Why Six string bass?

[@blindteo5808]

I went legally blind about 20 years ago from complications to diabetes and prefer the six-string bass because I don't have to shift as much as much more difficult

[@caeserdorkusmallorkus5969]

@blindteo5808 Hi Teo, I would very much like to listen to your playing, and I think many more of us do, too! I couldn't find anything in your channel, so will you kindly tell me how I can find your work? It would be a privilege!!!

[@Six3rdy]

Ayeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!! WE OVERCOMING OBSTACLES OVA HERE!!!!!! Mad respect!

[@dr_bassius]

@Six3rdy fr

[@OlettaLiano]

I began playing 4-string bass in 1975 because Black Sabbath was my favorite band, and I wanted to be Geezer. LOL Anyway, Four strings was enough to play most of the metal stuff i loved. But as I got older and gigged less my musical taste began to change to playing more melodic stuff, so in 2012 I bought a six-string ESP bass, tuned it low E to hi F, and learned to two hand tap and never looked back. All I needed was my six-string bass and a looper pedal and I can entertain myself for hours.

[@wissamvision]

Lovely story to listen, thank you for sharing. Mine with the 6ers is the simply inexplicable drive to get myself one at 15-16 once I knew they existed. I think it was the attraction to their (glorious) aesthetic, at first. On the other hand, I wanted something with as many features & possibilities as possible in a single instrument. Lately I've been "unable" to play any low B string if there's no particular need or intention; it suddenly got confusing to look at! So my 6er is strung and tuned as a very baritone guitar now :)

[@domagojoinky8262]

When it comes to playing bass, I have played 4, 5 and 6 string instruments. Fretted, and fretless. I tried a six string out of curiosity but I was in love and hate relationship with that beast. I went back to 5 string and this is where I stay for the rest of my life because 5 string has a good enough range to cover my needs and neck that is not a chopstick like on 4 string but is not an ironing board like on and extended range instrument.

[@albaker2780]

Ironing board for sure!

[@desmorga6757]

There is a photo of jaco trying out a five string, and didn't he use to own a five string acoustic bass before his famous recordings? This silly string war obfuscates from the real discussion - the fundamental sonic differences between five+ and fours. Me personally, even tho I feel at home on a four, I'm always trying to reach out for invisible notes beyond the highest or lowest, especially when running scales/arpegs that seem to stop at an arbitrary point on a four

[@iceberg220]

Thanks for the excellent video! I got my first 6 strings in the early 2000s and never went back to 4; I have three 6 (one is a fretless) and a 7 and, for convenience if I only need a 4 for a certain gig, it's right there, between the low B and the high C; excellent points you made, thank you!

[@Megatronpt]

I started learning 1 year ago on a 4 string... as I did some classes in one of the courses online and played Yousician and hit some 5 string songs I couldn't play. Searched around.. went down Jazz rabbit hole as well.. and yeah, my Musicman couldn't go there. My new BTB806MS arrived last week.. oh man what a joy!

[@megadawg342]

Put the 4 string away, don't take it out again until you master the 6.

[@Megatronpt]

@@megadawg342 that is what I am doing!

[@petebedrock]

I swore off 5’s (let alone 6’s) several years ago after using 5’s exclusively for 20+years. Then I got a gig that needed below E capability. The 5 I picked up and use now to address it is 9lbs, 6oz. (Sadowsky Modern Japan) A little too heavy for me. So in looking for a lighter 5, I actually discovered an under 8lb 6 string. (Ibanez EHB1506MS) It arrives tomorrow. I got the 6 because Ive never owned one, never needed one. But I’m going to explore it. We’ll see.

[@jonsidell3338]

Congrats and have fun! Those Ibanez headless basses sound awesome below the E.

[@meh2199]

You should look into chambered bodies. They shave off quite a bit of weight. They can get pricey though.

[@KyleJamesMcCann]

As an extended range bass player, as well as a gigging musician, I almost never play more than a 5 at professional gigs. I used to play my 6 at nearly every gig and then as I got into some higher paying gigs I was actually asked to scale it back simply for the aesthetic. I use my ER basses for my solo stuff and at jazz gigs when I know I'm going to solo. ER basses have a different sound. To all the haters saying you should just play guitar; it's not the same as a guitar! The timbre is different, the technique and attack is different. Listen Wayman Tisdale, Julian Vaughn, or Dr Bassius here, along with the artists that he listed. I'm glad you're still making videos Denson!

