5 string vs 4 string?

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I own both, but I prefer the 5-string for its feel and deeper sound. I started with it because I’d always wanted one, and I heard you should begin with what you really want to play—so I did!

I found Module 5 especially helpful, using the B string to test my note-finding. It definitely adds some complexity, but I enjoy the challenge. You learn how to string mute much quicker than on a 4 string due to necessity. I picked up a 4-string for practice, but after a month on the 5-string, it’s still my favorite.

What about you—do you prefer 4 or 5 strings, and how has it affected your BassBuzz experience?

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I play 4-string because I only have 4 fretting fingers, so 5-string feels overwhelming…

…for playing the lower notes, I keep a bass tuned BEAD and one a full octave below E-standard.

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Worse - my current go-to bass is 6 string and short scale. Two extra strings gives alarming note options in the first five frets. When I made the 6 string I went back and re-did B2B but using as few frets as possible, great fun.

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I think 5 and 6 string basses look better than 4 string basses. There’s just something… cool about them.

But all the times I’ve picked up a bass with more than 4 strings I just wind up selling them. For the music I play, the additional strings just get in the way and are never used.

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4 string is the best way to play bass
5 string is the best invention ever in electric bass
6 string is the best Bass most people ever own regardless of price.

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It took me until my fourth 5-string to warm up to them. Thought I never would. But now it’s pretty much the only thing I pick up. Just feels perfect.

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I like the fretboard radius on the 5 string better

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There are some 4 strings with a 12" radius and others with 12 to 16 inch compound radius. What are you going with for a radius on your build in the Project Bass thread? Granted many 5 strings are even flatter (larger radius)…

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Going for 16". Charvels have a 12-16" compound radius, and it’s really comfy. But I’m also going for a 42mm nut on a thin neck

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it’s strange. i’m ok with how 5 strings look, even though i like the look of 4’s better. but i think 6 strings are the fugliest instruments on earth :rofl:

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Is that the one-finger-per-string system?? :nerd_face:

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How many used for plugging? :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

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That IS strange. How weird that you have different tastes than ME.

:smiley:

In all seriousness, look at this beauty:

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That’s the 6 string I’m gassing over. I’ve played it a few times, it’s pretty amaze-balls. I want to get it so bad. But I know that if I did, I’d play it for a while, then it would sit and collect dust, then I’d just sell it. So… I’m fighting my inherent impulsive tendencies and forcing myself to not buy it.

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only where it is called for with some chords, which thankfully isn’t too often

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if plugging = plucking + chugging, then

1 when it is something slow and/or I forget to force myself to use 2
2 most of the time
3 for 3-note chords that skip strings in the middle
4 for 4-note chords where strumming doesn’t sound/feel right

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perfect example of a gorgeous bass that to my eyes has the proportions thrown out of whack by a fretboard you could land a cessna on.

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Someday I will do a Boh bass solo, I aspire at least. It takes six strings and both hands tapping. And a bass you could land a Cessna on.

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HAH! That’s funny. But to retort, I offer you this:

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Ditto. They do not float my boat at all.

Exactly. I do not need a 90 pound bass.

Plus if I want to get up in the range of that sixth string, then I’m grabbing a normal guitar and having a much better time.

Or a Baritone guitar like a Bass VI.

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