly play with a pick on my 4string Yamaha, but i think the note E sound better when its played on the B string. But is it really worth it going from a 4string to a 5string bass only for 1 note?
And also, is it good to play with a pick on a 5string?
Is it worth it going from a 4string to a 5string bass only for one note?
I personally think that playing an E of the 5th fret of the B string sounds better then on an open E string, but i'm already pretty happy with my 4string Yamaha bass.
The choice is yours. If you want only E, it is probably not worth a change from 4 to 5. If you want lower (and thicker-sounding) notes, then a change seems more feasible.
It is always good to see people do whatever has to be done to find out what happens. I am definitely a "What if?" person and love to experiment. Thanks for posting.
Hey, I recently bought a Schecter Studio Stilletto Elite 5 string fretless bass. On about the first second and third frets of the g string it buzzes like crazy. It doesn't matter where in the fret I play either. Thanks for the help :)
@BassLessonsOnline thats exactly the problem i am having ;( have a music man 4 string bought a 5string warwick thumb nt.and the neck feels like a baseball bat..sorry no other way to explain it..string spacing on the 5 is just to close..
It seems like you did not get a bass suited to your needs :(
If you cannot get used to the Warwick, I suggest you use your experience to take a close look at many other 5-string basses until you find what feels and sounds right.
@BassLessonsOnline thats just it ,it was fine when i tried it out but over time i figured out what it is exactly what it was that was annoying me...expensive error..try before you buy and then try again....having a good long look at a sadowsky metro mv5...feels nice but not rushing this time....lesson learned...
@RIDGEBACK890 Want a good 5 string with nice string spacing, i use a Fender Squier Jazz Bass Deluxe V Active. It's only a squier but its pretty good, i think the actual Fenders also have the same string spacing, so its quite wide and the same as my ibanez 4
hey mate, av bin playin a 4 string since november when i started playing. bin taking lesson for a the few months as well and i jsut got a 5 string, it should turn up at ma door on monday =D
That's excellent. Some 5's are easy to play. I owned a couple before I settled on my Belman Classic 5 (the one in this video, which is a very good copy of a US Lakland).
There are very good videos on Walking Bass already on You Tube. Check out Dave Marks.
My subscription Intermediate to Advanced course of Bass Lessons Online (available through my website) contains 10 lessons specifically on Walking Bass, from the absolute foundation to advanced lines with embellishments.
Wow this really does help, thanks George, i recently started playing a 5 string more and wondered how to properly utilize it, but now i know thank you.
thnx i was planning on getting an Aria 4 string with all the specs i wanted, but they just so happened to release a 5 string one when i saw the pricing. basically just 10 dollars more
your videos help me a lot im a beginner but learning fast thanks to you
hey im looking to get a 5 string instead of teh 4 string i use now and wondered if u had any sugestions on brands or models. Ive been looking at schecters and ibanezs but im still undecided... i havnt had the chance to play them yet, but i plan too. also, i have smaller hands, so i would perfer smaller frets and strings that are closer together, but it isnt nessisary. got any suggestions? thanks!
These are all good questions. Besides the brands you suggested, try Lakland, Yamaha, Fender, and Music Man (to name just a few more). They all have their features.
5-string basses usually come in 34 and 35 inch scale. If you plan to slap a lot, close strings are generally not recommended.
if i were you, i'd forget about the ibanezes. i don't like those. and if you're just testing, you'd probably not want to spend as much money as a fender or musicman demands. yamaha have some really nice ones. personally i have a cort, and i'm happy about that, but they're not exceptionally good. whatever you choose, however, make sure you get a good setup!
Sorry, I can't recommend any because I have never used any myself. Maybe someone with experience can make recommendations.
One of the best "exercises" to get me into the feel of the 5 was sight-reading. This helped because I could not look and truly had to feel, i.e. use a more tactile approach.
Thank you so much for your kindness.. that is a big help for me.. cause i am a beginner on bass guitar and started already on a 5 string cause i dont have a choice ive got it for a bargain hehehehe!
