5 String Basses Suck for Beginners (7 Reasons)

[@innocentoctave]

Everything Josh says here is absolutely true. I wouldn't mind betting that many 5-string players spend more time trying to control the B string while playing on the other four strings than actually playing the 'extra' notes. Carol Kaye is on record somewhere as saying that too many 5-string players were buying them not for the extra low notes but to ease things for the left hand by making it possible to play the ordinary range of the 4-string starting in the fifth position. She also said 'get your playing together so you can play a whole bass on the four-string first, then you can graduate to a five-string if you want to; it’s not the other way around.' I've always found that all notes played on the B string have a different timbre, too. Carol thought that they tended to change a band's balance, and not in a good way. Maybe that isn't true on high-end instruments: but for most people, their first instrument isn't going to be expensive.

[@klontjespap]

notes on any string have a different timbre to one another That's not something specific to the B string but literally true for any string Playing something in 12th fret position compared to 2nd fret 2 strings down sounds wildly different on any pitch, even worse on guitar than on bass Yes, you need the scale length to make it sound not shitty and muddy B strings sound muffled as shit

[@solkvist8668]

@@klontjespap I mean that’s what the extended multi scale basses are for, specifically ones with a 37” B string. Makes it a lot more of a note than a rumble. Check dingwall bass videos for examples if you haven’t heard it before, it’s quite distinctive. The problem is that a vast majority of players look at multi scale as metal only. I mean lee sklar plays a dingwall but other than him I don’t know any others doing it. That being said, the average 34” B string is muffled as hell. I’ve had a 5 string PJ for a little over a year now and you have to be very specific with the B string, it’s just not capable of that clarity that the others can do, so it instead almost just becomes a low note regardless of if it’s the right note or not. 5 string foderas seem to be a bit clearer somehow, but like you said that is hardly a budget instrument. Same can be said for dingwall, but maybe multi scale will start to become more prevalent and therefore more affordable.

[@innocentoctave]

@@klontjespap All this is true. However, the differences between the upper four strings and the low B are very obvious on many basses - particularly inexpensive ones that typically are not extended scale or multiscale. It can almost sound like the player has switched to a different instrument every time they go to the B string. Minimising that effect is one of the things you are paying for with a quality instrument, I guess.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks sharing Paul, I agree with Carol on both counts. I know a lot of people like playing a low F on the 6th fret of the B instead of the 1st fret of the E... but sometimes it just isn't the right tone/timbre.

[@blindjustice8718]

Playing fretted E rather than open E is the reason I got my 5. As for tone, B5 and open E sound the same. I also play one song where I do a run that includes B7 instead of E2 because it's a passing note between E5 and E10. Just easier fingerings. But B7 and E2 sound the same. Maybe I just got lucky because my 5 is a cheap Rogue III I got 2nd hand for $100. Then again, I had it set up, too, instead of playing it straight from factory.

[@jb.2986]

I’m a bass newbie learning on a five string. The only thing I could play before was my stereo. Two months in and I’m progressing slowly but steadily. I sooo enjoy it. For anyone new who wants to learn 5 string, don’t let this vid discourage you.

[@BassBuzz]

That's great Jack, as long as you're enjoying it and handling the challenges then all is well!

[@emaheiwa8174]

I wouldnt say the same. Its not easy to find a cheap bass with a good B string everywhere

[@markop.1994]

Idk if u got a teacher or anything, but i could drop my discord tag if you felt u needed/wanted some guidance. I usually dont do this 😅 but idk ive been at this for 15 years and keeping most of what i know to myself

[@somerandomguy8725]

@@emaheiwa8174 I'd say the Cort action is a relatively good 5-string budget bass

[@youtubedeletedmynamewhybother]

My first bass is going to be a 5 string, so yea i basically have to ignore this video lol. Kinda doubt its going to be much harder than a 6 string... Which is what ive been learning on anyway.

[@mrbungle7586]

Great advice. Seriously regretting buying the 16 string bass now. Everything Josh mentioned is true. At the same time, if you want it, whether you need it or not, get it.

[@killyrboss]

thanks for the advice mike patton, trey spruance, scott ian, dave lombardo & trevor dunn

[@markm1514]

At the end of the day, who's going to stop you?

[@glaceonus]

I told the guitar center dude. I want a 5-string. He said, uhh that’s not recommended for beginners. I said, it’s what I want to learn. He’s like, okay!

[@greycastro1009]

For anybody playing in those metal subgenres mentioned near the end: Consider whether you need the full range of a five-string or whether all you need is to go lower than a four-string in E standard can. If it’s the latter-that is, if you need a low B, A, or whatever you’re tuning to, but you don’t need the high notes on a five-string’s high G string-consider just getting a longer-scale four-string. I’ve got a 35-inch scale four-string right now, and it’s been good so far. It’s got a tighter low A than my 34-inch five-string, and it’s easier to play.

