Should I Get a 4-String or 5-String Bass?

Do you prefer a 4 string or a 5 string bass? Jayme Lewis calls the winner in the ultimate battle of the basses!
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CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:27 Beginners
1:08 Range & Register
2:44 Need to go Lower?
4:53 5's are 4's too!
5:35 That Low B tho...
6:03 High C?
6:28 But, it's harder to play
7:17 Slap
9:19 Pick
11:30 Metal
12:53 Acoustic
13:38 Pop & Ballads
14:42 Lots of Attack
15:10 Playing Fast
16:01 In the Studio
16:48 Who Wins?

[@CNick75]

Every 5 string bass has a 4 string right there in it.

[@TalmageL-pn2pv]

So does every 6 string,,but the other 2 , are what you end up trying to keep quiet..lol. 😒

[@TalmageL-pn2pv]

Good point though..lol

[@kost.9423]

And every 7 string guitar, has a 6 string guitar

[@cici4753]

Try a 24 frets 4 string strung BEAD. It gives you every note on a regular 20 fret 5'er minus that one highest G20.

[@budhiharlow4945]

Dude, giving musical examples for everything that you are saying is fantastic!! The music responds to your words and wonderfully illustrates your technical and a very wide variety of music concepts, great job!

[@sambrownonbass]

Tbh I was just here to Jayme play like a badass on any instrument and I was not disappointed. Clean, feel, groove, great lines, absolute and sound good on every instrument and genre; you’re a constant inspiration and aspiration 🤘

[@j.schultheiofficial2638]

Feel you. I am predominantly a 6-string player so that is a question I kind of just do not deal with 9/10 times :D

[@vpapakon]

We have all seen a lot. This is the best video on the subject. Way to go Jayme!

[@atanassimeonovski3548]

Informative and well put together video 😁

[@eskilseter]

I've made myself dependent on 5-strings, and I really struggle with jumping back to 4-strings these days. My hands are just so used to the layout of a fiver, even if I don't play the B string all that much

[@spoonerluv]

You are an incredible musician. It's so uncommon to find someone that can play these different genres convincingly, and also have an incredible array of techniques absolutely dialed in.

[@learnonedooneteachone3822]

You are a brilliant player. I agree with your findings.😊

[@thatpuglovingidiot6705]

I started learning on a friend’s 5 string as that’s all I had access to. 20 years later and I rarely play 5s now as there’s just no need for the extra string for 98% of what I play and write.

[@sidez81]

I still have and use the old Squier 5 string precision with jazz pickups. It has standard 4 string spacing so the neck is near 6 string territory. One of the cheapest but best feeling and sounding basses I own.

[@basausi]

Jayme, you're an extremely verstile bass player as you play all genres with finesse ... much respect bro!

[@dean402002]

I found the transition from 4 to 5 string easier than I expected but it does take time to fully integrate the 5th string I once tried a 6 string (never again) lol 5 is perfect

[@iamgribs]

I actually started on a Yamaha 5. I find i am more used to its closer string spacing. That is a double edged sword. I find the wider spacing great for slap. I prefer narrow for anything else. Of course there are pros and cons to both. I been into 4s a lot lately.

[@shawnhuff3920]

Well i own three 4 string bass guitars and i own 2 five string bass guitars and i own a 6 string bass guitar .. it depends on what music you are playing 😊

[@tigerscott2966]

I like 4, 5, 6 string bass and fretless too... They all sound different and it's a challenge to find the right tone and the right techniques to fit a song into... thanks.

[@brentmadden789]

I play a 4 and half string --- it's a great compromise

[@davidozab2753]

4:45 You were just showing up Phil X and his "instant Drop D" move 😉

[@marcos_pane]

0:25 sick tone 🤯 Is there a review of that bass??

