Advantages Of A 5 string Bass (you can't do these on a 4 string)

[@tnmando]

One reason I bought a 5 string bass is that I have an issue with my shoulder and playing in first position a lot wears me out. The 5: string allows me to get those low notes much easier

[@DuffTV]

I’ve actually never thought about that one.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

That’s another great reason to get one. Thanks and I hope the shoulder is ok. 👍🙏

[@atomicgunpla]

I feel this comment, I have trouble with the strap on my shoulder and neck pain. Reaching up to first position is tiring for me and eventually painful.

[@aldito7586]

What? Say What?

[@tnmando]

@@aldito7586 ?

[@theskintexpat-themightygreegor]

I'm still a beginner, but I started on a five-string because years ago, I played bass on my own demos. I didn't know what I was doing back then but I made up the bass lines myself and found that the bass lines turned out to require the B string. Now that I'm taking the instrument seriously, I have the five-string and I love it. Even in my bass lessons (a video course) we did Feel Good, Inc. by Gorillaz. The video transcribed it up to E because it focuses on a four-string. But the tune is in Eb. On the five-string, no transcription or detuning is necessary. So HEY! I'm a five-string player from day one.

[@billytai1096]

I play both 4 and 5 string basses. I play in two main bands and the singer in one band likes to transpose songs into lower keys. As such, I almost exclusive play 5 in that situation. The other band requires more traditional 4 string tunings and the odd drop D which is taken care of with a Hipshot Xtender. As you said, use the tool that is most appropriate.

[@inggcchan]

I bought my firts 5 string because I had an itch to play it(I'm still a begginer) and I got to say its a lot of fun to play with it

[@BlueIvey777]

Probably my main reason for having my 5 string is i love that E flat and D. I also hate changing the tuning on my 4 string lol

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Me too!

[@aa134368]

The open E on a standard base never sat right with me, seemed more metallic and inconsistent. Maybe my technique was wrong. But with the 5 string, using the B for the open E sounds more consistent and warm.love it .

[@TheShotsii]

Playing 5 really helps when we do an unplanned song at church that I've already practiced in another key. Makes the transition so easy when I've already memorized the shape in another key above.

[@former_dmcrt8614]

What's the name of your bass

[@TheShotsii]

@@former_dmcrt8614 Fender Player Jazz 5

[@theskintexpat-themightygreegor]

Church music, much like theatre music, often REQUIRES a five-string, from what I understand. And yeah, it's way easier to improvise and jam with a B-string.

[@veglord_the_profane]

I’m thinking about getting a 5 because I play a lot of doom metal which has a lot of low notes. But, I don’t want to sacrifice the high register, because I also like playing melodies and lead lines. I feel like there’s only one way to go in that case

[@ontiretsemagome9154]

Please make a video about slapping bass on 4 strings vs. 5 strings 🙏

[@elladomisteriosodelaislawoodoo]

5 String basses are popular here in Mexico since most of cumbia or corrido songs have extra bassline notes

[@firemedic105ns]

I really think we need more 5 string content.

[@AlexandarShmex]

Amen, more 6 string content as well.

[@firemedic105ns]

@@AlexandarShmex Ohh hell yes.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

There will probably be more although it’s a little niche! 6 strings even more although I can think of a good chord lesson.

[@AlexandarShmex]

@@OnlineBassCourses Can you do some beginner jazz stuff on a 6 string, getting into chords, utilizing high C, harmonic playing? Just some ideas, it can be a single video.

[@firemedic105ns]

@@OnlineBassCourses i would love a good 6 string lesson on chords

[@pleasantlindsey33]

the comment about shoulder injury is why i favor my 5 string over my 4 string as well. That 2 octaves in one position spacing comes in real handy.

[@MichaelAsh-sd7hw]

On my 5 string basses I like the fact that when I'm backing up someone who plays in "drop tuning" I don't have to re-tune my bass, just move to the "B" string and position my hand accordingly.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

That’s one of my favourite things too.