Me again , the J-Set is for the active bass , but my bass is passive , do you think it's probem to make an active bass out of the passive , i mean inside there is enough room for the battery
Hello George ! I just bought a 5 - string Tradion bass , the body looks like a fender and the neck like a sadowsky bass , bought it for 400$ , don't know if it's a good price , for such bass , anyway ... My problem is that the 5 string feels a bit ..well let's just say not tight enought ... is that ok ? Another thing , the sound feels ..not right .... could this be coz of the pickups ? I want to change the stock ones to EMG J-SET . Any advises ? Sergey.
George I tried playing some 5 string basses for the first time, and I thought the low B sounded a bit loose and raspy if you know what I mean? Is this normal for 5 string basses? On my 4 string I get a warm full sound and I don't know if it was due to me using a different amp or the nature of the instrument, or probably one of the knobs on the front of it...
Lots of lower-end (in price) 5's have floppy B strings. This is often remedied by using a thicker gauge B and/or increasing its action height. Of course it is not an ideal fix.
35" scale basses (such as mine) usually (but not principally) have a tighter B string.
I think the one I was looking at in particular was a Cruiser Crafter 5 string for about £250, maybe for that price I could get a much better one online, but I'd really want to try it out first, you know? I really don't have much of a clue when it comes to 5 strings I'd love any suggestions you'd have of where and what to buy!
By the way,im in dilemma between buying a new 4 string bass or 5 string bass...i just can't decide.I have been playing a 4 string for a while but seeing your video it makes me think.Can i get a professional opinion? :D
That low b string really kicks butt. I don't know why anyone would want to play a bass without it. I don't play, but I want to, and i gotta have that low b string because I wanna get down there and rattle the windows and shake the ground like an earthquake.
LarryLane07 3 weeks ago
This guy really pisses me off -_-
TheSuperSmokey 1 month ago
dear god, some serious bass playing right here, i had to turn the bass all the way up on my sound system so my speakers wont try to take it all and blow themselves up when this guy started playing
TheFinkage 1 month ago
What bass is that? Beautiful sound!!!
SuperNotNoob 3 months ago in playlist Liked
Thanks - this is a Belman Classic 5, made in Australia.
George
BassLessonsOnline 3 months ago
Hello George, I have a small question.
I'm into playing reggae and I want to go lower on my bass. But frankly, I haven't got the money to buy a five string bass. So this was an idea of mine: I buy a five-string set and put it on my four-string bass, resulting in a B-E-A-D tuning. I never use the G so I suppose I can miss it.
Do you know if this is possible or will it ruin my bass?
Greetings from the Netherlands.
TheBlueBandYTAccount 6 months ago
Hello and thanks for your questions.
Many of my face-to-face students (plus a few of my online students) have made this conversion.
All you need is a single B string to add to the E, A and D you already have. You will have to adjust your action, intonation, and truss rod. You may have to file the slots in your bridge tailpiece and nut to accommodate for the thicker strings.
If everything is done well, it will not ruin your bass.
If you have a bass with a very thin and flexible neck - think again
BassLessonsOnline 6 months ago
Hi George, when playing with the five string could you still use the newest string to use as the top string on 4 string bass songs or should you still use the 2nd string?
UCAapocalypse 6 months ago
You can use any tuning you like on a 4-string. Just make sure you make necessary adjustments such as intonation, truss rod etc.
George
BassLessonsOnline 6 months ago
better is 4-string bass or 5-string guitar? Sorry for my english but i'm pole :/
Oyeczka 6 months ago
@Oyeczka 5, more options.
rockshow256 5 months ago
could i use a five string if im a beginer
ankoz500 6 months ago
Yes, if you like the 5 and listen to music that often uses a 5-string bass, I certainly encourage you to start on a 5. That way, you will not have to re-learn.
Bass of Luck!
George
BassLessonsOnline 6 months ago
@BassLessonsOnline yeah man i agree with you, i played 4 string for 9 years, and i just got a 5 today, and wow i need to relearn how to play,but i love learing bass, its so fun for me,and i love playing
splintercell186 6 months ago
Hello George,
Nice video for playing the 5 string bassguitar. I've got a small question about the left hand technique : Should i curl my fingers, so that they won't hit the other strings, or do i have to let my fingers rest on the other strings while playing?
Basstard22 7 months ago
Essentially, you should curl your fingers so that tendons don't get strained. However, use the underside of your fingers for muting when required.