[@BlommaBaumbart]

For beginners not familiar with the term, you'll want to look for a "BEAD bass".

[@xNachtmahRx]

a 5er will still be easier. Longer scales are harder to play, especially for us small hands people. I'd rather use a 5 string. Not sure why you bassists are so close-minded and afraid of change. You basically say that bassists are too stupid to play more than 4 strings. I play guitar and only add bass in the production but man, 6+ strings must be scary for most of you

[@nuberiffic]

I experienced this a lot while playing metal in the early 2000s. I was using a 4 string tuned low to high CGCG. I'd have other bassists come up and ask why I didn't get a 5 string, and I'd always reply, "Dude, I'm not paying that much for one semitone."

[@cactustactics]

@@xNachtmahRx I play guitar ~and~ bass and you're being a silly goose

[@cake_9510]

@@xNachtmahRx I got a 6 with an extended range, my small hands are pretty fine with it. Though my arms are weird and long so that might have something to do with that. The 2 extra strings are nice, especially since I have that c string. I was originally just wanting a 5 but then I was like "but what if more"

[@themightydingy]

Having spent time with 7 string guitars, I've only ever played 5 string bass and love it.

[@BassBuzz]

Makes sense Darien, if the guitarists are adding extra low strings you've gotta keep up. 👅

[@Quigomy]

I was just going to post this. I started on a 7-string and now REFUSE to play anything else. I just ordered my first bass guitar and went with a 5 string because EXTENDED RAAAAAANGE IS EXTENDED! 😅 I'm sure it'll be fine. But I can see how I've been 'learning uphill' this entire time. I guess I like the challenge? (or hate myself?) 🤔😳

[@themightydingy]

@@Quigomy I tend to learn uphill as well. It didn't take me long at all to learn floating thumb technique. It's not really an advanced technique if you just start out learning it. Everything feels difficult when starting out so why not just give it a go?

[@donnix1192]

Four string can be more difficult because you don’t have those lower notes close by on the B string, you gotta be quick to move around and get to them on the other 4 strings. I still learned on a four and I don’t foresee myself ever getting a 5 string bass. I have a bass VI,but that is a completely different animal altogether.

[@klontjespap]

@@donnix1192 not only do you not have them close by You don't have them at all But an octave is only 2 frets and 1 string away, so it's kind of a non argument lol

[@bills.9734]

I have a 5-string with a high C and I love it. It resolves many of the issues that you were talking about, plus, it helps out a lot when playing in the higher octave range.

[@bobskewer1874]

This is my plan, I just ordered a 5 string short scale and the first thing I'm doing is changing it from low B to high C.

[@worsethanhitlerpt.2539]

The high C string on a bass is terrible I played a Pink Floyd song and the guy ruined it with that high - bass bullshit

[@firemedic105ns]

I got a 5 string as my first bass in High School and I never had any of these problems with my learning on it. Got used to it super quick and prefer them over my 4 strings any day. If you want a 5 string, go for it when you want to and enjoy the hell out of it

[@bazmole]

I started on 4 but was forced onto 5. The band im in play a real mix-up of tunes. Its handy having those lower notes so you dont have to retune, its also super helpful for your singers if they need you to drop a step or two to experiment singing in different keys. I appreciate these arnt newb issues and you can always sell your 4 to fund the 5 when you need to. The problem is by then youve mapped the low string to E, not B, and youve also anchored your thumb for muting which is hard to unlearn. I wish Id started with floating thumb. Great video though, I agree with most of it.

[@nomore2226]

Same here

[@jimthethirdprobably]

@@bazmole i started with 4 but because i also play guitar the string spacing wasn't a problem and i normally mute every string except the one i am playing at that moment so that was easy to get around, but the lowest string not being E took a while to get used to but i applied a bit of what i know from playing banjo to get used to having 5 strings

[@kickinkanga7026]

Spot on dude.

[@onezerosevensix]

The editing on this video is phenominal, im going to have to watch this multiple times to admire the hard work. Well worth the wait from the last video

[@Sin00b]

Great video. A lot of people read the title and then commented, but Josh does a great job of laying out the argument, then being like "go ahead and do it if you are committed and/or love it". Thanks Josh

[@codenamenot47]

Post a provocative, clickbaity title and this is what you deal with. If you rely on the headline to generate engagement, don't be surprised if people will only read the headline and comment on that. Also, the point you make pretty much describes half a shit sandwich. It's like telling someone something hurtful and then following it with "but idk man" thinking that what you said before makes it alright. All those videos that say "X things you should/should not do" are utter horse shit. They just confuse new players, potentially cultivate bad habits and put doubts in their mind for the sake of generating clicks for the channel. If someone wants to start on a 5 string, then they should start on a 5 string. You learn to overcome issues as you learn, just like you do with a 4 string or electric guitar. They don't need all that noise and a lot of points made in the video can be addressed with practice/tweaking equipment. People take too much notice of random bozos online acting like they are some sort of authority on the matter. Fuck this video. Have a great day :)