[@OlavSchneider]

And hardly anybody talks about this. Happy I found this channel.

[@marcelchaloupka]

Not a fan of 5 strings as that B string just farts. But your comment on scale length is interesting. Will have to look around for some longer scale length Basses to see if the B string starts sounding better.

[@scootermcgavin2188]

I’ve gone back n forth between 4s to 5s. I always go back to 4s. I personally just don’t like the B string thickness under finger…and they always sound a tad dirty. Dingwalls might be the exception, but I’ve sold two of them too. Great vids

[@456death654]

4 string purests lol the denial is strong with these ones

[@Erdogio]

Maybe you can tell us about how to make the change from 4 to 5 string the best way possible. Are there things you can practice? I found myself having trouble with de A and D string and octaves on the whole neck. My brain needs to re-focus, almost… Thanks!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

For me, just jump in! You learn as you go especially if you’re playing in bands. As usual, it’s about time and how much you put in. It starts off feeling strange and difficult but then becomes effortless and familiar.

[@NonBinary_Star]

Pls do something akin to: 1) Top 5 Five String Basses for Beginners; 2) Top 5 Four String Basses for Beginners (or top 10) I've played the guitar in the past as well as some brass instruments. I'd really love to learn bass but . . . buyer's fatigue (there's too many options) Plus, I'm worried of jumping too fast into the deep end. (Even contemplated fretless bass and upright bass.) I like the way you communicate / explain things and can tell you know what you're talking about. I'm interested in your opinion and think you should do a "Beginner Series" for the n00bs and not-so-n00b, n00bs. *I'm also curious (even if it is a hot-take) of the guitars/habits/tools you'd advise n00bs or not-so-n00b, n00bs avoid!?!? 🙏🏿 ¡Cheers!🤘🏿

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Great ideas!

[@MarkRendle]

I play in a band that does parody songs and I've got one for Bad Guy which really makes me wish I had a 5. Playing it in drop D is hard. Playing it with a B string would be so much easier.

[@RyanWright]

I mean, I would argue that a 5 string is honestly 100% better than a 4 string in general, b/c anything you can play on a 4, you can play on a 5... The only reason that I would say that a 4 is "better" is if you have smaller hands and just can make the reach on a 5. That being said, most of the basses I own are 4 strings, mainly just b/c they are way more common. I have a 5 and a 6 as well, and use them a lot in all honesty. Our church does a lot of songs in Eb, D, and Db, and when I'm playing a 4 string, I always find myself missing those nice "low" root notes, since you don't have them on a standard 4 string.

[@sprucefan4379]

I agree. Probably gonna sell my 4's for that reason.

[@aldito7586]

You don't have an Advantage. You THINK you have an advantage.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

That’s deep.

[@pascalgrenier4171]

I play 4 string bass maybe 85% of the time, but I find it very useful to have a 5 string in my arsenal. I'm not confused by the extra string, but the neck of a 4 string always felt more comfortable to me. However, I bought a used Peavey Grind 5 BXP NTB lately and it's a joy to play compared to many 5 string I had in the past. That one's a keeper! It just needed good pickups and a good preamp.

[@pierremilleret698]

Depuis 1988, je joue sur 5 cordes, 99,9 % du temps ... Je je n'ai pas envie et j'aurais du mal) ... de revenir à 4 😊

[@UltimaJC]

I just got a 5 string bass for Christmas, and tbh my favorite thing to do with it is downtuning. I can go to Drop F# on this one and couldn't easily do so on my 4 string without getting very heavy gauge strings.

[@markcouch4235]

I prefer the feel (and less importantly the style/look) of a 4 string, but love having that low B String to go to, so I just restring mine to BEAD tuning and have the best of both worlds in a way, with some compromise of course...

[@jeremiahwilliams7809]

That's all well and good,but I still prefer a 4 string!! So does victor wooten,marcus miller, stanley clark,larry graham and many many more..............