George
BassLessonsOnline 7 months ago
@BassLessonsOnline Ah, just like that :-)
I'll give it go since my technique isn't as good as i want it. But keeping on practising would deal with that.
Thomas
Basstard22 7 months ago
Yes, focused and diligent practice should do it. If you have no results in a week or two, post a video for me to take a look.
Bass of Luck, Thomas!
George
BassLessonsOnline 7 months ago
Just got a 5 string today! And this video was very helpful =]
drigerlily 7 months ago
Hello Sarina
Congratulations on your 5-string bass - enjoy the newness and the new challenges and results you will get!
George
BassLessonsOnline 7 months ago
k i bought a 5-string cuz my friend wants to start jamming a little more hardcore, the only thing i have to say is a downer, my fingers are too short to incorporate the B-string properly..... stupid little Irish hands! why can't i have more finger and less palm! :-P
Leotheleprachaun 7 months ago
You should not be stretching your fingers; they should be arched and you therefore pivot off your thumb. This will get you to the B easily.
Bass of Luck!
George
BassLessonsOnline 7 months ago
i'm a purchasing a 5-string bass this week. and i'm happy that there's a video like this. this will help me.. thanks george. you're a great bassist..
wasaktae 7 months ago 2
Thanks very much for your endorsement.
George
BassLessonsOnline 7 months ago
heyy is it possible to fix the broken volume panel (you know the swithces that you spin around) on you're base? mine's sorta breaks, liek it is really hard spin D: liek sumthin's stuck in ther
rayawesum 8 months ago
If you cannot fix it yourself, you may have to get a guitar tech to take a look.
Bass of Luck!
George
BassLessonsOnline 8 months ago
@BassLessonsOnline kay thanks, ur vid helps a lot! :) ur a leet *thumbs up*
rayawesum 8 months ago
Excellent - thanks for posting!
George
BassLessonsOnline 9 months ago
thtas a very beautiful bass, how much did you pay for it?
1tootall96 9 months ago
I think so too :)
$2500 AUD
George
BassLessonsOnline 9 months ago
he looks like lahey
justin2221 10 months ago
I'm glad you are showing the bass-ics of a 5 string bass.
latindrummer777 10 months ago
Thanks. Yes the basics are the foundation for everything :)
Kind regards,
George
BassLessonsOnline 10 months ago
just starting. wish me luck
philold09 10 months ago
Bass of Luck! Enjoy your progress and new adventure.
George
BassLessonsOnline 10 months ago
Excellent ... and thanks for your post.
George
BassLessonsOnline 11 months ago
hi im playing on a 4 string bass for almost 5 years i know how to read notes for bass im also playing alot of styles like jazz blues heavy metal and more... and i have a few questions befor i buy my fender squier delux active jazz 5 string bass. like if the c note is still on his regular place like at the 4 string bass?. and what is the extra string that comes with it is it open c note?
and if there is any difference in the playing teqnique? please answer as fast as you can thank you :)
rockpop1 11 months ago
Hello and thanks for your queries.
The standard tuning of the lowest (thickest) string on a 5-string bass is B. That maintains the tuning in 4ths. The main difference in playing technique (IMO) is that we have to pay more attention to muting the lower strings.
Regards,
George
BassLessonsOnline 11 months ago
@BassLessonsOnline
Forgot to add this in my last comment haha.
Listerfiend808 11 months ago
No problem, bro.
may I add you?
the 5 string bass is my god ... and I've only had mine for 3 days D:
I've been playing stringed instruments for over 5 years now and I love it, It's so much fun!! I'm only 19 and I still have so much to learn.
Listerfiend808 11 months ago
@ BassLessonsOnline I Recently started playing a 5 string bass guitar and my 6 string guitar skills have improved ten fold. I can shred like a motha f*ckah.
I LOVE the Bass.
Slappeh de bass.
Listerfiend808 11 months ago
That's a great spin-off! Thanks for sharing the love.
George
BassLessonsOnline 11 months ago
Your accent is bad ass, Dude.
Listerfiend808 11 months ago
... and I didn't even try. It comes from living for extended periods on opposite sides of the world.