[@LaMarcGasoldridge]

​​@@codenamenot47 Never understood why ppl comment before watching the video. Most videks are reasonable amounts of time, you could afford to watch it through. Your thoughts arent going to "expire", and if your opinion changes, the youve seen the videos point of view. Although I admit, Ive been desensitized from clickbait since ive been on youtube for years. Besides, youll look like less of a bozo after you watch the video and see the persons perspective. Like the end of this video saying to get a 5 string if you so choose. Nothing wrong w/ the video honestly

[@thunderheartwoman]

I don't need a 5-string bass but after this video I know that I need to put googly eyes on my bass.

[@duncansmith69]

I think the problems you mentioned are actually a good reason to start on 5 string. I transitioned from four to five s couple of years ago and had to relearn much of the habits that were entrenched in my playing from playing four strings for so many years.

[@highviewbarbell]

Bingo. I almost got a fretless 6 string as my first bass, but I'm not that masochistic. With that though you'd either git gud or just quit so it's a good weeding mechanism if you really wanna git gud

[@NicholasMaus]

totally, learning 4 string parts on a 5 string or 6 string parts on a 7 string guitar forces you to use better technique.

[@patriciasman1]

I love my 4 string. It’s all I need. I agree with the video although I had a hard time watching it because I’m laughing so hard at that “ talking 5 string” bass! Keep up the good work. I’ve learned so much from you!!!

[@Technoriety]

5-string basses are excellent for beginners. You've got to learn muting anyway, so it's better to learn to position your hand in a way that can be applied to 4 or 5-string basses, rather than learning the wrong way and having to relearn a different way later

[@janelaincloudcroft]

I disagree, its like learning guitar, if your first guitar is a 7 string then it will be harder to learn "smoke on the water" then it would be on a 6 string guitar, plus once you learn the 6 string and are comfortable, you can get a 7 string and have 2 instruments, same can be done for bass, instruments are tools so its not bad to have multiple

[@MrWepx-hy6sn]

@@janelaincloudcroft But on the flipside, if you start with a 7 string or a 5 string bass you don't need to buy another one down the line or you found the instrument at a discount lol (that's what happened to me was about to buy a normal 4 string for my first bass but there was a Schecter C5 with around 40% discount brand new because of black friday so I picked that one instead since it was the same price as the 4 string I wanted

[@nobuna2114]

Don't want to discredit this video but I think if you definitely want a 5 string then get one, even as your first bass. My experience starting on a 4 string bass was that I still had the same troubles playing a 5 string bass just because it is different. Even worse when you are accustomed to a 4 string bass then going to a 5 string bass will throw you off even more imo, since you aren't used to that 5th string. I had a hard time adjusting to that. So my honest advice: If you are 100% sure you want a 5 string bass, then get one. Maybe get a teacher that can show you the proper techniques and tell you what you are doing wrong.

[@BassBuzz]

Totally agree! This video is a good litmus test - if you watch the whole thing and still want one... then screw this random Josh bass teacher guy and go for it!

[@nobuna2114]

@@BassBuzz Yeah I watched the whole thing and what you said in the end. Just wrote this because most people won't watch until the very end

[@fivestring65ify]

@@BassBuzz 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@C-Zam]

I absolutely agree with you. I started on a 5-string and while these seven reasons are completely true, the excitement and joy of owning and doing your thing on that instrument that you like so much reduces all of this to obstacles that we gladly face.

[@MrChopsticktech]

I have been playing for 30+ years and just got my first 5 string last year. I used to use my fingers for songs/musicians that used fingers and picks for players/music that they used a pick. Playing fingerstyle on Beatles/McCartney songs sounded terrible to me! One day I fell and fractured the first, second and third fingers on my plucking hand, and they healed ok but never got the previous strength they had, so I use a pick all the time. I also think if you know you will want a five string and you are just starting out, you should go for it! Otherwise, there is a good chance you will spend many hours playing four string but being distracted by that 'Someday I will get a five'.

[@davidbrianfaulkner]

Josh, everything you do is GOLD! I completed Beginner to Badass during the pandemic and refer back to it from time to time, but I appreciate that you have so many other videos out there for us!

[@GreggOliverBass]

The joy of 5 strings for me is the ability to play two octave arpeggios without shifting positions

[@DrMori0425]

When your band want to copy a D song, 5-string is a saviour. Ok I started from a 4-string, and then I join the darkside of the 5-string. and I only consider 5-string.

[@-_OduvanchiK_-]

This. Having more strings is not about extending your overall range (although it's a nice bonus). It is about extending your range in certain playing position. With additional bass string I can play low F without constantly moving my hand to nut positions.