[@dr_bassius]

Thanks Kyle!! Great comment!

[@StraiyEU]

since i started bass, i always wanted to make some lead or solo bass things, so i got a 6 string kinda quick.. im a metal guy.. 4 would be enough for most bands, but i plan on doing my own thing and a 6 string helps me on that path, because i have ideas where i need to have a six string..

[@steverendall8284]

I love six-strings and I really don't understand why. I got obsessed with ERBs in the early nineties when I saw players on the BBC's Top of the Pops playing basses which had more than four strings. I mean, that just blew my mind. Finally managed to get my own in about 2002 (a 1989 Warwick Thumb VI) and it pretty much ruined my life. I just couldn't play it. Then, years later, I realised this wasn't because of the extra strings, but because the string spacing was only 16.5mm and I'd done everything up to then on 19/20mm. Changed my technique and bingo! All these doors started to open. Then one night I was left drunk and unsupervised on the internet and saw an Ibanez BTB7 and fell in love with the headstock. So I bought it. I have absolutely no situation in which I'd ever need a seven-string, but I fell in love with it immediately and it just draws me in like a magnet to pick it up. I think the proportions of an ERB seem more pleasing too. It's almost like the neck on a four-string is somehow too narrow, but upping it even just buy one string to a five and widening the neck just seem to bring the proportions in to line. Anyway, even though I don't really have any justification to own, let alone play a six (and one of them nearly put me off playing for ever), I still utterly love them and wouldn't be without one

[@SvenJohnson-c4m]

Agreed! Good recap on the topic. I’m just getting into my first 6 and your discussion is very helpful to me. Thanks, brother!

[@dr_bassius]

you're welcome!!

[@Marlon2112]

I play 5 strings bass mostly, but I have a Ibanez BTB676 that I love to play and explore new possibilities. Once you get comfortable with it, it's really good.

[@Six3rdy]

Thank ya for that story fam. Respect the drive and determination. You went like, "I want that, and I want it now!" And you made your dream a reality. BTW, that 7 string is no longer a bass guitar, it's a bass GUITAR!!!!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 (Personally, I'm more of an "electric bass" instead of "bass guitar" type of guy; it just makes more sense to call it a bass instead of a guitar for me. But I'm not necessarily opposed to "bass guitar." I'm accommodating. Lol.)

[@gimmeagig]

In 1975 I saw Herbie Hancock with the Head Hunters. Paul Jackson on bass. The week after I sold my guitar and bought a P bass. In 1979 I moved from Germany to the USA to play bass professionally. I did that until 2004. Now I'm 68 I still play and yes, I also have a 6 string bass but what I hear you do in this clip ( and I know you can play) would have never made such a profound impact on my life.

[@dr_bassius]

That’s awesome that you made bass your life! I Don’t quite understand your meaning…. Are you saying this video is not impactful?

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Saying Jaco didn’t live long enough to use a 6 is a great point and also Felix like you said using a 6 is a monster player Jaco left us way to soon

[@adamrennie9170]

I started my interest in 6-String because of Primus, but one day at a band competition in High School I discovered (Much like Denson) Jimmy Haslip's Melodic Bass Library, which is an amazing book. My first 6-String was an Ibanez as well. Later, when I was taking lessons from Denson, I was even more inspired. Later, as a gift my father bought me a Custom Carvin Fretless 6-String, which I still own today. In regards to the "Jaco argument." I agree with Denson. When you look at how Jaco studied his instrument, I think he would have been enamored with today's modern ERBs. Several Jaco books out there have appendices where Jaco would force himself to play the same music but only use 2 strings. This only bolsters what Denson says that Jaco was an incredible theorist, and he had an intimate knowledge of the fretboard that ran so deep it was illustrated in his musical skill and talent. I appreciate this video.

[@peterjanjanin9883]

Felix does play a 6 after all...