George
BassLessonsOnline 11 months ago 2
personally i much prefer using 5 string's to 4 strings, i find the string spacing much much easer to play and find the neck more comfortable as well, i used an ibanez btb which was 19.5mm string spacing (i think) and even that felt like it was too wide, mine has 16mm spacing, seems absolutely perfect for my playing. just depends on the person though...some prefer wider spacing
cameronj279 1 year ago
what is a good beginning 5 string
mrZIGgleS1000 1 year ago
That may depend on a few things, such as
1. the look
2. the sound
3. the feel
4. the electronics
5. preferred string spacing
6. affordability
I suggest you try a few in your local music store. You can start with Squier, Yamaha, Ibanez, Lakland.
Bass of Luck!
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
what is a good beginning 5 string
mrZIGgleS1000 1 year ago
@mrZIGgleS1000
Ive been playing 4 string for about 5 years and am now making the jump to 5 string on a Ibanez SRA305. I would reccomend this bass for anyone, its 450 new but i got it at 300 used at my local music store, Good luck to ya!
rsbudbassit 1 year ago
Thanks for your post. This bass is good value (although I personally prefer a slightly wider string spacing, which some Ibanez models offer).
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
Do you want E A D G C? Sounds sweet! If yes, you will have to adjust intonation (and possibly the action).
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
Yes, you will need a B string and re-string the E, A and D strings (no G). Then check your bass neck relief, intonation, and action and adjust. Depending on your bass, you may have to widen the nut channel to accommodate for the thicker B-string and possibly even the holes in your bridge.
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
Thank you for posting this vid! I just drew an extra line and added the notes shown here to my fingerboard chart. Most helpfull to a 4 string turned 5 string bass player like myself. I also like that little haida eagle on your bass.
ColdForgedCopper 1 year ago
Well done! Your "efforts" show just how we learn when we want to.
Thanks for your observation of the haida eagle. It has been with me (more prominently) since my tour to Canada in 2002.
Kind regards,
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
ive played guitar for like 7 years and i am thinking about taking up the bass
AzianPersuasion444 1 year ago
I started on guitar, too, so taking up bass was not too difficult. However, over the years I have changed my technique from "guitar technique" to "bass technique". Oh yes, and my mindset as well ;-)
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
@BassLessonsOnline Is it possible to have both the guitar and bass technique and mindset? xD I kinda love 'em both. :P
TheBlueBandYTAccount 1 year ago
Yes, it is. We just take on the mindset and the technique of the instrument we play at that time.
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
@AzianPersuasion444 for me it was exactly the opposite, been playing bass for 7 years and up until recently, thinking of playing guitar. so now i play both :P keep on rocking!
WpA09 1 year ago
Yes, guitar playing actually helps our bass playing in some ways. Thanks for your post and rockin' wishes :-)
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
I thank you very much. I am now in the process of buying a 5-string and this video helped out a lot.
MCARRMUSIC343 1 year ago
Great - thank you!
Bass of luck!
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
I really enjoy your lessons and look forward to joining your online class as soon as funds are in the bank. You an awesome teacher and it is really great of you to take the time out for people out here who want to learn. Thanks. Walter
muaaahaahaha 1 year ago
Hello Walter
Thanks very much for the "heads up" and for your kind comments.
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
definately a great teacher.easy to understand,seems like he knows how to teach!online classes should def be worth it
buntpuncher 1 year ago
Hello and thanks for your endorsement.
Kind regards,
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
Ok theres this bass thats like 120 bucks but for only 10 dollars more, I can get it in a 5 string model, so what the hell should I do because I have not played bass before but I have layed alot of Regular 6 string guitar
IbanezMS1995 1 year ago
Consider what type of music you want to play and find out how important the low end really is. That may help you decide.
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
what bass is that?
OiAbA 1 year ago
This is a Belman Classic 5, made in Australia and no longer available. It is an excellent "copy" of a US-made Lakland.
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
5 string is not so easy to switch to!
HeIsLegend14 1 year ago
I learned the hard way, which turned out the best way. I converted the only bass I had (a 4 string) to a 5 within a day, took it to a gig that night, made mistakes, noted what they were, then designed a practice schedule specific to my needs, stuck with it ... and eradicated most of my "mistakes" within about a week.