[@cryo4827]

At the moment I'm looking at getting a 5 string because I mostly play metal and can only afford either one or the other. I'm going with the 5 string mostly for the versatility it comes with

[@markblackstad8705]

Nice analysis Jayme! One other issue worth mentioning is that most 5 strings have a tighter string spacing than a standard 4 string. I know you can get a five with standard 19 mm Fender spacing but that makes the neck super wide and too hard to play IMO. Some people like the tighter 16-18mm spacing of most fivers though. Also I've found in playing worship music many of the keys are set by the singers. For example, I have 2 songs in Eb tomorrow in our set. For me that is much easier to play with a 5 string and you can use a true low Eb root note. With other songs in the set using standard keys you don't need to switch basses or tunings. As you clearly communicated, both 4 and 5 strings have their own place and time.

[@Just_talksick]

I want to start on a 5 string bass. I know it will be hard , I'm very much aware. It's jus that I wanna play Metal and I want to go low...

[@sodoberman]

Great vid I play a lot worship nowadays Like to use the 5th string to add dynamics/drive down low But if the set list doesn’t call for that, you know I’ma bring my 4. Or crazy slap lines also I’m on the 4 I have a 6, but it rarely gets picked anymore

[@markblackstad8705]

Me too! I have 2 songs in Eb tomorrow in our worship set. For me that is much easier to play with a 5 string and you can use a true low Eb root note. With other songs in the set using standard keys you don't need to switch basses or tunings. Plus what bass player doesn't enjoy dropping some low D, C, or B-bombs from time to time!! Fours do have their place too.

[@sodoberman]

@@markblackstad8705 my funk soul brotha!! Bless that Bass!

[@eazlacfam]

Great video. I’m 5 all the time but lots of food for thought for 4, for certain situations

[@glowco.717]

I feel like the changing instruments/retuning aspect is more relevant than how it was presented. If you’re in a genre where you don’t go that low except maybe once in a set sure, but most modern genres (not just heavy ones either) kinda need you to do that a lot, at least in my experience. The options of change the part or use an octave pedal are pretty major changes to the sound of the band that might not transfer well, and switching basses/retuning kinda prevents you from being a part of transitions in between songs and at worst creates the incredibly awkward “hold on guys don’t start yet I’m still tuning” stage moments. As a working bass player 5s just avoid problems imo, especially if you get a passive switch one for more genre versatility. Still have a 4 (with hipshot detuner 😈)for gigs where it’s older music because I don’t need the B and that way I can keep flatwounds on there permanently and not switch between flats and rounds all the time on my 5

[@OrbitalDeathRay]

3:53 brave man banging a Gibson headstock like that 🤘

[@Surfer8652]

I like 4 string when I'm doing a lot of open E string action, especially for rock or metal it just feels better to pluck the E string without another string behind it, and it's more agile and just feels easier to play if I'm running around on stage. I like 5 string for funk, jazz, and general improv stuff where my bassline is gonna be unpredictable, and I might want to play a low note or an easier walking pattern up the fretboard. There are some styles of music such as Gospel or Death Metal that commonly require 5 string or extended range bass, but I don't really play those, so for me 4vs5 is always a preference decision. If you can only afford one bass and not sure what you want/need yet then get a 5 string.

[@joannalewis5279]

I use a 5 right now as ironically it's my lightest bass. Also adapting to 16.5mm spacing which is another consideration in the topic

[@markblackstad8705]

I agree, when switching between 4 and 5 strings the string spacing issue trips me up more than the extra string. For that reason I really try to avoid switching in the middle of sets, if possible

[@LaPinte23]

Please use the stingray5 at your own risk. It will cause you some groove or funky bass line

[@ProfDrMau]

5 String, cause iam playing in a big band settings mostly in Eb/F/Ab

[@Blakeadam52]

Good GOD i want that aqua sparkle bongo SOOOOO BAD. that shit is so over the top

[@matthewberezowski2870]

What was that song u played at the beginning with the Orange bass?!

[@beegood]

I have both, but use my 4-string basses much more. Short scale has been my mainstay lately.