[@vidmooreda]

Whoa that low G... i felt my brain melt for a second

[@LordEradicus]

4-strings 4-ever for me. Absolutely nothing against those who play 5- or 6-strings--I actually think those who have mastered them are fantastic, and I often sit & listen in admiration--but not being a session player and being more groove-oriented, I've never needed the extra options more strings would give. So in short, always play what works for you.

[@dr_bassius]

Absolutely nailed it! You gotta do what you gotta do 🤩

[@keithkenyon3845]

why not? make the music you want to make on the instrument you want to play. it's amazing how the role of the bass has changed even in the past 20 years. i 1000% agree that jaco would've loved extended range instruments had he lived long enough. his son Felix plays a six.... and is utterly ridiculous on it. so musical! i'm not a fan of gatekeeping and love hearing/seeing bassists push boundaries, break norms, think differently. it's exciting and refreshing. i own a six and while i don't really ever use it live, it's a permanent fixture in my stable and i use it all the time at home to work on composition and recording projects. i believe all these extended range instruments have their place. it's progression, pure and simple. oh, and i still love getting down on my p bass. rock on, brother!!

[@marioduron4376]

I basically had bass guitar on hold after highschool. But I knew I was good. Now I am feeling good back on track with instruments. Well I got everything I need now. Basically I like the adaptation between different instruments. I found some really good value on basses that were in high demand back in the mid nineties. Four string I'm decent with funk type rock. Five is my main focus now. Mid scale and full scale. The Bongo four string I have strung bead. And I'm building some of my own projects. I just finished a guitar and it is totally the highest cleanest attack I've ever heard. I like all scales of guitar but the baritone guitar scale is not useful. I'm into the six string bass, I am happy with an LTD. Overall I think the five string is all that will be in demand. I like playing the six string bass. I practice with classical style with theory. Big time I like Primus as well. But I don't want to copy. Mainly for the technique. I'm trying to learn from Alex Webster. That's about all, I don't want to brag on the basses. I just knew the value based upon the rarity. Of course the market for guitars is super oversaturated. But it'll change as soon as factory production slowed down. The eight string bass with standard bass tuning of a four is really refreshing, as well the twelve string tuned standard. The seven string could be used with an f# at bottom. Better than a high f string in my opinion. Anyway the seven string bass would be nice headless. I intend to build a seven string bass with Hipshot hardware. Pretty ambitious, might fail. Mid scale seven string bass would be nice for hitting chords. I love the 32 inch scale with the five string. It'll work with seven strings maybe. I have a mini Les Paul to finish. I'll be getting a better practice routine. I feel strength training is important with how aggressive and enduring I play. Louis Johnson was my original inspiration. My bass teacher from teenage years was a studio musician and he toured with the Righteous Brothers. He played a six string upright, and he had a big solo with it. It was custom built. I should have tried harder to learn from him. Anyway the style of practice is the main component. He taught me how to practice. And focus on what's most relevant.

[@oobeoobe]

My first bass was a squier jazz when i was 19. I don't think I could ever part with it even though I have several other basses; she was the start of my journey into music. About 2 years ago I bought a sire m7 6 string bass for the extended range over a 4 or 5 string. I'll say the 6 string had quite a sharp learning curve as it required a lot of attention to string muting, specifically the low B, to prevent unwanted noise. It has been quite a journey learning to play all of the stuff I used to play on a 4 string using the 6. Right hand picking with fingers or a pick needed new or adjusted techniques to play cleanly. I'm not a great 6 string player, but it has opened some completely new ways of approaching some old tunes I love to play; having the low B to venture into has become very useful. Having those higher registers to noodle with outside of a band setting is lots of fun too. Overall, adapting to a new instrument has been very rewarding and like my other guitars, my 6 string speaks to me in its own unique way and so I play differently with it.

[@wszystkojedno696]

Thanks for sharing your story, it's inspiring. The question is, are thin strings still a bass strings? because alone they simply doesn't sound "bassy". I mean it's great instruments (I also play on 6s and 7s) but for me it's a 'guitar-bass'. Just something different than a regular 'clean' bass.

[@philljrton]

I built a six string bass from a putbull kit one time I did string it with fender bass IV strings on it and was really cool because it was like a giant guitar

[@iamdantalion7333]

I'm currently using a 5 string bass but when I watched your video, I might consider getting a 6 string and see where it gets me.

