4 String or 5 String Bass | Which Should You PRACTICE With?

[@WCruttenden]

I usually bounce between a four string P with flats, and a six string with fanned frets. Very different from each other but good for me to play and learn on both.

[@patrickr.5821]

That double reverse P bass is probably the best bass sound I have ever heard.

[@fleetadmiralsidiqi1941]

Please explain exactly what you are hearing. Just curious what brings you to this sense?

[@maxthub]

I played 5 and 6 strings for 10 years. For the last 5 years I’ve played short scale 4 string almost exclusively. Recently I pulled out an old 5 string with a high C tuned down a whole step and I’m loving the way it makes me think differently about the instrument.

[@Redtenbachersfunkestra]

Janek! Keep up your brilliant work! Just awesome! Nobody can beat you at your game...you are the GOAT in that!

[@Scomelbasses]

I say just practice, doesn’t really matter on what instrument. I only own 5 strings, haven’t owned a 4 string since 1990.

[@georgeoffenberger1262]

Lol. Same here. Last 4-string was actually 88 i believe.

[@georgeoffenberger1262]

Lol. Same here. Last 4-string was actually 88 i believe.

[@georgeoffenberger1262]

Lol. Same here. Last 4-string was actually 88 i believe.

[@georgeoffenberger1262]

Lol. Same here. Last 4-string was actually 88 i believe.

[@georgeoffenberger1262]

Lol. Same here. Last 4-string was actually 88 i believe.

[@InFerrumVeritas]

I'm an intermediate player at best returning after a long time off, but I've found that practicing fingered songs with wide range on a 4 (to make me shift accurately) and slapped or picked songs on my narrow spaced 5 (to hone muting and accuracy) makes playing the reverse (slap and pick on the 4 / fingers with range on the 5) feel easier.

[@dr_b_bass]

Repertoire I always always practise with my 6 string ibanez BTB(im a 6 string player for 20 years now, aka its what i use for gigs and work), however for reading I generally start on 4 string as most written bass I come across (I'm relearning to sight read properly again after 20 years of exclusively playing by ear or jazz charts) I also have a 5 string acoustic that I strung EADGC but dropped a tone to DGCFBb (Helps with action) only a cheap gear4nusic acoustic 5 string, but it's SUPER handy for training My hands re: strength training and endurance (the action is super high so its like doing a workout) Further, I got a vintage musician stingray copy with 4 string flats for jazz It's all about context, but my honest take on this: Practise on whatever ur main instrument is for everything; otherwise ur practising limitation

[@mikeoneill7671]

GREAT VIDEO! I find picking up a Bass I haven’t played for a while can inspire me to practise more and somewhat differently as well.

[@andrewpinner3181]

Thanks Janek for giving your precious time to make these videos which give inspiration & motivation !

[@edburdo]

I have 5 string (Sire M7) and a Kala UBass. Switching between those is dramatic... but really does make you think about your practice in a more tightly focused manner.

[@R_o_m_u]

Mattisson is my favourite. Thanks for your video : I purchased my first C string earlier today, a couple of hours before seeing it. I was kind of lost with the gauge, choosing 30 as a starting-point. Wish you a good touring next days !

[@Dimitrivsky]

Thank you for the insights, Janek! I have been switching between 4 and 5 string basses, but spent most of the last 3 years on a 5 string. Now that I only have a 4 string, it seems a bit odd to me as I need to 'remember' that my E string is no longer a B 🙄

[@justinmills556]

I have a series 1 TRB 6 string that when I played or practiced on would force me to clean my technique up because of its huge neck. Then my gig would feel easier and more comfortable after the good stretch and extra thought I would have to put in to get the notes clean and clear.

[@oliplaysbass]

If I have a show to practice for that requires a 5 I practice on the 5. Otherwise I’m back on the 4. 5 sure is fun though. Narrower string spacing makes a big difference

[@RDog4484]

I mainly practice on a 6 string, since that's the main instrument I play. However, I do have a 5 and a 4 string that I will practice and play on to get outside of my comfort zone.