[@FunkadelicPancho]

My first bass I really ever put serious hours in and giggles with was a five string. It definitely made four string easier and six string not as much of a learning curve.

[@odiseohoosline6504]

My first bass was a 5 string. Sure its tricky controlling the B string at first but thats what practice is for, improving and learning how to control the sound coming out of your instrument. Been a year since I got my bass and ive gotten some real nice sounds out of that B string and have grown used to the extra string

[@worsethanhitlerpt.2539]

The wider neck of the 5 string ruins it for most people I play a 4 string tuned down to B but the low string sounds dead sometimes because its not extra heavy

[@odiseohoosline6504]

@@worsethanhitlerpt.2539 you are true to your name sake

[@tombuck]

I admire the commitment to having 4 AND 5 string versions of the same awesome bass. 👏

[@pepegalvan_]

I remember when I got into bass and I really wanted a 5 strings bass... then my dad got me a bass as a birthday present and it was a 4 strings Pbass... at the moment I got disappointed but just a few months later (and for the rest of my musical life) I’m glad it was that way...

[@VillageMonk44]

As a drummer and bass player that comparison of over using low notes too over playing a driving drum beat has got to be the best comparison Ive heard and honestly made me understand bass as a instrument a lot better. I know this video is old now but keep up the awesome work man!

[@garyrobinson9054]

This is such an awesome video. I'm more of an intermediate player and have been thinking I would like a 5-string bass and so went here first to see if Josh had done anything on it. These points are so good and has made me rethink my reasons for wanting one. Such a funny video also - had me laughing most of the time. A big thanks Josh!

[@majorrager8645]

The first bass I picked up was a 5 string, but that was only because it was the cheapest bass there. I mainly used the B string as a thumb rest since the pickups were kinda sunken into the body. Not to mention all of the tabs I was looking at were for four string bass, and the extra string would often leave me disoriented trying to play along with the track, so I highly recommend you start on a 4 string bass

[@blakebass1]

I really like your videos, they are very well done and informative. Keep up the good work. I feel compelled to chime-in and say that I played 4-string basses for years until 5-strings became more common and available in the 80's. I still play my 4-string basses on occasion, with students, on sessions and when I'm doing upright bass gigs. For most of my pro gigs I will always prefer the 5-string bass. You are correct to state that 5-strings are well-suited to gospel and metal and it is also the proper bass for modern 'smooth jazz' as well. There's nothing like those low c's and b's when the time is right. I also will conclude by saying that many non-bassists (and even some bassists) don't have a clue about the 5-string's benefits. It's not all about the low notes...sometimes it is very useful to use the B-string in the 5th to 10th fret region for familiar patterns and fingerings.

[@c4rd764]

I just got my first bass and it's a 5 string Yamaha BB235. It is literally the complete opposite of wat I was originally looking for. I originally wanted a short scale 4 string. But I'm actually having a lot of fun, it's not as hard as I actually thought it would be. Might need a bit more tenacity and patience with the way you learn it compared to a 4 string but I'm all for it. The fact that it looks really pretty certainly helps.

[@PropS570]

I want that same Yamaha in a natural finish. They look so good.

[@blindjustice8718]

This is a video for beginners and every point is valid. The *only* reason I got a 5 was to do walking baselines with a low E starting on the B5 and not have open string notes. When you look into buying your 2nd bass, adding a 5 is not a bad choice. My 5 is my "go-to" bass, even though I rarely play on the B string. Main reason? BECAUSE THE STRINGS ARE CLOSER. For a beginner it's a problem. If you want to play fast riffs, it's an asset. Plus the neck on my 5 is *maybe* 1/8" wider at the nut than my 4 string which itself has a narrow neck (not all 5-strings have such a narrow neck -- my friend's 5 feels clumsy because it is maybe 1/4" wider than my 5). When you get serious, having basses for different tunings and styles is fine. A 5 in standard tuning, A fretless, a 4 with different pickups for different tone and a 4 in drop D pretty much cover you without having to adjust tuners or your amp eq. My friend is trying to sell me his 6. No thanks. I barely use the 5th I have and the neck on that thing feels like a log.

[@reecedanielss]

beginner to badass part 2 please!!!!!

[@FreebooterFox]

Love the gaming references in your videos. Sound effects, background music...Much appreciated. 😊

[@fretless05]

One thing I learned after switching from 4 to 5 strings was that, though those 4 new notes were cool, I just still had a tiny fraction of the talent of all my favorite bassists that were out there killing it with only 4. Eventually, it struck me that as I struggled to figure out good lines to play, people like Geddy Lee, Victor Wooten, Jaco Pastorius, and so many others were playing stuff WAY beyond me with a mere 4 strings. The sacrifice of practice time required to play an instrument with that extra 4 notes left me even further behind those guys, and it was distance I was never going to make up.