I still make the occasional mistake related to the specifics of a 5, but they are becoming less frequent.
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
Can we get more bass playing and less talking?
mattymatters2 1 year ago
Comment removed
rharvs41 1 year ago
Hi George - I wonder whether you could give me some advice; I'm suffering hollow sounding B on my warwick corvette - I do like light gauges though, I think I've a 120 - In your experience would a heavier B (130?) improve things (I know perfection is not possible!)
Rob
rharvs41 1 year ago
120 is very light for a B. Try a taperwound 130 or 135. (BTW, the Corvette should come with a 130, so you better check.)
Are you sure the hollow sound is not due to a lack of good amplification?
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
Thanks so much for replying George - amp good, will go for the 130.
R
rharvs41 1 year ago
Good. Let me know how you go.
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
@BassLessonsOnline The 130 is much better, and surprisingly more even sounding, even though it should belong to a heavier set - cheers
R
rharvs41 1 year ago
Its all about balance - and not necessarily what meets the eye.
Thanks for giving me an update.
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
Comment removed
rharvs41 1 year ago
Hi George, short question:
What bass is that?
Thanks,
Nico.
baujungs 1 year ago
Hello Nico
This is a Belman Classic 5, made in Melbourne, Australia, with a couple of custom features.
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
Hi George! Im going to be starting bass soon, and im not quite sure about what bass to get. Is the 5 string harder/easier? Is there any disadvantages of a 5 string? I like the versitality but I cant decide. Please respond. Just subscribed.
~Logan
CoffeeSquib 1 year ago
Hello Logan
Thanks for your inquiry.
If you are attracted to 5, the sooner you start the easier and better it will be. If the music you like to listen to and play requires a 5, then that's what you need.
There are some traps (disadvantages?) to 5, such as floppy and uneven-sounding B-strings, string spacing too narrow, a bit harder to slap than a 4.
I hope this helps :-)
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
@BassLessonsOnline Hi this is my new account that used to be "coffeesquib" and i really enjoyed this video...again. Subscribed.
LJPV777 1 year ago
Thanks for the update and for checking in again.
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
I mainly play with a pick on my 4string Yamaha, but i think the note E sound better when its played on the B string. But is it really worth it going from a 4string to a 5string bass only for 1 note?
And also, is it good to play with a pick on a 5string?
Fuckshockofgod 1 year ago
Playing with a pick should suit the vibe of the song, regardless of which bass you play.
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
Is it worth it going from a 4string to a 5string bass only for one note?
I personally think that playing an E of the 5th fret of the B string sounds better then on an open E string, but i'm already pretty happy with my 4string Yamaha bass.
Fuckshockofgod 1 year ago
The choice is yours. If you want only E, it is probably not worth a change from 4 to 5. If you want lower (and thicker-sounding) notes, then a change seems more feasible.
Regards,
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
i know a bass player that have got a guitar with 4 strings and he added a string for a extra low bass sound
Stijning 1 year ago
It is always good to see people do whatever has to be done to find out what happens. I am definitely a "What if?" person and love to experiment. Thanks for posting.
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
Hey, I recently bought a Schecter Studio Stilletto Elite 5 string fretless bass. On about the first second and third frets of the g string it buzzes like crazy. It doesn't matter where in the fret I play either. Thanks for the help :)
Chance3248 1 year ago
There could be any number of issues here. I suggest you take the bass to someone knowledgeable to take a look.
Bass of Luck!
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
r 5 strings good for jazz ?
rockyanez1284 1 year ago
Yes they are.
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
i don't if this happens to most but it feels weird when transitioning from 4 to 5 string basses
greatness1 1 year ago
Yes, it can feel weird in the early stages. Now it only takes a few seconds for me to make the (mental and physical) transition.
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
I'm planning to move up from a 4 string.
How much thicker does the neck/fretboard get compared to a 4 string? Will it slow me down or be uncomfortable?
Ranulfpitike 1 year ago
The neck of a 5 is usually not thicker than that of a 4. The neck width varies according to the string spacing you choose.
Once you are used to it, it neither slows you down nor is it uncomfortable (in my opinion).