[@timotheedonaldstewart6555]

I am bais to the six string but I have love for all of then in total.

[@TwoBadBassist]

I tend to practice all of my technique drills (scales, arpeggios, thirds, finger dexterity/speed) on my Yamaha JP2 (6 string). Then when I go to play my 4 or 5 string basses, they feel easier/simpler.

[@harkalybass]

Great video, thx Janek! Can you please make a “deep dive” video about your right hand technique? If you play octaves or bigger string spaces where do you tend to put your right thumb? Do you use your thump in general or only in chords and muted playing? Thx in advance

[@wallace_nelson]

Really great insight. Thanks for sharing 👍🏿 safe travels 🙏🏾

[@charliecarrot]

See I just recently got a 5 string, but I strung it EADGC as well - easier to switch back and forth between it and a 4 string with that tuning for me. But the string spacing is way narrower on my 5 than on my 4 strings, so it still requires some mental adjustment. Scales length is the same, at least. Personally I tend to want to focus on the 4 string for now because a 5 string is just an extension of the technique I learn on 4 string.

[@joaniepeters2565]

I think you should practice with the instrument your going to be performing with, you need the feeling of the muscle memory for any type of improv and also for written parts for that matter, it will make the “gig” easier

[@thumpybones]

You’re missing the point. I have two 5-strings and a 4. It’s challenging to bounce between the two.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

I really enjoyed this video, I started practicing in classical position since your video and especially with my thumb bass their nice and small I’ve found it to be so comfortable what book would you recommend of yours I get to get better at soloing and just getting better in general

[@bradami1234]

I jump between 5 and 4. But i perferr a 5 string.. i feel its easier for me to play.. for comfort on it.

[@davidjohnmorse]

More basses == More joy!

[@fuzzylogickben]

I used to do the opposite of restricted practicing... "unrestricted writing" maybe? I'd play a shorter scale bass so all the notes were closer to hand and improvise parts for songs I was writing. I'd come up with phrases that were unlikely to come from my usual basses. Then I'd recreate the parts that I liked on my "real instrument"

[@joannalewis5279]

Great idea

[@nabsdmusik]

Thanks Janek, I actually don't owe a 4 strings bass I have a 5 fretless and a 6 strings basses.

[@eduluke2010]

5 AND 4... AND 6!

[@77Dragons]

Great as always. I like how you always comment on the preciousness of time: a gentle reminder that, now that you have inspired me, it is time to get off my YouTubing ass and go practice!

[@AJbassist]

practice wit what u got n the style that you want to grow in my thoughts , 3 bass 6 string standard 130-30 , 5 string drop ffffffffffffaaaaaaaaa 170-55, 4 string standard to drop c wit 110-50.

[@blueplateradio2]

Which bass are you taking on tour on why?

[@janekgwizdala]

I'm taking the 5-string. It's my main instrument, it has the range I need for the music I'm playing, and it's the instrument I feel like I have the most unique voice on.

[@OlettaLiano]

For the past twenty years I've been playing an ESP Six-String tuned E A D G C F. I wouldn't want to play anything else.

[@squidito2534]

Does anyone know if that 4 string bass is available to purchase on the market?

[@janekgwizdala]

RKM make some fantastic instruments and are easy to find with a quick google search.

[@Belman5]

I've gone full circle back to a PJ 4 string. Just more comfortable ànd does pretty much all I need. I still have a 5 string but honestly it's the 4 for me. I'm much more of a basic "meat and potatoes" bass player than players like yourself who are really next level and a bit :-)

[@drewlewis9412]

4

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

6 string

[@billyjay1]

First!!

[@DVDFRMN]

ONE BASS to Rule them all... My 5-String Ibanez SR1205, I was worried i would not adapt easily to the 16mm string spacing after being in 18mm world for years. i Love it and now a regular 18mm bass seems like a huge chasm between the strings...