[@dr_bassius]

It'll be FUN I'm sure!

[@norbicsek]

This is gonna be a bit of a tangent, but I think there is an overlooked aspect to the extreme stupidity of the "jAcO oNLy NeEdEd fOuR" argument, that I can only explain by explaining a virtually unrelated phenomenon. I really like bands like Ween and They Might Be Giants, acts that started out as a couple of dudes recording pisstakes on four-tracks, using tape-manipulation, samplers and drum machines in order to make up for their lack of personnel/equipment/budget. A lot of these acts end up branching out with time, morphing into fully-formed ensembles, ditching the DIY production techniques and mechanized rhythm sections, and inevitably, people are gonna have an issue with that. TMBG in particular provoked a lot of vitriol when John Henry came out, and even to this day, even some people who actually like their newer stuff seem to agree that their original essence is basically gone. Granted, if someone just isn't into the new sound, that's completely understandable, but reducing a band's entire songwriting/production prowess to the specific limitations that were imposed on them early on seems like a backwards way of viewing creativity. Ween being creative geniuses _because_ they made amazing music out of lo-fi home recordings and bizarre effects and cheap drum machines is not the case in my opinion, it's the other way around: they are creative geniuses, _so they were able to_ make amazing music even within those limitations, but you can put them in a situation where they get to record a pop-rock album professionally in a studio with a full band, and that context alone won't diminish their creative essence at all (see: White Pepper). The lack of a real drummer, or good equipment, or whatever other constraint isn't what makes these bands good, it's the fact that they could make music out of a beer bottle and a pair of shoelaces - but they shouldn't be required to do that in order to be appreciated. And I think this thought process applies to the whole bass argument: a lot of the artists 4-string-purists name as evidence for their point, like Jaco, or Justin Chancellor, are known for pushing the instrument to its limits due to their immense skill and creativity, but that doesn't mean giving them an instrument where a drop-tuning isn't necessary, where they don't have to play crazy high up the neck, where they have more options for crazy chord-voicing, etc., would somehow diminish the accomplishment of them coming up with potentially the very same music. It's not the limitation that matters, it's _what you do_ despite any limitation - or lack thereof.

[@vincentmorelli1013]

Both my teachers were 6 string players. I'm primarily a 4 string player through an overdriven amp but looking to expand my repertoire.

[@stheno3178]

Hi very interesting video. I play six string because I play in a strict sight reading band and reading the dots meant you had to look at the printed page. The six string allows you to play 2 octaves over 5 frets so for me it was a safer option to overcome the technical difficulties presented by the six string rather than navigate large shifts on a 4 string.

[@SecondaryHomunculus]

I went extended-range for the range across the fretboard -- much less motion up and down the neck -- and playing death metal in the 90s I needed it, but also because I'm an absolute clown and like as much to play around with as I can. I love stuff like Mr. Bungle and noise/experimental industrial & jazz, so you get the idea.

[@lowend]

I really enjoy playing 6 string for chordal and tapping stuff, but it's definitely a learning curve!

[@petestowne]

Thanks for the video. I am currently mostly playing a 5 string and mostly because of the smaller string distance.. but also having that extended range is nice when I am noodling around at home by myself. However.. I felt that this was not enough and I ended up ordering the new Ibanez SR1426B.. I haven’t even tried it but I know it’s going to be awesome. But I feel at home even with a 4 string.. it’s a matter of what you like to work with, I just like having that ability to both do the bass and also play solos and fool around if I want to.

[@sunburstbasser]

I don't have a six...yet! The local music store had an Ibanez BTB six string several years ago. I tried it out, and I really liked it. I didn't have the money then, but I made a mental note and decided that, at some point, I wanted a six. It took really paying attention to some Anthony Jackson for me to begin to understand the possibilities of a bass with more than five strings. I have my fretless strung with piccolo strings ala Manring, and I like that sound.

[@DasOmen02]

As Billy Sheehan once said "just play whatever you wanna play; it's cool!"

[@OlettaLiano]

Absolutely.

[@megadawg342]

To me it's the difference between a 66 key keyboard or a GRAND PIANO'S full range. For me it was joining a DREAM THEATER cover band. Myung's bass parts required it. And some Steve Vai tunes we did too. "For the Love of God". If you can use it, and make it sound great,... BTW, Phil Lesh with The Grateful Dead played the first 6 string I ever saw. An Alembic?

