With a 4 string, you would have to tune down to Eb. Benefit 1# – You Have Access to Ebįor example, let’s say you turn up for some session work and the guitarist plays in Eb. This can be a bit complicated and frustrating. This is good because tuning to an unfamiliar tuning can skew your understanding of where all the notes are on the fretboard. It means that all of the strings can remain in standard tuning as these notes correspond to the most common tunings in western music. With access to the important notes such as Eb, D, and C# on the low B String.
FIVE STRINGED BASS PRO
Five String Pro #2 – Don’t Have to Re-Tune Therefore a 5 string bass gives you these notes in a lower register while remaining in standard tuning. On a 4 string, to achieve the desired low notes in a low register, the only option would be to tune down the strings to Drop D or Eb.īut as mentioned, you would then have to transpose your memorized scale patterns and key positions on the fretboard which is inconvenient. However, because they are only available in a ‘higher register’ (further down the neck) they sound too ‘bright’ and ‘piercing.’ Whereas playing them in a low register they sound ‘deeper,’ ‘warmer.’ as a bass should sound. Of course, you do have these notes available on a 4 string bass in standard tuning. These ‘low notes’ essentially ‘fills in the gaps’ that a 4 string in standard tuning can’t produce in a ‘low’ and ‘deep-sounding’ register.Įssentially a 5 string bass gives you these important low register notes while the other strings can remain in standard tuning. Allowing your memorized scale patterns, keys, and note positions on the fretboard to remain unaffected. Why? These low register notes correspond to the most common tunings including Eb, D, and C#. Now, these five additional ‘low notes’ mentioned above are absolutely critical to the function of a 5 string bass. This means the extra B string allows for five additional ‘low notes,’ being the: Whereas on a 5 string bass standard tuning is B-E-A-D-G. On a regular 4 string bass standard tuning is E-A-D-G. To understand the function of a 5 string bass first let’s compare the tunings… If you didn’t know already an extended lower range means that you have more access to low registry notes on the same instrument. So with a 5 string bass, what is the function of the extra string? And what are the benefits of this setup? Five String Pro #1 – Extended Lower Range
In comparison, a 5 string bass has an extra string allowing an extended lower range to play notes in lower keys and the choice of more scales, chords, and arpeggios but has a wider neck and a heavier instrument.Ĭost 3% – 10% more than four-string version (same model)Īs we all know, all bass guitars in standard tuning are tuned exactly an octave lower than regular 6 string guitars.
What is the difference between a 4 string and 5 string bass guitar?Ī 4 string bass has a narrower neck, wider string spacing, and is easier to play.
FIVE STRINGED BASS HOW TO
These include the function, benefits, pros & cons, and how to decide if a 5 string bass is the ideal instrument for you. My valuable post will answer the key differences between a 4 and 5 string bass. Have you looked at a 5 string bass and thought… ”Why do bass players need the extra string?” Are more strings better than a standard 4 string bass guitar?
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