[@jimmbodragonslayer]

I'm intermediate and have no want for a 5-string. I'm just glad that I get to watch another video from Josh

[@Clouseau63]

Good points (particularly the "slapping problem" w/ 5 strings) but that low-B string makes it easier to play certain things in the middle of the fretboard (which is easier for beginning fingers), i.e., it's easier to play patterns that use lots of low F's, F#'s, G's, and G#'s when you can play them on the 6th-9th frets of the low B rather than on the 1st-4th frets of the E-string.

[@Ypsiroselee]

I bought a 4string at the suggestion of my tutor, and yes, I want a 5 string at some point. But I’m too busy mastering what I have. You do you. I do me. Let’s JAM!

[@isaender1746]

My parents bought me a 5 string bass as my first one... I didn't thought about that

[@anthonyalfieri927]

I get what Josh is saying so im not knocking his knowledge at all. What I will say is that if your first bass is a 5 string, then just take the extra time to learn your instrument. I picked up a 5 string maybe 2 months after I started playing and honestly? I love it. I'm pretty much a primary on my 5 now. So just take your time and enjoy the low-ness haha pro tip though? Playing the low B is tempting, but there is a time and place for everything

[@youtubedeletedmynamewhybother]

I'm in the same boat. In the longrun i dont really think it will be that much of an issue. If you love bass you'll find love in a 5 string regardless IMO.

[@frome5000]

bass buzz ur videos are by far the best on youtube for lessons. creativity effort and charm radiates from every video.

[@redgamer821]

Important thing with 5 string basses is to use them correctly (by playing all the notes that are more easily accessible). Some people just play it for the low B, and at that point just downtune a 4 string.

[@Thurgor_Supreme]

Well obviously you would need new strings, nut filing, raised action... You can't just go to BEAD tuning on a whim

[@redgamer821]

@@Thurgor_Supreme It's possible to use a heavy gauge e-string as a low B. Oftentimes it works better than than the original B string. Of course it would be more work still to downtune, but having a whole extra string and not using it is also quite a bit of work.

[@JVMC_ZR1]

@Adam They also make 35in scale 4 string basses ment for B standard.

[@KiKfilms]

@Adam Then you have some really shitty bass. Mine was the cheapest in the shop(the only one I could afford at the time)and it sounds and plays perfectly fine.

[@klontjespap]

@@KiKfilms yeah Calling bullshit Most low Bs sound like gash even on decent basses, most get it completely wrong The fact you may have a really goos bass or really shitty ears doesnt make their bass bad

[@Mr.N3cro]

I started on a 4 string, moved to a 5 string after seeing a lot of bass players use them, then I moved back to my 4 string, I just use heavier strings on my 4, I use 110 - 55 set on my Epiphone Thunderbird and love it. Thank you for well being you, and making this channel.

[@cezaralopes]

I got a 5 string bass as my first and it’s great. I also have a 4 string bass and I have so much fun playing both.

[@radimqetzalcoatl7401]

I've been considering getting into bass for a while now. Finding your channel will definitely help. Good man.

[@aly9402]

One thing I will say is this. I started on a 4 string for about a year, learned the basics, but the bass was really crappy. A $50 bass off of Amazon I think. So after a year of committed playing, I got a 5 string. The learning curve was steep, and there were some frustrating hurdles (muting and slap I'm STILL working on everyday). And even when you get decent at the 5 string, if you've been playing a 4 string for awhile and go back to the 5 string its a little disorienting. But THIS is the cool thing: After playing my 5 string for awhile, when I go back to playing a 4 string... I can absolutely SHRED on it. It's incredible!

[@lougaru2445]

5:31 Flight of the Conchords. That was excellent! I hope there's a longer version of that somewhere

[@stephenskuse4769]

20+ years ago I picked up bass my last year of highschool. Started with a Sammick 4 string. It was a nice bass. Within a few years I switched to a 5 string Peavey and fell in love with a 5. I miss that 5 string and have wanted to get another bass ever since. Although I'm just getting back into bass, I picked up a 5 string Ibanez Iron Pewter and absolutely love it. Spacing is a little tight on the neck, but aside from that, I have no complaints. Great tone and once I do a proper set up on it, it'll be amazing (not to mention I'm adding DR Neon Orange Strings to it). Yeah, muting is a pain, but aside from that, I'm happy with a 5 that didn't cost me an arm & a leg. Only other basses I want to pick up are a multiscale or headless. Really picky about how the body on a bass looks too.

[@peppersprayfolsom]

Excellent. My 12 year old was pushing me to getting one. Well I had to do my research before I did. Thank you. This was very informative...!!

[@VintagePointedSticks]

You put this up about a month after I bought a 4-string after being dissatisfied with my first bass, a 5-string, for years, and all of these reasons were the reasons why.

