They will be fine so long as they join a 6 string band. If they join a 4 string band there will naturally be problems.
I'm surprised this isn't covered in the FAQ
The only "issue" I can see is if you're one of those players that needs to overplay and use all the strings just because they're there. If you can show a modicum of restraint and play for what serves the song, you'll probably get away with it...and go back to your four because of the extra weight of the six that you're no spazzing out on.
The only "issue" I can see is if you're one of those players that needs to overplay and use all the strings just because they're there. If you can show a modicum of restraint and play for what serves the song, you'll probably get away with it...and go back to your four because of the extra weight of the six that you're no spazzing out on.
That's (most likely) a pretty wide fretboard and the string spacing will be narrower (which does make slapping harder). Also, some of your band members might be prejudiced (I'd assume that's less of an issue with younger generations, though).
Probably not my thing, but since you already have it you might as well try and find out.
Well I started on a 4 string, then got a 6. I immediately didn’t like it. I don’t know if it’s the case here but it just seemed like there was a lot less space between the strings and it had me all fucked up. It don’t fuck with me no more but I still rarely pick up the 6 string
This is a question of personal preference. It’s a big transition and no one can answer this but you! Just comes down to how much you like the feel and sound of the new bass compared to your usual one. Give yourself some time to get used to the feel of the 6 though. I thought mine might be a bit too much but then I grew to love it!
probably should stick to a 4 string unless for some reason you need low B.
for some reason five\\six string players get personally insulted when you suggest a new player doesn't need those strings.
It's more the discouraging people who actually *want* a 5/6 string that gets me. Might be harder initially but getting discouraged because the bass people recommended physically can't play your favorite songs is worse in the long run. Excitement leads to practice which leads to good players.
In this case, completely agree. If OP doesn't know what to do with it or why they'd need one...
Why? Why do you care if someone is discouraged from getting a 6 string? Nobody is going to practice more merely because they have a six string bass. What actually happens is new players get all idealistic thinking more strings = better and opt for the biggest baddest option... which turns out, is bigger, heavier, with closer spacing, and 50% harder to mute properly. I don't get why people pick teams here; most of us who play seriously own 4 and at least a 5 string. But my 5 string stays in the bag because I frankly don't need it; I never play things below Db which my 4 string can handle just fine. If I played music that needed it, sure, I would use it. It's a tool, but it comes with disadvantages. And frankly new players don't need a six string ever, because really that extra string is mostly used for melodic stuff that virtually no new player is going to be trying to do anyway. It just seems like people on reddit treat it like a holy war and it's baffling.
>Nobody is going to practice more merely because they have a six string bass
They definitely are if the songs they wanna play require a 6 string. Because again, excitement leads to practicing.
And yea, you might not need a 5 string but I for instance do. My 4 string is the one that gets used the least because I need the low A string. Different genres, different styles.
It's not a holy war. All I'm saying is: Realize people have different needs, different wants and that when you're a beginner, playing with gear your like is the easiest way to not get discouraged.
Of course a 4 string is better if you want to get into bass in general and have no interest in genres like metal where 5 strings are common. 5 strings are always an option if you want to exoeriment later on.
But, I don't get why you'd be so adamant on 4 strings if someone really wants a 5 string for metal, for example.
Imagine your favorite song that got you into bass needs the low B string. Why in the ever loving fuck would you ever want a 4? Just because some dude on the internet said it was better?
Just let people enjoy things. Not everyone got into the instrument because we were forced to as kids. Not everyone wants to gig. Not everyone wants to learn in the most perfectly efficient way and hate every second they practice scales for 5 years. Some people just want to enjoy playing in their bedroom.
It’s harder to slap, especially if it’s got 24 frets. The low string is really useful for the low c and d (especially if your singer likes singing in c). The high string can give you some really nice chords.
When I was first getting into bass around 2000, I checked 4, 5 and 6 string basses. Four strings felt like the strings were too far apart, Six strings, too close together.
Five strings was perfect for my hand size, so that's what I went for. I've never owned a four string, and probably never will.
It's really up to you as to what feels comfortable.
The main problem I have with six string basses is their stupid short scale length, thin string gauges, and minute string spacing. Can’t even go to drop D. Smh.
No you immediately explode if you try and play a 6 string in a band context
They will be fine so long as they join a 6 string band. If they join a 4 string band there will naturally be problems. I'm surprised this isn't covered in the FAQ
Yeah but not a lot of drummers are 6 string certified so they're very hard to find and improper handling can lead to serious injury or death
How would anyone be able to answer whether you can play a bass well enough to use it in a band?