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Jeremiah! Your comment is also all all well and good if you think about it. It’s just a tool. I also prefer my 4 strings but that’s really not the point at all… thanks for the comment! 👍🙏

[@BadEconomyOfficial]

5 String all the way! Loving my 5 string, I play Metal and it’s 10x better than 4 string.

[@ralphandrade3133]

I play a 5 string for the very reasons you were talking about. But I also love my 4 strings, and sometimes I just have to get one of them out. Makes you pay attention and keeps you on your toes.

[@peterspy8867]

Great job, Dan, as always! I switched a fan-fret 5-string recently, and I'll never go back ☺Yes, muting is a bit harder, and that forced me to learn the floating thumb technique, but that also offers a major benefit - no more tension in the bent wrist! And even if you don't use the B string that much, it's your thumb support, which in turn allows for much smoother tone control with your right hand. A small note on fan frets: they do make the B string sound better indeed; it's a pity that they're typically marketed towards metalheads, and their futuristic look can scare away both players and recording engineers. Remember, Leeland Sklar is using Dingwalls, and he's the most versatile bass player in the world! And you don't have to get an expensive Dingwall either, e.g. Ibanez has fan frets in their EHB series, which are like half the price of a typical Dingwall.

[@liammusik]

I have an Cort A6 Plus FMMH Open Pore Natural and Cort A5 Open Pore Multiscale, too. Very good Sound and No Metal Style Bass. 👍👍👍🎸👍👍

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Yes, it is very metal inspired. I've always wondered why as they seem suited to all kinds of music.

[@mariodrumblue]

which MS bass did you get? I am looking into it.

[@KitBasher1]

I think the big trick for a strong sounding B string is either extending the distance between the bolts or just adding extra like six bolts or a five - at least three bolts on the B string side of the neck really tightens up the sound of the B string!

[@bernardfilmore3875]

Love it how do you tune the bottom B string

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks! A normal tuner will usually do it. It’s tuned in 4ths so you can use the 5th string or harmonic methods too.

[@gcvrsa]

I started on a 5, a 1992 Fender Jazz Bass Plus V Ash, mainly because I preferred the width of the neck, so when I moved to a 4, I couldn't figure out what to do with my thumb for a long time. :D

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Yeah, different basses can take a bit to get used to that's for sure!

[@MetalFreak187]

I bought a 5 string because i went through about 15 in the shop trying them out, my bass was quite literally just the perfect fit for me, and everyone makes joke because i rarley use my b,ive got greate muting technique now though

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Great that you found a bass you love! Who cares what anyone else thinks.

[@aldito7586]

Ahh, yeah. sure. Whatever you say.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

🙏🙏

[@marknieuweboer8099]

A four string BEAD bass has exactly the same advantages and misses most of the disadvantages of a five string. Be honest - how often do you use the five highest notes of the G-string?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Those highest notes aren’t what I’d miss from a 4 string BEAD. It’s the patterns and shapes I can use from the 5 as well as how easy it is to transpose.

[@marknieuweboer8099]

For transposing (eg Smoke on the Water - quite a challenge for me) I use a capo. I use it for downtuned songs as well. As for the patterns and shapes, as I only have started with the bass 11 months ago I guess I can't evaluate that - hence I can't miss them. All I can say that I like BEAD a lot more than EADG.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Welcome to bass! You chose a great instrument. I’ve been playing a 5 string (along with 4) for 32 years and it feels really normal to me. To be honest, I love loads of different types of basses though. 👍

[@Erdogio]

very nice bass, btw!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thank you!

[@endo-poptart]

That's why I need a 5 string! So I can play Ain't Nobody! Love that song! Chaka Khan 🤘🏼

[@liammusik]

Yes. I Love my 5 and 6 string Bass. Makes many things more easy. 👍🎸👍 I Play the CORT Bass. Very good Quality and Sound. Cort A5 Open Pore, even Multiscale. And an 6 string from Cort too, Cort A6 Plus FMMH Open Pore Natural

[@tillpoot6340]

What Brand is that bass?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Zoot bass from 🇬🇧

[@gcvrsa]

That Zoot Funkmeister is really nice, and pretty close to my ideal design for a bass guitar.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

It's a very well made and great sounding bass. Mike is a master!