[@TheRealJeffVader]

As a beginner currently learning on a 5-string via the Bass Buzz course, I say follow your heart. Definitely listen to Josh, and if you're not sure, start with 4. But if you feel the pull of a 5-string, then go for it. Yes, it is by definition more challenging than 4, but hey, a 1 string would be super simple and that's not what you want to do, right? You learn to play an instrument because of the sounds you want to get from it, the music you want to play. It would have been much simpler if I was learning piano on a two-octave keyboard with no pedal, but... that doesn't do what I want to do. And if 5-string is the way you want to go, then you'll be more versatile, have access to simpler fingering for notes, and be playing the instrument YOU wanted to learn.

[@c-joneslawntree3852]

Another amazing video, love the production value & the spot on content as always. Great job man, i was so excited to watch this one too & couldn't time till now hahaha.

[@fenegroni]

Loved the humor! I'm so in love with a 5 string Dingwall right now 😭😭

[@AgodzillaFace98-yj5nq]

I started out with a four strings, got cheapest one to mess around and luckily a good one too. Ibanez gsr 180. Light, slim sounded great. However, 4 strings left me feeling that Im missing something. Got btb806ms. Feels great, can't walk by, have to grab it and play play play. More to learn sure, but I'm not in a rush and you can make the thing sing and growl. I say get the bass you absolutely want, will make wonders.

[@wadestorie6041]

The talking headstock is hilarious. Thank you for adding some humor to your lessons.

[@Sans-rt8os]

i am learning bass on an old 5 string i got from my cousin since i cant afford my own, and honestly i have been learning just fine. i have been teaching myself how to play fingerstyle and slap by watching others play, and i have been coming along just fine. when i save up some money, im gonna get myself an acoustic 4 string bass because i love acoustic basses

[@mistersounds2006]

I started on 5...feels better in my hands...4 strong feels wimpy....and to keep the b string quiet I use my thumb on my plucking hand to rest on it when I'm not playing on the b string....really not that difficult or confusing for someone with the slightest common sense....lol but that's rare now days lol.....good vid as always tho

[@sunglee2048]

I feel like this video was made in my honor, considering I just commented just this topic recently on BassBuzz! LOL I have both 4 and t strings and it's been interesting going back and forth. Vader had some good in him after all. Keep up the good work Josh!

[@Ulghart]

I started with a 4 strings. After like 6 months, I was able to distinguish between different bass sounds, so I fell in love with p-bass. But I also wanted to have a 5 strings to play some songs that had that lower D note. So I ended up buying a Fender p-bass V. Since then, I practice with both, 4 and 5, switching between them every other day. Guess what? I still suck with both. So trust Josh: stick to the 4 string. I came to the conclusion that if Geddy Lee did all he did with 4 strings and 20 frets, I should be less pretentious and keep it simple.

[@MrChopsticktech]

Who said it was pretentious?

[@marcoscuervo2002]

But geddy does play a regular 4 strings bass, what u talking about?

[@melodicmonster]

I just started playing guitar after 10 years of thinking I would never play again. I bought a Fender Player Plus 5-string two weeks ago because I thought it would be a good complement to my baritone guitar and my current favorite player uses a 5-string as he's part of a certain metal subgenre. I just subscribed and I'm learning a lot!

[@jarrypotter6318]

I usually play guitar but one day bought a Squier P Bass 4 string and I loved it. Now I regret it deeply but I sold it because I didn't play enough. I dreamt every night of playing a bass just for fun. Now I got a 5 string bass and I love it so much. I will never again get a 4 string bass again. I dont know why. But I so extremely love this low B string.

[@ShadamAran]

Fun fact, 5 string basses only add 5 more notes that your 4 string didn’t have

[@mightyV444]

LOL! The editing in this video around _Evil 5-string Bass_ was hilarious! 😂 ⚡ *I got sunshiiiiine!!!!* ⚡ 🤣

[@drianhoxha5595]

I‘m planning in the future of buying a 6 string and diving in. The extra 2 strings are very daunting but I love the journey of widening the knowledge of the bass. I may have not discovered the secrets of my 4 string, but it‘s always gonna be there if the 6 string wears me out.

[@msnrc]

I owned 6 5-string basses (including 2 fretless) before buying my 1st 4-string and I have to say that this 4-string Squier JB is the most fun to play.

[@myrtislockett7792]

I started out with a 4 string first act bass guitar. It's so fun to play and if you have a friend who wants to learn it's a great starting point. I love my 5 string ESP and they definitely play differently. It's all in what you are trying to do.

[@xbjrrtc]

I started on a Squier JB, and I love it so much. I just got a 5-string, but I still play my 4-string

[@Noone-of-your-Business]

You always manage to make me smile. Thank you. And now back to my Dingwall. Need to practise muting.

