LearnGospelMusic.com Community
Gospel Instruments => Bass Guitar => Topic started by: willieg on January 23, 2008, 10:39:34 AM
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I need some help with playing a five string bass. I know that this will sound crazy, but I have been playing a five string for almost 2 years now, but i recently realized that i was reallly playng a 4 string but uising a 5 string bass. What i am trying to say is that i don't think that I am getting the most out of the extra string. Can someone give me some help or tips to use the oter string more.
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Try playing all the songs you know but, using the frets on the B, which may mean being further up the neck. I find 5 strings much easier to solo on also because of the width of the neck and the B, caus iv got long fingers.
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I need some help with playing a five string bass. I know that this will sound crazy, but I have been playing a five string for almost 2 years now, but i recently realized that i was reallly playng a 4 string but uising a 5 string bass. What i am trying to say is that i don't think that I am getting the most out of the extra string. Can someone give me some help or tips to use the oter string more.
When I transitioned to a 5, I would play songs using the B string to see how the extended range could benefit me, if it was easier in the current rage, I would would continue playing the way I was already playing.
Example: Lets say it was a 1-6-2-5-1... starting at the F.
The Notes would consist of F D G C F
Four String
G||-----|-----|-----|-----|--C--|-----|
D||-----|-----|--F--|-----|--G--|-----|
A||-----|-----|--C -|-----|--D-|-----|
E||--F--|-----|--G-|-----|-----|-----|
In the 4 string example, The Notes are pretty easy to get to... I could even use open notes in that range.
I just found using the 1st & 3rd Fret on the B string the easiest position to play at and add runs, from there, so I began to utilize the B string.
Also, I got deeper tones at my disposal now.
Five String
G||-----|-----|-----|-----|--C--|-----|
D||-----|-----|--F--|-----|--G--|-----|
A||-----|-----|--C -|-----|--D-|-----|
E||--F--|-----|--G-|-----|-----|-----|
B||--C--|-----|--D-|-----|-----|-----|
We minister alot of songs in Db, Eb, E, and F... Which all fall on the B string within the first 6 frets, perfect for me. & we also do songs in Ab and Bb, which fall on the E string at the 4th & 6th Fret. I got so comfortable playing in that area, that I didn't venture much further, You could say that the I got spoiled...
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As a recent 5-string convert, I can totally symphatize with not exactly knowing what to do with that extra string but there are a number of interesting techniques you can help you get in the right frame of mind.
I got mine mostly because we play in a lot of flat keys, and I hated grooving down low and then having to go way up to hit my Eb. That was the first bit of liberation that I felt with the 5-string, so look for opportunities to drop down below the E for notes you used to have to play in higher octaves. The other musicians on my team still give me warm smiles when I hold notes in the low end of the fretboard.
You can also use the lowest string for bouncing back and forth between the root and the 5th for the lower notes. For instance, on a 4-string you used to have to bounce from the low G up to the high D. Now you can go back and forth between the G and the lower D. It's simple but it opens up more options.
Another interesting option that the 5-string allows is playing lower notes in a higher position. Take a first position groove you're already familiar with and play it in the fifth position on a lower set of strings. In other words, pretend like the 5th fret on your B string is your open E string and play something you know pretty well. It'll give you a fatter, rounder tone which really opens up the range of expression. If you're used to position playing, it'll also get you set for dropping down to lower notes without having to retrain your brain.
Consider using the extra string for walk-ups to E or F. Any of the lower approaches you used to use to get to the A, you can now apply to the E. The basic shout groove ( E G# A A# | B C# D D# ) should give you a sense of what's possible here.
Hope that helps. Just keep trying to focus on ways you can make tasteful use of those extra five notes and you'll find ways to apply them that fit your own style.
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...I hated grooving down low and then having to go way up to hit my Eb.
On some cds these guys are detuning to Bb, some all the way down to A. And unless I tune down, I'm right back in that same situation again. And I really don't want to detune, not really. Now, if I had 2 basses... Hmmm.
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Hey Y'all,
I am detuned bassist infact I take all my strings down a whole step (A,D,G,C,F). The true benefit is that is I got the whole lower end of the piano covered. I lose on the high end. There is a light sonic difference but I like it. If you want to try detuning make sure you get a setup the is the key. If you are in the San Fernando Valley, CA I got a guy who does a great job and the cost is great.
Be Blessed
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I also detune, but in flats. As far as using the 5th string, you will just have to force yourself to do it. I know its hard, but I have no secret to doing so. I'm currently looking for a 4 strings fender, so that I can get the feel of the 4 string. I've picked up some, but hated it, but I'm going to force myself to love it. I love 5 and up and don't have a problem with any of them.
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Thanks for the advice and help. Sorry for posting this topic again. I hadn't been on the site in a while, and i didn't notice that there was another similar post on Jan 6th. anyway between the two post i definitely got somethings that i can work on.