Topic: 6 & 7 strings vs. 4 & 5 strings.......... (Read 5672 times)

BigFoot_BigThumb · « **on:** February 24, 2008, 06:35:07 AM »

How many of you cats are playing 6 and 7-string basses? Do you play them for the improvisational range available, or can it be really useful in laying the groove? Would you recommend them for a groove player or strictly a soloist type player? I've seen lots of players use them strictly for groove, but they never go beyond the G-string. Can these basses be overkill? Or can they make you an even better player?

Main5playah · « **Reply #1 on:** February 24, 2008, 07:38:39 AM »

Interesting question Bigfoot_Bigthump, I mainly play my 6 for the ease of additional range when it comes to soloing, certain songs now-a-days require that "C" string to be in their. Now I know players who still play the "Truth" ( I call a 4 string Bass the truth) religiously and hate players that play 5-6 string Basses. They say we're lazy and that all you need do is know your fret board, well I do know my fret board I just enjoy being able to hit my notes within the lower register of the fret board (The meat and potatoes as I call it). It took a minute for 5 string Basses to be accepted, in like manner it will take a minute or two for 7 string and above.
Realistically speaking 6 is more than enough for me and currently I have no use for a 7 or above, but if that were to change I surely would be open to attempting to master it, whether it was for laying down a groove or soloing.

BigFoot_BigThumb · « **Reply #2 on:** February 24, 2008, 07:48:03 AM »

Funny you should say that.

My best friend used to own a beautiful 6-string Tobias bass. He got rid of it and said it was because it made him lazy. I told him I wanted to get a 7-string because I felt it would force me to learn a broader range and he said it would make me lazy.

I'm considering getting an entry-level 6 or 7 string to fool around with so I can easily get rid of it if it doesn' fit into my routine. I have played a six before on a gig, and I kept forgetting bout that C-string because I'm so used to the 5. I got lost on a song several times when that happened.

dhagler · « **Reply #3 on:** February 24, 2008, 01:09:43 PM »

I play a 4 and a 5. If I had to characterize myself I guess I would be a groove player. Should I become more of a soloist I might see the need for a 6.

mjl422 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 24, 2008, 04:59:06 PM »

Quote from: BigFoot_BigThumb on February 24, 2008, 07:48:03 AM

Funny you should say that.

My best friend used to own a beautiful 6-string Tobias bass. He got rid of it and said it was because it made him lazy. I told him I wanted to get a 7-string because I felt it would force me to learn a broader range and he said it would make me lazy.

I'm considering getting an entry-level 6 or 7 string to fool around with so I can easily get rid of it if it doesn' fit into my routine. I have played a six before on a gig, and I kept forgetting bout that C-string because I'm so used to the 5. I got lost on a song several times when that happened.

Playing a bassline in one position as opposed to moving up and down the neck, doesn't mean that you're lazy. It just means that you are using what's available to you. If you become lazy, as a player, it's because you're lazy. The bass doesn't make you lazy. You still have access to all the notes up and down the neck.

I play a 6 string because I prefer to play across the neck but, I also play up and down the neck as the song dictates. Sometimes notes sound better at the lower end of the neck. Sometimes they sound better at the upper end of the neck. I also like to play chords and the C string is very useful for me.

jeremyr · « **Reply #5 on:** February 24, 2008, 05:46:56 PM »

I play a 5 & a 6.

Mainly because the churches I play at live in the key of C#/Db and you can't have a super high key to start with. The 6 just makes playing easier IMHO. nothing more nothing less.

mr.dj · « **Reply #6 on:** February 25, 2008, 12:24:16 PM »

Quote from: jeremyr on February 24, 2008, 05:46:56 PM

I play a 5 & a 6.

Mainly because the churches I play at live in the key of C#/Db and you can't have a super high key to start with. The 6 just makes playing easier IMHO. nothing more nothing less.

Cosign

Steelpulz · « **Reply #7 on:** February 25, 2008, 06:25:00 PM »

I play a 7-string. I consider myself a pocket player, mostly. There are a few reasons that I chose my bass (a Conklin GTBD-7). First, it is an extremely well-made, almost custom quality for a reasonable price (around $1,300.) Second, the elctronics are great, a Bartolini preamp and pickups. Third, it is purty. Fourth, I wanted the range. A lot of gospel songs incorporate Bb and other notes below the B-string and I didn't want to down tune the bass. My bass is tuned F#-C.

Quote from: BigFoot_BigThumb on February 24, 2008, 07:48:03 AM

Funny you should say that.

I got lost on a song several times when that happened.

It does take a minute (months) to get used to. I got lost many times looking at all of those strings. But. you get used to it.

I also like the fact that I can play most songs in one position if I choose to. At the same time I have the range to play anywhere on the bass considering the chord progressions, and the tmibre of the note that I need. I love it.

BigFoot_BigThumb · « **Reply #8 on:** February 26, 2008, 12:09:23 PM »

Appreciate your responses.