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
@BassLessonsOnline thats exactly the problem i am having ;( have a music man 4 string bought a 5string warwick thumb nt.and the neck feels like a baseball bat..sorry no other way to explain it..string spacing on the 5 is just to close..
RIDGEBACK890 1 year ago
It seems like you did not get a bass suited to your needs :(
If you cannot get used to the Warwick, I suggest you use your experience to take a close look at many other 5-string basses until you find what feels and sounds right.
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
@BassLessonsOnline thats just it ,it was fine when i tried it out but over time i figured out what it is exactly what it was that was annoying me...expensive error..try before you buy and then try again....having a good long look at a sadowsky metro mv5...feels nice but not rushing this time....lesson learned...
RIDGEBACK890 1 year ago
I can relate because I have made very similar mistakes. The main this is that we learn from them - hopefully not too often ;-)
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
@RIDGEBACK890 Want a good 5 string with nice string spacing, i use a Fender Squier Jazz Bass Deluxe V Active. It's only a squier but its pretty good, i think the actual Fenders also have the same string spacing, so its quite wide and the same as my ibanez 4
dopewithabass 1 year ago
Prior to my Belman I owned a Fender American Jazz Deluxe 5. It is still happily kicking around with a happy former student.
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
I just moved up myself from four string
summerdowling87 1 year ago
Congratulations and Happy learning and creating!
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
@BassLessonsOnline
hey mate, av bin playin a 4 string since november when i started playing. bin taking lesson for a the few months as well and i jsut got a 5 string, it should turn up at ma door on monday =D
is 5 string really hard to play?
havenstone19 1 year ago
The sooner you make the transition from 4 to 5 (as you are doing) the easier it will be.
Enjoy your new toy!
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
@BassLessonsOnline cheers mate =D bin playin it for a bit and i love the feel of it (=
havenstone19 1 year ago
That's excellent. Some 5's are easy to play. I owned a couple before I settled on my Belman Classic 5 (the one in this video, which is a very good copy of a US Lakland).
Bass Regards,
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
I'm starting to play on a 5 string bass (Already bought it).
Am I going to regret it?
Hudzan 1 year ago
my 5 string bass's strings from G to low B are progressively buzzing more. my B string is so buzzy that i can barely hear the note.
If you could help that would be great. Thanks!
Stratofender7 1 year ago
Hello and thanks for your support question.
Some of the (combination of) causes could be:
1. Bass neck is warped
2. Neck is too convex and needs a truss rod adjustment
3. Bridge saddles are too low
If you don't know how to check this yourself, there are a few good bass setup videos on You Tube.
If that does not work (or you do not want to make adjustments yourself) take the bass to a qualified techie.
Bass of Luck!
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
could u do a video with a walking bass line?
MetalBassist1234 1 year ago
There are very good videos on Walking Bass already on You Tube. Check out Dave Marks.
My subscription Intermediate to Advanced course of Bass Lessons Online (available through my website) contains 10 lessons specifically on Walking Bass, from the absolute foundation to advanced lines with embellishments.
Also, I have an eBook on the topic.
Kind regards,
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
That's good all round
extremecalpi 1 year ago
I just ordered me a 5 string bass guitar on amazon. and I subscribed :)
spareld 1 year ago
That's good all round - congratulations!
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
Wow this really does help, thanks George, i recently started playing a 5 string more and wondered how to properly utilize it, but now i know thank you.
MrMetalcobra 1 year ago
Thank you for your post - that's excellent news!
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
Hello George
I'm thinking of starting to learn how to play bass but I don't which brand to get.
I want one which is reasonably priced and good quality, any suggestions?
Thanks
CyKo1MiKe 1 year ago
Look at the Lakland Skyline series.
George
BassLessonsOnline 1 year ago
hello george..
i'm a beginner which just bought a 5-string bass
just want to thank you bcause i learn fast because you in this video..
thanks a lot george
bergaya11gayaan 2 years ago
Hello Ridwan, lover of bass!
Thank you for posting your comment. I'm happy to see you are making fast progress.
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago
thats was cool. i learn that little part at the end by just watching twice.sounds cool even in my tuning.
Jesuslp180 2 years ago
Very good - thank you for posting.