[@pierremilleret698]

👍 Good job, good explains.... Beaucoup de bassistes devraient regarder ce qu'il fait et écouter ce qu'il dit ! 😏😉

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Merci!

[@f1948s]

Thanks for the good advice Dan. I like what you are explaining. Decided to subscribe to your channel. I am leaning on buying a good beginner 5 string short scale bass to get back into playing. Do you think a short scale bass will still preform well with the 5th string or do you think a 30" scale is too short? Any advice would be appreciated.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks for subscribing! I’ve heard of medium scale (32) good sounding 5 strings (including one made by Zoot Bass). But, generally, longer scale is better for that B so I reckon shorter scale 5s might be best avoided.

[@foshizol]

I just found your channel and it's kind of a breath of fresh air. I've been following this other Englishman bass guitarist, and he has mad chops, and seems really popular, but I get frustrated because he doesn't get to the point, and rambles. I took a course of his on Facebook each lesson was an hour and a half +, but 30 minutes of actual content. He constantly kept getting distracted by the chat, and felt he had to acknowledge each person in the chat. "Good to see you David in Chicago, have a great day'. Always right in the middle of a point he was going to make. Thank you

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks for the comment! I’ve come to the realisation that no one wants to hear me rambling on so; get to the point it is…

[@JazzBassFunk]

Hey Dan, nice 5 string, the wider string spacing is good to have.... custom basses are the way to go if you can.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Yes although there are some AMAZING cheap basses around these days that more than get the job done.

[@BassNSax628]

I got a Dingwall 5, Dan. I love it so far. Ordered it from Andertons on Tuesday evening, it arrived Thursday afternoon. I wasn’t expecting a gig bag and batteries but they were included. It’s my first 5 and first active bass, so I’m getting used to it but its fantastic and I’m glad I got it.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Brilliant basses - enjoy!

[@SosSosowski]

Oh man, I was looking around bass videos for so long trying to make up my mind and couldn't find anyone who plays similar stuff that I play so it was hard to decide based on some random riffs I would never even attempt and then I found your channel and when you said "Ain't Nobody" I was like "He couldn't mean Chaka Khan" and then you did and then you played "Lovely Day" and I knew I'm finally in the right place! This helped me a whole lot and will definitely check out more your videos, thank you!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks! Glad to hear that. 🙏👍

[@motoman5023]

Thanks for doing more 5 string bass video s

[@OnlineBassCourses]

No problem!

[@er-productions]

I love 5 string basses! Great content, cheers from Argentina!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Eric! 🇦🇷

[@trevorblair5552]

Hi Dan, I have just started to play five string bass, and find your lessons very informative. Keep up the great work! 🙏🏿

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Trevor!

[@aa-ud3rw]

Very encouraging video for those of us who picked up the 5-string based on seeing a good sale and only ever used it for resting the thumb while strumming.

[@Komoreeebi]

Well I am sold!! I need to order me a fiver

[@vivekmishra47]

which better 4string bass ya 5string bass

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Very subjective question. It depends on the player’s preference and needs for the situation at hand.

[@vivekmishra47]

Yes of course but which one is better which has good sound, better tone, can get bass and which can be played realistically and is also comfortable?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

@@vivekmishra47my answer is the same!!

[@SamPaguaga]

"not saying it's better... but its better..." lol - dont be afraid to hurt 4 string feeelings...

[@OnlineBassCourses]

🤣

[@BassNSax628]

Another brilliant video Dan. I’m still thinking of getting a 5 string so this was perfect timing again . This week I’ve been looking at the Dingwalls. Expensive, but they sound, from the views like they are worth it.

[@liammusik]

Look although the Basses from Cort. Very good Sound.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

I'd love to try one, Mark. They look and sound great.