[@doncaffery1146]

I started on a 4. I remember saying 5 was a waste, what would I need that for? Made some cash playing and headed to guitar center where they talked me into a 5. I hated it. lol. LSS I got used to the 5 and loved that low B. I strung it baritone after listening to a Vic Wooten interview. I loved that C and the crazy top range, but I sorely missed that low B, thus I bought my first 6 and haven't looked back. Love all my basses, but my six is my main.

[@joshuasprings6927]

That bass is awesome and i definitely plan on working my way up to a 6 string but i couldn't keep my eyes off of the anakin pod racer helmet its something ive been on the hunt for for my collection

[@dr_bassius]

Check eBay!

[@edwincancelii2917]

I love those low G & low A on that 7 string bass guitar. In fact, there should be a 4 string low G bass or contrabass guitar, tuned in fifths, just like the violin & the mandolin. That’s G0, D1, A1 & E2.

[@dr_bassius]

You should make one! ☝️

[@jeff-cn1jt]

I do a six- because I just want to be unique- I am getting around to putting some double coil hamburgers on it- A Glarry- I also have large hands so I want to be able to do things that are difficult

[@di0__0ib]

good time for me to catch this video. I bought a Custom 6 Schecter bass a few weeks ago. I love it

[@dr_bassius]

fantastic!

[@szabolcsmate5254]

Ican't play the 4 string. But I bought a 5 string. Because I am into prog metal. I can't play that either. But I am not a musician, I just like music, instruments, and playing WITH instruments as if they were toys, and I am so grateful I can do that. That's a happy me. Bass players out there, judge me if you want. That's fine.

[@LXi0046]

Same. I started on 4, and that was fine. But 6 feels home now that I’ve been playing prog for years. The 6 fits like a glove when playing melodic bass intros, tapping, and playing fast with thinner necks and closer strings spacing

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

I just heard you and saw that beautiful 7 string in....AMP's video about expensive basses and had to come over and subscribe when you said you have a channel. I put my first drum set on LAYAWAY ( but even back then that might've been too old a term for making payments 😂 ) back in 93 ( I was 18 and had a ton of hair back then too 🤣 ) ....but was still just picking up 4 string around then or a year or two later.... And I think I started with 4 because that was the most bass I could afford at the time that I could get the soonest while making payments. In other words, if I were more patient back in the day, I could have started with a 6 if I could have waited twice as long to pay it off, but I had to have and play it as soon as possible. And I'm pretty sure, while I was paying off my instruments, I would go VISIT them at the music store and play them when I dropped off money 😂🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦‍♂️ I think the other reason I started with 4 for my first bass, was because my local music store didn't stock any 6's at the time. I'm not even sure they had any 5 strings for awhile. And again, I was going for the cheapest instrument I could get that was sort of cool. My first 6 string was an Aria Pro 2 ...Stuart.......or Steve......Bailey??🤔 😂 I think that's his name. It was a dark finish with a natural neck through stripe up the middle...Lovely bass that I later sanded to the grain, carved, refinished, painted in places, stickered, and later made into a fretless, probably REfretted, then REFRETLESSED, because I'm a crazy artist type that likes to customize everything 🤷‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️ Within the last 15 years I turned it into a quasi acoustic electric by hollowing it out ( a two inch thick electric body 😵‍💫 ) and topping it with plexiglass.....I don't even remember what happened to it 🤯 Now that I think about it, I had a heavily modified cheapo strat around then that also disappeared and I have no recollection of what happened to it......I just uncovered a personal mystery in a youtube comment 😂 Mind blown 🤯

[@dr_bassius]

Thanks for the sub 😅

[@mujari]