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago
thnx i was planning on getting an Aria 4 string with all the specs i wanted, but they just so happened to release a 5 string one when i saw the pricing. basically just 10 dollars more
your videos help me a lot im a beginner but learning fast thanks to you
rogueshdw 2 years ago
Excellent - Congratulations!
I wish you continued fast and happy learning.
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago
i would never use a pick cuz if ppl found out in my region i would get my ass kicked cuz its declared "a queer move"
666CrazyCory 2 years ago
would i be able 2 use a pick with this for a song that needs 1? r the strings 2 close?
cliffart1 2 years ago
Of course you can use a pick. (Guitar strings, for example, are much closer together than bass strings.)
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago
hey im looking to get a 5 string instead of teh 4 string i use now and wondered if u had any sugestions on brands or models. Ive been looking at schecters and ibanezs but im still undecided... i havnt had the chance to play them yet, but i plan too. also, i have smaller hands, so i would perfer smaller frets and strings that are closer together, but it isnt nessisary. got any suggestions? thanks!
aroth4321 2 years ago
These are all good questions. Besides the brands you suggested, try Lakland, Yamaha, Fender, and Music Man (to name just a few more). They all have their features.
5-string basses usually come in 34 and 35 inch scale. If you plan to slap a lot, close strings are generally not recommended.
Bass of Luck and enjoy your comparisons!
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago
wat about try a carvin 5 string or an ibanez 5 stringed sound gear bass
DarkReiya182 2 years ago
if i were you, i'd forget about the ibanezes. i don't like those. and if you're just testing, you'd probably not want to spend as much money as a fender or musicman demands. yamaha have some really nice ones. personally i have a cort, and i'm happy about that, but they're not exceptionally good. whatever you choose, however, make sure you get a good setup!
SuperMegaR 2 years ago
i love ibanez i own 3 but make sure you try many. i think its important to be able to get the b string easily its gonna be more of a stretch
dtonbassist 2 years ago
another nice make are J&D basses, i got a lovely solid neck, not too pricey but lovely feling to play... :D
iamtheveryspecial1 2 years ago
So true - thanks for posting your experiences.
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago
Can I have a free 5 string bass, with your signiture on it?
BlueDragon20012000 2 years ago
Nice Vid !
I normally don't play songs with a B string. I use a 4 string bass but I'm getting a new one for Newyear.
Would it be a bad idea for me to get a 5 string even when I don't really use the B string ?
I mean, it sure is a bigger range ofcourse...
Just because some people tell not to because 5 strings are harder to handle.
I don't slap / pop a lot but I'm going to.
Any advice ?
I love your video's, I saw so much of them !
joris0123 2 years ago
Thank you.
I think it would be best if you checked out a few 5's in music stores first. (Some people take to 5's, some don't.)
There is also the option of getting a "D-Tuner".
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago
"d tuner"?
helloheyohh 2 years ago
A D-Tuner is a specialized tuning mechanism that replaces the E-string tuner. It lets you tune down to D (and further) at the flick of a small lever.
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago
wow.... is that even legal?
i didn't know the exsisted, wld make my life so much easyier,
helloheyohh 2 years ago
D-tuners (actually C-tuners) were invented for the double bass over 100 years ago.
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago
thats something i didnt know. thanks for the info.
clewi1091 2 years ago
You're welcome. There's always something new to learn, even if it is "just" historical data.
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago
thanks :))))
skaterope 2 years ago
I'm glad to see you're happy!
Thanks for your response.
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago
Do you recommend any particular workbooks dedicated to 5 string practice?
MrBassDestroyer 2 years ago
Sorry, I can't recommend any because I have never used any myself. Maybe someone with experience can make recommendations.
One of the best "exercises" to get me into the feel of the 5 was sight-reading. This helped because I could not look and truly had to feel, i.e. use a more tactile approach.
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago
Thank you so much for your kindness.. that is a big help for me.. cause i am a beginner on bass guitar and started already on a 5 string cause i dont have a choice ive got it for a bargain hehehehe!
Thanks George!
JeFfAiMeEAjBj 2 years ago
Thanks for your comments ... and congratulations on your bargain!
Because you have started on a 5-string it will feel quite natural to you.