[@RaeiEscudero]

thanks for sharing.. helps me a lot especially on the arpeggios..

[@jameskirk2417]

I enjoy watching your informative videos, however one area that you, the same as others, seem to neglect is the sort of equipment you are using. That is an important part that needs to be addressed, I believe, regards; James H. Kirk.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks for the comment James. Could you clarify what you mean about the sort of equipment? You mean quality/cost?

[@saraerobins2327]

Absolutely 💯 important detail when going from active to passive to NOT have a difference in sound! I hate that about my Fender American Elite Jazz V. My Devon 5 is smooth when changing from active to passive. Cant tell a difference at all. If I'm in the middle of a set and my batteries suddenly die...I would rather have that smooth transition! Fender isn't necessarily the BEST bass! 😉

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Very good points, Sara! I never understand why you wouldn’t want that with a preamp, unless you want it as a boost.

[@scottbachman3641]

I happen to like that my g&L and fender basses sound different active vs passive. If they didn't then what's the point of playing active? Also, in 30 years of playing active basses, I have never had a battery suddenly die mid set.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

@@scottbachman3641 for me, one thing I like to do is have a good passive tone, then a different active tone with some boosted bass and treble. If I want, I can switch between two different tones in a gig with one switch. If the level of the active is much higher (in that situation) than the passive, it’s not as desirable for me. That’s my personal feelings on it though. If there’s more time to experiment and set different gain levels then it’s not as much of an issue.

[@Peter-Alexander]

Thanks for this informative video! I'm new to the channel and I see there are more than 500(!) videos. Appreciate it!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks! Many are KZbin Shorts which are under a minute but there should still be plenty here for you.

[@KimSE4]

To me, 5-string is my "modern" sound. I play a Dingwall combustion 5 and it's my go-to bass but I'm learning to slap and I can't quite manage the muting on a 5-string so I'm back on the Stingray for that stuff, and I've got a bitsa-Jazz strung with flats which sounds and feel so, so different. One thing that'd be really useful would be some exercises to learn the notes on the fretboard - I'm getting okay at it but any new ones to help me know exactly where I am on a 5-string would be super helpful.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks for the suggestion. It’s on the list.

[@aaronsempa5820]

I play in church. I just love to see the shock on people's faces when I pull the bass out of my bag and its a 4 string not a 5. I once had an overnight service and the sound man was trying out my bass and he saw it was a 4. He asked "Where is the 5th string?" I said to him that it doesn't exist. I do understand the advantages of a 5 but the truth is I really love my 4 string. Tastes and preferences at the end of the day dictate what you go for. Edit: Currently only have one bass guitar that's a 4 string. I do intend to buy a 5 string and even a 6 string just for that matter. This will obviously happen when the finances do allow

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Absolutely! Use what speaks to you i say.

[@tuguybear930]

I don't like playing open strings on bass so 5 string was perfect for me.

[@kevinosorto8605]

Why you don't like it?

[@stuartanguish5111]

What are your thoughts on e-c five strings ?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Great for jazz, soloing, and chords. For me, I'd miss the B, especially for the work I do.

[@stuartanguish5111]

@@OnlineBassCourses I’ve just got a gig doing a classic rock show and odd tune is half step down, my only concern is how I’d cope going from 4 to 5 and if I should just go all out five string

[@OnlineBassCourses]

@@stuartanguish5111 you could use a switcher like something from Lehle. Or just use a 5! Obviously make sure you’re really comfortable with it for the show.

[@ChesterRodriguez]

Great video. I'm a 5 string convert. I love not having to tune down and being able to play 2 octaves without much hand movement.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

🙏 me too…

[@chefdave7203]

Thanks Dan i really like the five string episodes Long story short been a drummer for 29 years but do to health reasons i can no longer play them so i was given a 5 string ESP LTD Active but i thought it was too hard so i bought a Squire 4 string PJ Bass 2months ago had it set up but on the 6 fret the D & G Strings are flat So Their it sits until i can get it fixed again! So I Watch Your 4 String videos and try to play what Can on the 5.Its Only been 5 months and i have learned Alot. So Thanks Again. Semper Fi...