[@daveannis2280]

...or 3 you are already a competent guitarist. I had never enjoyed playing bass until one day by chance I ended up playing my friend's 5-string, and it converted me! The cool thing is that moving to a 4-string afterwards is like taking off a big backpack - suddenly I was faster, cleaner and more relaxed. I still use my 5-string for bands that transpose a lot of songs down, but if I don't need 5, I much prefer 4 now.

[@xxboxofmuffinsxx4252]

I completely agree with this video. That's why I'm getting a 6 string bass as my first.

[@ericpalmer3588]

I started on 5 string. I never noticed anything when I switched over to 4.

[@colinhuff896]

I’ve never encountered anyone who has the exact same sense of humor as me. You sir, are truly a gem.

[@MattPlaysBass25]

I got my first 5-string a little over a year after I started playing, after I figured out the basics. I began to utilize the lower notes, and the different positions. Now I play 5-strings almost exclusively

[@MattPlaysBass25]

Look, kids! A scammer!

[@thomasfioriglio]

Very good advice and as always, enjoyable to watch. I love your production and use of humor.

[@matildastanford7019]

I've just bought my first 5 string and Love it. low B gives that extra low/drop tuned range I was looking for.

[@SmolBeeArt]

Lol, I’m on the “screw this Josh guy anyway, and all these sexy five string clips…” 😆 my first bass is a five string fender squire, it was love at first sight and I simply couldn’t leave the store without it. But these learning curves are facts, but all your vids are hella informative and helped me a lot.🧡

[@marijobilic8899]

Well Josh, nice video. I'm addicted to five string basses because of those two reasons you mentioned at the end hehe.But almost 30 years ago when I started, I always missed some deep tones and I didn't know that low B even exist and I didn't even had opportunity to get five string. If I did, I surely would get some. BUT before I got my first five string I discovered that low B exist and changed my four string tuning to B E A D and man, it was a totally new dimension! I can agree with you that four string is maybe better for beginners, but on the other side if the music genre is in matter, then I'd suggest try out with B E A D four string and if this is the thing, move to five string.

[@Gray137]

I had to learn on my 5 string bass because I picked it up when I had money, and I only really hit 1.5/7 reasons /problems with learning on a 5 string but I'm also not everyone and we all learn differently and still was able to walk away with some information from this video on 5 string (which is a bloody nightmare to find on You tube without hearing "if you played a 4 string, It's like that but with a extra string" as the only help for 5 string for beginners). All in all, a actual moderately help 5 string video

[@fabianpolt8346]

I started on a 6 string bass. Well i built it myself since i had first played guitar. So it made sense for me to have 6 strings. 1 lower and 1 higher than a casual Bass. It was fine for me.

[@kahlaaja]

Saw a great looking and feeling bass on a good discount 3mo back, so I got it! Hadn´t ever touched a bass before, but had had an eager to learn to play for years. Actually realized it was a 5-string instead of 4 when I got back home, but for the stuff I wish to play one day this is actually a perfect bass. I can just practice trivial things as long as I need to, as long as I see like weekly improvement it´s all good, and I know I´ll get somewhere some day. :)

[@NateTheGnat]

Beginners should start with an ultra short scale 3 string beginner bass. Easier to start out with, then down the road you can get that 4 string bass when you’re ready for a real challenge.

[@ckhound1]

Personally im glad that I got it early on. Started with a 4 string, but the music I like almost always uses the Low B string, so i love it. Plus, im a pick player. Overall, I love the 5 string a lot more than my 4.

[@AlexandarShmex]

@Adam You'll get used to it in a week of practice.

[@nomore2226]

I like to slap.... but damn I love the sound of a pick on bass.

[@Wynorrific]

I learned on 4 strings but after about 5 or 6 months, I gravitated right to 6 and adapted pretty well. Everyone moves at their own pace to I advise people to always learn on 4 first

[@johncollins5552]

Love the 5 string bass doing My Girl, sure fire hit for the alternative metal chart😏

[@travislewis1486]

I picked up my first bass, a 5-stringer, a couple weeks ago. As someone who is new to bass i don't need to adjust and unlearn habits that others would have learned from starting with a 4-string. Some of the points brought up in this video is why I chose a 5 over a 4. Anyway, the B string is nice but I only use it when i play songs with drop tuning. There is no need to re-tune the bass but you need to know that notes you're playing. The cool thing is that the bass strings (EADG) are similar to guitars (EADGBE), and on a 5-string that B is moved to the first (BEADG). So if you come from a guitar background you should already have a pretty solid foundation.

[@kwt7667g]

So hysterical! Josh you need to do a vid on Drop Tuners!

[@zackmendez1139]

It’s kinda funny because I learned Can’t Stop a week after I got my first 5 string- I never even thought about learning it when I only had my 4

[@ImaginaryDay-nl3bp]

Some of these reasons are EXACTLY why I bought a 5-string after being "bass-less" for about 20 years. One of the reasons I stopped was not putting in the work and sounding like crap. The challenge of learning the 5-string, dealing with the "B" string annoyance (although I make use of it with they style I want to play), and finding that "correct" string push me to be better at what I'm doing. Still learning, but having a lot of fun doing it!