So for the LONGEST time I thought 6 strings were dumb. Started on 4, playing rush and system of a down, both using 4 strings, albeit the latter using a different tuning. I thought "geddy, Jaco, victor, they don't need more than that" and eventually my dad got me a 5 string jazz bass and it was over. I played all the rush synth parts on bass and thought "why didn't he just do this?" Played in church, got a steinberger synapse 5 string, and then 2 zons. A sonus custom and a special fretless. And those were my main basses for 8 years. I tuned them A E A D G to get that low A. I went to try to sell them to get a zon headless Vinny 5 string but saw there was only a 6 string and thought "f it, I'll figure it out" and they wouldn't buy my zons lol. But they'd trade for the ibanez ehb1506. I played it in the store and being able to play an Eb on the D string and the octave and I was hooked. I then asked you how do I learn it and you said this video was coming lol. Playing 4 strings feels so small. But I'm different than you. I play the bass I want and if I don't use the C or B string, oh well, I'd rather have it and not need it ya know. But yeah it's crazy, it's so useful. I'm imitating a guitar at church this weekend cause I have the extended range on the C string. I CONSIDERED going down a string and doing F# B E A D G but with my current tuning that would only get me 3 more notes and I've never needed a low Ab or G or F#. But yeah thanks for this video and the history!

[@bernardoj54]

6-string bass is the best instrument ever made

[@darthg6505]

Nice Basses! Question? Does a 6 string bass tune like a 6 string guitar? or Can it? Also I love your Star Wars Mandalorian Tattoo & helmets, very nice!

[@dr_bassius]

Thanks! Usually people tune it perfect fourths. BEADGC. A seven adds an F

[@darthg6505]

Thanks for the tip, After tax time I plan on ordering a custom shop 6 string B.C. Rich Bass with an Iron Bird body. "This is the way" @@dr_bassius

[@dr_bassius]

@@darthg6505 this is the way 🙏

[@albaker2780]

I loooove 6 strings, but I had to go down to 5 as I could not mute a 6. I play and odd thumb only and muting was killing me.

[@planet_b1ue]

Hello goodsir, would you recommend the Ibanez SRMS806. It's a multiscale 6 string bass that I love the idea of, and just like you did I love jazz and fusion and only have a fender squire

[@dr_bassius]

I can’t recommend a multi scale because I don’t play them. But if that inspires you then do it!! Maybe you’ll love it!!! That’s what matters!

[@josephwalton487]

Whether you are playing an ACDC cover gig or a Dream Theater cover gig play a 6 string if it is comfortable. My answer to people when they ask me why I play 5 and 6 strings these days is, "You don't see keyboard players using all possible 88 keys in a gig. Why do I need to use every string and every note just to appease someone else? I like it".

[@thepeopleschoice431]

Been playing 4s and 5s forever but I’m really wanting to get a 6 lately.

[@dr_bassius]

What’s stopping you 😜

[@jan-a26]

Man those 800 dollars and walmart story is so true. That will be me once the following college semester is over

[@gebass6479]

I first picked up the six after seeing Adam Nitti in Chicago in 2007. Why?Because I've have seen the "Hidden door"

[@dr_bassius]

Nice! Love Adam. He and I are buds because of vixcamps.

[@MelonPlaysBass]

Anthony Jackson only needed 6 strings

[@FvdWSeatbelt]

as always great video's 👌 which fretless 5 string is still your favorite? (sorry for my English)

[@dr_bassius]

My Ibanez Gary Willis gwb1

[@cranklabexplosion-labcentr8245]

I just traded a Rogue 5 string for a Glarry 6! Needless to say, things going fretless.

[@1234drums]

Goods povs, ty ❤❤❤❤

[@carruanaalexandre]

I play a lot 6 string bass

[@ParanoidGoblinoid]

0:12 Wing Chun FTW ❤

[@dr_bassius]

Hell yeah 👍

[@NMbass906]

I don't care that Jaco only used 4 strings. Phil Lesh is still using 6 strings, so there!

[@selfactualizer2099]

I think 6 string should be standard, but i think 7 string is worse than 6 string

[@dr_bassius]

How so?

[@iceberg220]

A 7 gives you even more options than a 6; the downside for some players would be the wider neck and the weight (on some basses), but I don't se how it's worse than a 6, at least, not for me

[@josephwalton487]

Oh and one other thing...there is a picture of Jaco and a 5 string acoustic he made. If he would have been alive these days he for sure would at least mess around on a 6 and maybe 7.

[@josephwalton487]

And when people get bent out of shape about anything to do with a musician and their instrument of choice....100% of the time it is because that person can't play it or do it.