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Dave. Keep up the great playing!

[@kgamaseg]

VERY nice tones!

[@jdmarino]

Hey, thanks for the extra video. I recognized your answers to my comments (and others, of course). That Zoot is a real beauty, too.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks for the suggestion, John! Love the Zoot too.

[@gurnbass]

Excellent discussion of the advantages, Dan! Being able to stay in position-aka avoid shifting-was my main reason to go 5-string and 6-string. (When I explained this to a friend, he said: Ok, you‘re lazy.) :)

[@OnlineBassCourses]

You’re not lazy, you’re just efficient!

[@davidgmail5249]

Thanks Dan, great video as usual! Although I haven't got a 5 string I have been considering one for while now. For me the appeal is that really low tone that can be produced, the tone that only keyboards can produce. I know detuned bass does the same but can be a bit flappy. I'd use the B sparingly but sounds lovely in the right place. Another advantage is mixing up a bass line, playing in different position, especially if you can feel cramp setting in. Thanks again, Dave.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

All great points, Dave. 👍🙏👊

[@francoisokennedy2509]

Thanks Dan as I mentioned to you last week about mates of mine playing everything a semi-tone sometimes a tone lower, this really opened my eyes to a 5 string. That intro you played sounds a lot like I will survive (The Cake version). And some songs will not sound the same on a 4 string if I have to tune down. Brown eyed girl comes to mind as one song. By the way how is the new book coming along.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Very good points, Francois! The rock book should be coming out next week, the Soul course has been filmed and now needs editing (a few more weeks…).

[@rreennommaann]

Beautiful bass.

[@jshox]

What is your opinion on using Fret Wraps to help with muting?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

I think it’s no bad thing especially for two handed tapping and slapping (even more so on a 5). Basically for anything you can’t do with your hands, use one.

[@ronanderson355]

How do you find the tone of the B string when you fret it higher on the fretboard?

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Sounds fine on my basses... Tone can change slightly on any bass depending where you fret though so it's good to use your ears to find the places you like.

[@frossbog]

A D is actually a 4th below a G and a 5th above a G.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Yes I know. My point is that it’s a note that sounds good going up to it or down to it.

[@scottyshepardthesmoothdeep3081]

Awesome stuff Dan the man 🤓🤓💙😎hey could you focus on playing to old church hymnal songs in some lessons for players in church??thank you so very very much

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks Scotty! That might be a little niche for my channel although I can see how that can be useful. I also don't know much about old church hymnal songs. However, I reckon some of the things I teach will help you. Especially ear training, and making up bass lines on the spot.

[@scottyshepardthesmoothdeep3081]

@@OnlineBassCourses 💙wow okay thank you so very much for all your help and videos for sure 😊

[@khabezelamumbo3373]

👌❤

[@ryan_454]

What a beautiful looking and sounding bass.

[@wolfmaxem2583]

👍👍

[@marcusparnell2403]

Great points. Love these vids.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Marcus!

[@michaelmegahmike1893]

Thanks Dan keep up the good work.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Michael.

[@nuggers23]

I think sire 5-s basses are 35" as default

[@AlexandarShmex]

They are not, my V7 is 34", it varies from model to model.

[@nuggers23]

@@AlexandarShmex ok, good to know

[@dadedidodu76]

what's that bass? its nice bass..

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Zoot Funkmeister made by Mike Walsh.

[@joannalewis5279]

Love your bass

[@OnlineBassCourses]

Thanks, Joanna!

[@OnlineBassCourses]

@@Donaldjon Zoot bass from 🇬🇧

[@danbassman24]

The best bassist in the world, Victor Wooten plays a 4 string, enough said.

[@OnlineBassCourses]

He tends not to need or use the low B for his style of playing. If he does (usually recording), he uses a 5.

[@ballshd68419]

Flashlight by pfunk