Enjoy the extended range!
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago
Big help, thanks alot!
Maestrp37388 2 years ago
I am always happy if I could help. Thank you, too, for posting.
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago
great video,thanks.
0114sams07 2 years ago
Thank you ... and this is only a sample :)
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago
hey great video, i'm going to buy a 5strings spector next month, so this vid helps me a lot!
saludos de argentina!
pabloAXMO 2 years ago
Hello and thanks for posting.
Spector is and excellent choice.
Enjoy ... and greetings from Australia
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago
What kind of bass did you use in this video?
I've been playing bass for about a year now and I'm thinking of getting a 5 string soon. Do you have any recommendations?
Thanks.
LocoGaryot 2 years ago
Hello and thanks for checking in.
This bass is an Australian-made Belman Classic 5 (no longer available) with a few custom options.
Although there are heaps of 5's available, I suggest to start your search with the Lakland Skyline.
Bass of Luck!
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago
hey thnx for the help.. i just got my 1st 5 string last week an i luv it to death.. bt this vid helpd so much thank u
2bigbarnes 2 years ago
Congratulations! I'm glad I could help.
Enjoy your 5 :) :)
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
No offence but i hate base i only play normal electric guitar
hobbit1818 2 years ago
my mistake , sorry , it's a Tradition bass , they got a website , but not all guitars and basses are on that site.
BigCheeseFZ5 2 years ago
I thought as much and looked for Tradition basses, but still could not find their (or any) website with such as listing.
Can you provide a link to the website through a private message?
Thanks,
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago
Me again , the J-Set is for the active bass , but my bass is passive , do you think it's probem to make an active bass out of the passive , i mean inside there is enough room for the battery
BigCheeseFZ5 2 years ago
Hello Sergey
No problem. This conversion/upgrade is done very often.
My advice: Before you convert, you should make sure you are generally happy with the B-string sound and feel.
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago
Hello George ! I just bought a 5 - string Tradion bass , the body looks like a fender and the neck like a sadowsky bass , bought it for 400$ , don't know if it's a good price , for such bass , anyway ... My problem is that the 5 string feels a bit ..well let's just say not tight enought ... is that ok ? Another thing , the sound feels ..not right .... could this be coz of the pickups ? I want to change the stock ones to EMG J-SET . Any advises ? Sergey.
BigCheeseFZ5 2 years ago
Hello Sergey
I don't know the Tradion bass. Loose B strings are common on 5 string basses. (That's why many players, me included, opt for a 35" scale 5-string.)
A thicker B string helps. Try 135 or 140 gauge.
I love EMG pickups. Consider the value of your investment, however.
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago
George I tried playing some 5 string basses for the first time, and I thought the low B sounded a bit loose and raspy if you know what I mean? Is this normal for 5 string basses? On my 4 string I get a warm full sound and I don't know if it was due to me using a different amp or the nature of the instrument, or probably one of the knobs on the front of it...
TheOrangeFondler 2 years ago
Lots of lower-end (in price) 5's have floppy B strings. This is often remedied by using a thicker gauge B and/or increasing its action height. Of course it is not an ideal fix.
35" scale basses (such as mine) usually (but not principally) have a tighter B string.
Which 5's did you test?
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago
I think the one I was looking at in particular was a Cruiser Crafter 5 string for about £250, maybe for that price I could get a much better one online, but I'd really want to try it out first, you know? I really don't have much of a clue when it comes to 5 strings I'd love any suggestions you'd have of where and what to buy!
TheOrangeFondler 2 years ago
I have no experience with the Cruiser.
In that price range look at some of the Yamaha models.
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago
That was really interesting,thx for your help!
By the way,im in dilemma between buying a new 4 string bass or 5 string bass...i just can't decide.I have been playing a 4 string for a while but seeing your video it makes me think.Can i get a professional opinion? :D
DarkSasori1 2 years ago
Thank you too.
Play as many 5's as you can in music stores. Also consider how often you would apply a 5 if you had one.
Seeing you already own a 4, add a cheap 5 to begin with (if the above helps you gravitate toward a 5).
Let me know how you go.
George
BassLessonsOnline 2 years ago