[@ralph5487]

I started on a 6 string, sure the mix of alternating 4 snd 6 string felt almost impossible for the first couple of months, but you get used to it, at least i did.

[@OlettaLiano]

I didn't learn to play bass on a 5-string. I learnt on a 6-string, tuned low E to high F.

[@JG-pe7qo]

Thank for this funny video, I bought 5 string bass this weeks but I played 4 sting since a while..

[@haydenrhardy1204]

I literally just bought one yesterday, great timing

[@BassBuzz]

Nailed it 😢

[@andreaplaysbass]

Very sensible advice Josh. But, GAS guy said that if I was going to upgrade my cheap 4 string I might as well go big and buy a more expensive 5 string, which will save me money in the long run! I only bought it for the pick-ups, not the fifth string, honest! 🤭

[@victornava7830]

I started with an Ibanez Vintage 4 string passive bass playing simple metal songs and it was great for a first experience. The transition to 5 string was very natural and it was really funny seeing how your musical possibilities get increased 🙌🏻, this is the bass I still have and it is an ESP B-155 Active Bass I’m planning to start with a Dingwall six string active/multiscale and I hope the same great experience as the previous transition

[@jeffbraaten7028]

Great video as usual. I have never played a 5-string, but realize the issues you describe are legit. I was kind of bored and recently set up my Fender J-bass B E A D. I took the four low strings from a five-string set. I used lighter gauge flats. It stays in tune great. It's not as nimble as a normal setup, but very playable and fun. It's kind of a novelty and I had a spare bass to do it with. Thanks again for the awesome content!

[@SgtsPepper11]

Doubted this video as an avid 5-string enthusiast, but you've got some good points here. I came from years of guitar before bass, so the theory (learning notes) and muting/string spacing issues didn't show up as much as if I was a true beginner. But I'll grant that slapping is ridiculously tough, and you make a great point about learning how and when to use that super low end. I still think 5-strings are great, and I still think I feel like they're better to have than a 4-string. But I'll concede that starting on a 5-string is tougher.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

You made a great point about over using the B there definitely is a time and place for it. Great Tip!

[@dinoarellano]

Man you’re funny. That makes you a great teacher. Thanks!

[@VmShpman82]

I agree w/ this video. I have a 6 string that I wish I hadn’t bought. Years ago, I started on 4 string. I like both 4 & 5. 4 strings you can thump pop& tap easier w/o banging into the wrong string.

[@iutchube]

Great video as always, Josh! I started on 4 string and resisted trying a 5 string for ages. Then, when I tried it, I never went back (except for the occasional Maiden cover gig). But you make some really good and valid points there as usual. 👏👏👏. Oh, and "can't stop my B string with the rumbles" was hilarious😆👍. I have that problem with 7 string guitars.

[@sospicious]

i recently picked up bass and love the vids man keep it up

[@alistair5309]

I would just like to say how helpful your bass guitar lessons are, in just a few days I'm so much better at bass🙂🙂

[@legorobotics1017]

I started on a 5 string by accident… Probably why it took me so long to get it My hands are tiny But because I play metal that uses it I kinda had to

[@avawinters6184]

I started learning on a 4 string, then traded my friend for his 5 and every point you made in this video is correct. Muting sucks, knowing when to use the low B sucks, the low B sounds different, and is generally kinda really annoying. I knew I was committed to learning bass before I made the switch, and I don't regret it at all, but honestly, 70% of the songs I learn are written on a 4 string so... But when I need those extra low notes, nothing compares to the 5 string. Amazing video, and I'm glad that the points you made were well thought out. Everything you said is true, and the learning curve is much harder, very well made!

[@K.D.E05]

I’m relatively new to bass (only been playing for about 3 years) and I’m still playin a 4 string and love it

[@NEEKSNY]

My first full scale instrument was a squier jazzbass 5 string and learning on it was a bit of a challenge but i dont regret getting it and learning on a 5 string whatsoever, its really up to prefrence

[@butre.]

every guitarist starts on a six string. we can do it too. the whole focus of this video is "it's harder" but it really isn't, not unless you've only ever played 4 strings. it just messes with your muscle memory. if you start with a 5 string or even a 6 string, you'll never have any 4 string muscle memory to work around.

[@michaelhamilton8359]

Do one for the 6-string. Actually, I currently only have a 6-string and I laughed so hard when you mentioned playing low notes too much, because I actually have to stop myself from playing guitar solos on my 6-string 😂😂

[@MarcinWanago]

Hi Josh ;) Ibanez is making some affordable multiscale basses. The're also very lightweight.