Quebass86 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 26, 2008, 12:15:02 PM »

I promised myself that I would get me a 6 string when I could consistantly apply chords to songs. I am just about getting there. With more practice and application I think I will be comfortable around June of this year so my question is what is a good 6 string to invest in that will not cost alot of money initially with the intent on getting something later on down the road with a little more quality?

Thanks...

Bullitt · « **Reply #10 on:** February 28, 2008, 11:07:31 PM »

I play a 5 & 6 string.

I go through phases where I'll play one bass more than the other but lately I've been showing the 5-string more love because most of my playing situations have been more "groove" oriented. If I know I'm going to be playing with a beginner/intermediate keyboard player then I'll typically bring out the 6 string to help fill in the gaps.

God Bless,
-J

bassthumpa · « **Reply #11 on:** February 29, 2008, 03:31:01 PM »

I'm pretty close to securing a 6'er. I want it mostly for the range, and would eventually use it to work on chords.

dcdabassman · « **Reply #12 on:** February 29, 2008, 03:45:37 PM »

Quote from: jeremyr on February 24, 2008, 05:46:56 PM

I play a 5 & a 6.

Mainly because the churches I play at live in the key of C#/Db and you can't have a super high key to start with. The 6 just makes playing easier IMHO. nothing more nothing less.

I'm all okayy with u

Steelpulz · « **Reply #13 on:** February 29, 2008, 07:47:46 PM »

G

Quote from: bassthumpa on February 29, 2008, 03:31:01 PM

I'm pretty close to securing a 6'er. I want it mostly for the range, and would eventually use it to work on chords.

Go on and get a 7 man!!!

bassthumpa · « **Reply #14 on:** February 29, 2008, 10:52:19 PM »

Quote from: Steelpulz on February 29, 2008, 07:47:46 PM

GGo on and get a 7 man!!!

LOL! Naw man, I just don't see myself needing to take that step. You never know though...

cordney · « **Reply #15 on:** March 01, 2008, 02:07:45 PM »

I'm looking for a six and a four right now but I have a couple of bills to take care of before that next purchase...lol. The six will be purchased right after I file my taxes.

seemunny · « **Reply #16 on:** June 09, 2008, 01:22:57 AM »

Hmm, it seems to me, the logic comes down to this:

4 string: Lacking the low notes. Bass players kept finding the need to tune the low E string down.
5 string: Has the low B. A logical correction or upgrade from the 4 string limitations.
6 string: Everything that a 5 string has, plus for those who like to play chords, and often plays "melodic solos" using the high notes.
7 string: NOTHING! Just too doggone much!...You takin it too far Doc!...JUST SAY NO!...Run while you can!

...It's never too late!...Where'd you put your wooden stake & crucifix!!...The first step to recovery is "admission"....And just remember, you can overcome this: "YES YOU CAN!"

Quote from: Steelpulz on February 29, 2008, 07:47:46 PM

GGo on and get a 7 man!!!

And Bassthumpa, don't listen to Steelpulz! He's trying to "tempt" you man! His real name is "Damien!" and his address is 666 Elm Street!

...don't fall for it man! Be Strong!!

Thus the Logic Verdict comes down to: "Moderation" not extremes, meaning the two in the middle, not the two on the end!

5 string/6 string WINS!!!

Just havin fun. Get whatever floats your boat. And if you have a boat, you're probably rich. Can i borrow $13.41 cents?...i swear i'll get it back to you October 24th....i ain't lyin! - ok, ok, if not on the 24th, then i PROMISE on the 32nd!...and that's my word!

cordney · « **Reply #17 on:** June 09, 2008, 03:37:57 AM »

Quote from: cordney on March 01, 2008, 02:07:45 PM

I'm looking for a six and a four right now but I have a couple of bills to take care of before that next purchase...lol. The six will be purchased right after I file my taxes.

The reason I purchased a four was I felt I had gotten too lazy with my playing. I still play the five the majority of the time because of its deepness. But any songs I learn now...I learn on the four first and then the five.

floaded27 · « **Reply #18 on:** June 09, 2008, 09:50:43 AM »

its all about the person, not just their playing, but their physical structure. i could never get a 6 string because i would lose access to all my notes on the low string, thus losing the whole point of playing bass. the way i would have to curve my wrist (i got the short fat sausage fingers, not the long thin #2 pencil fingers) is just so uncomfortable and dangerous that after 1 song i'd be crippled for life. LOL. if i start really chording and stuff, i might just get another 5 and tune E-A-D-G-C. so its really no this or that, it really depends on the person. comfortability ranks above tone and range, because what good is tone and range if u injure urself to the point where after a while u can no longer play?

ddwilkins · « **Reply #19 on:** June 09, 2008, 06:18:38 PM »

I miss my six string and I grooved on it.

Author Topic: 6 & 7 strings vs. 4 & 5 strings.......... (Read 5672 times)