[@markblackstad8705]

Short scales rock and are the easiest for me to play! I know they do make some short scale five strings but I have never played one. Most think the B string would suffer too much with a 30" scale but some would disagree. Hey Jayme, maybe tackle that issue?

[@Daddythebassist]

Both ❤

[@gimmeagig]

Wow, You have that Metal style so together. I have been a bassist for a long time and I'm pretty versatile but I have no clue how to play in that style. I guess I missed out on something. Do you actually own all the basses you play? And do you have a favorite bass?

[@AJbassist]

3 5 strings LOW E-G with 170 gauge , one low A-C 130 string , one HI-C bass so EADGC1 4 string p with flats

[@marknieuweboer8099]

You forget one option: a BEAD string bass. This has all the advantages of both the four string ánd the five string. Be honest - when do you ever use the five highest notes of the G-string? No downtuning; I simply use a capo. With it I even can turn it back to standard EADG tuning. The only issue is that the fat B-string is tougher to handle. But it's doable, even for a beginner like me.

[@MatthewBerezowski]

I couldn't find it in the playlist, maybe I missed it, but I loved the song at 1:07 in the video, anyone know it?

[@matthewberezowski2870]

Please this song is so good and I can’t get it out of my head

[@thierry18]

There are very few good-sounding five strings in my opinion, and they have to be active. Personally, my five string Spector ns Pulse 2 is the most versatile instrument I've ever played. I still keep a short scale 4 string around if I want a thumpier sound though.

[@tigerscott2966]

Nice studio... There has never been a better time for anyone that is interested in playing an instrument or creating their own music... Just grab that bass and let the music do the talking.

[@carlosvillarroel6665]

Without pedals 5 strings active has everything... With pedals 4 strings and 24 frets. Both fits perfect in all kind of music

[@pCeLobster]

In theory a 5 string should just be a 4 string with more options but I find that I play and think about them differently. A 5 string basically draws my attention more. I'm not only playing a part, I'm kinda thinking about the instrument too. It's because playing a 5 string is a conscious choice and that intentionality makes it veer into nerd town where the gear is important in its own right. A 4 string is just like who cares what this thing is let's rock and roll.

[@recordlabeldao7820]

Not every 4 strings are lighter really depends on the wood. For me 6 strings bass is what i need

[@mockingbirdex3450]

How about having a 4 string in a B-E-A-G tuning ?

[@CNick75]

As far as muting, get a fret wrap and be done There are real limitations on a 4 that don’t exist on a 5. All the negatives you listed about the 5 are all subjective and really just related to needing more practice as you correctly referenced multiple times.

[@tommyhorne1039]

Everyone has his or her own opinion! So stop trying to make up everyone’s mind to match yours!👍

[@SICMetal74]

Omg I thought I was the only one that sucks with a pick!!!

[@joshdennis1]

5 strings rules for covers gigs. No changing instruments or tunings.

[@chriscuthbertson]

I'm lazy, so I only play 5 strings.

[@pringlw]

Why go 5, when you can go 6! 😳

[@eljapel]

2 string basses if you are an honest person :p

[@markbass354]

JAYME YOU LOOK LIKE JUSTIN HARTLEY

[@richardstober2540]

4-string! That’s all you need. How many Hits were recorded with a simple Fender P-Bass?

[@glowco.717]

I mean, maybe 30 years ago. In the modern era you gotta be a little more versatile. Not saying that 4 string p doesn’t still fit in a lot of situations, but you should be thinking about serving the music, not serving your preconceptions about what bass “should be”

[@RebieRebs]

You need more time on a 5 :)

6 String haha

[@KirkDickinson]

You can play 4 strings on a 5 string bass, but you can't play 5 strings on a 4 string bass. I have settled on 5 string because it is more flexible.

[@Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan]

#65_Hype_dontWasteYourXxx_😒

[@russellsingleton9341]

Neither. 6 strings win.

[@lonote1]

why so much distortion? sounds like crap.....