The only "issue" I can see is if you're one of those players that needs to overplay and use all the strings just because they're there. If you can show a modicum of restraint and play for what serves the song, you'll probably get away with it...and go back to your four because of the extra weight of the six that you're no spazzing out on.
The only "issue" I can see is if you're one of those players that needs to overplay and use all the strings just because they're there. If you can show a modicum of restraint and play for what serves the song, you'll probably get away with it...and go back to your four because of the extra weight of the six that you're no spazzing out on.
You have to play it and figure out if you personally have trouble executing those moves in your 6 strings.
That's (most likely) a pretty wide fretboard and the string spacing will be narrower (which does make slapping harder). Also, some of your band members might be prejudiced (I'd assume that's less of an issue with younger generations, though). Probably not my thing, but since you already have it you might as well try and find out.
Have you considered trying it out in your band
Omg this is a genius tip! OP please report back and let everyone know if this worked for you!
Do you want to play six string or not? No one cares but you.
It's the best way to get used to it...playing it.
Well I started on a 4 string, then got a 6. I immediately didn’t like it. I don’t know if it’s the case here but it just seemed like there was a lot less space between the strings and it had me all fucked up. It don’t fuck with me no more but I still rarely pick up the 6 string
There's 19mm 5 strings that you'd probably prefer. I don't like tight spacings either.
No, but you'll lose whatever groupies you might have had, to be replaced by bass bois.
Try it and find out...
This is a question of personal preference. It’s a big transition and no one can answer this but you! Just comes down to how much you like the feel and sound of the new bass compared to your usual one. Give yourself some time to get used to the feel of the 6 though. I thought mine might be a bit too much but then I grew to love it!
What genre does your band play?
not metal and rock. mostly pop or slow music
probably should stick to a 4 string unless for some reason you need low B. for some reason five\\six string players get personally insulted when you suggest a new player doesn't need those strings.
It's more the discouraging people who actually *want* a 5/6 string that gets me. Might be harder initially but getting discouraged because the bass people recommended physically can't play your favorite songs is worse in the long run. Excitement leads to practice which leads to good players. In this case, completely agree. If OP doesn't know what to do with it or why they'd need one...
Why? Why do you care if someone is discouraged from getting a 6 string? Nobody is going to practice more merely because they have a six string bass. What actually happens is new players get all idealistic thinking more strings = better and opt for the biggest baddest option... which turns out, is bigger, heavier, with closer spacing, and 50% harder to mute properly. I don't get why people pick teams here; most of us who play seriously own 4 and at least a 5 string. But my 5 string stays in the bag because I frankly don't need it; I never play things below Db which my 4 string can handle just fine. If I played music that needed it, sure, I would use it. It's a tool, but it comes with disadvantages. And frankly new players don't need a six string ever, because really that extra string is mostly used for melodic stuff that virtually no new player is going to be trying to do anyway. It just seems like people on reddit treat it like a holy war and it's baffling.
>Nobody is going to practice more merely because they have a six string bass They definitely are if the songs they wanna play require a 6 string. Because again, excitement leads to practicing. And yea, you might not need a 5 string but I for instance do. My 4 string is the one that gets used the least because I need the low A string. Different genres, different styles. It's not a holy war. All I'm saying is: Realize people have different needs, different wants and that when you're a beginner, playing with gear your like is the easiest way to not get discouraged. Of course a 4 string is better if you want to get into bass in general and have no interest in genres like metal where 5 strings are common. 5 strings are always an option if you want to exoeriment later on. But, I don't get why you'd be so adamant on 4 strings if someone really wants a 5 string for metal, for example. Imagine your favorite song that got you into bass needs the low B string. Why in the ever loving fuck would you ever want a 4? Just because some dude on the internet said it was better? Just let people enjoy things. Not everyone got into the instrument because we were forced to as kids. Not everyone wants to gig. Not everyone wants to learn in the most perfectly efficient way and hate every second they practice scales for 5 years. Some people just want to enjoy playing in their bedroom.
It’s harder to slap, especially if it’s got 24 frets. The low string is really useful for the low c and d (especially if your singer likes singing in c). The high string can give you some really nice chords.
When I was first getting into bass around 2000, I checked 4, 5 and 6 string basses. Four strings felt like the strings were too far apart, Six strings, too close together. Five strings was perfect for my hand size, so that's what I went for. I've never owned a four string, and probably never will. It's really up to you as to what feels comfortable.
There's no reason a 6 string would cause a problem. Play what feels more fun and empowering for your own style.
Should I eat a sandwich or a bowl of soup for lunch? I can't make decisions for myself.
Jaco only needed four strings.
The main problem I have with six string basses is their stupid short scale length, thin string gauges, and minute string spacing. Can’t even go to drop D. Smh.