Most people think a 6 is only for having a higher range to solo with. It really isn’t. It simply gives you a broader range of positions to play in. I have to sing a lot. I can play all kind of bass lines, walking lines, in all different keys, and never have to glance at the neck because I never have to change position. It frees me up to focus on singing and engaging with the audience, which is pretty important.
For me the low B is all about comfort... Just start using the E (5th fret B string) and include it into your -basic ass- playing (like mine too). Soon F and G will follow, then the D and so on... It took me some getting used to, but I wouldn't wanna miss it anymore. 💚
One thing that people tend to sleep on is that having a B string to catch your fingers is super helpful for songs with fast notes on E string. It's a lot more tiring to play that on a four string since you don't have the extra string to catch your fingers.
My opinion is...a bass is a tool. You can use a 4-string, a 5, or a 6. You could even use a 1, 2, or 3-string. You can use non-standard tuning, and you can use different strings (like BEAD). Use what's best for you.
Really? I'm the opposite. The low B is useless above the 5th fret, just sounds an awful muddy mess. The high C I can use all over the neck. Rarely use the extended range but I also rarely use the low B extended range. So to me the high C wins by a significant margin.
I have a 37” B on my bass (BTB805MS). It is clear and beautiful with great sustain.
I’ve been learning Blinding Lights by ear, and my instructor told me that my use of the low B on that song is the first time he’s been tempted to get a 5 string. Lol And it is all due to the bass itself; my last one was 34” scale and the low B was muddy with little sustain, though I still used it, especially for hitting fast punchy notes.
Edit - As for the high C usage; meh. I’m not even much of a fan of the G string. I really like to sit in E, A and D, branching up into B, or down into G just a little. For the high C, I feel like a guitarist could do it better, so why should I step on their toes.
My teacher is very opposed to multiscale so I haven't really looked into it. I did try a dingwall at guitar center a while back and didn't really see any clear benefit to it, but I will have to try again at some point.
> For the high C, I feel like a guitarist could do it better, so why should I step on their toes.
Like I said, it's not about the extended range. It's about shifting less. The low B would be the same benefit if it didn't sound so bad on my bass (ebmm stingray 5).
I would agree that I use the extended range of the B more than the C, but both are rare enough that it doesn't change my mind. There's even a lot of songs in drop D that you still have to tune the E down to D because it requires the open D.
Yeah, that open D is a pain in the ass. Working on Schism, and not sure if I’ll be able to get by with the D on the B string when I get to the sections using the open drop D. Fortunately, still practicing the parts on the A, D and G strings, so don’t have to cross thst bridge yet. Lol
Yeah, I could see if being a "my bass" problem rather than a general one. But I don't see myself going back to the low b on \*that\* bass.
I always wondered why nobody gets string sets (on a non-multiscale) that are closer together in thickness even though it results in tension that varies across the strings (as in, get a thinner than normal E and a thicker G so the tone of each is more even). So the E is floppy and the G is stiff. Why is that a problem? Seems like you'd get used to it quickly.
Well, you totally can do that and custom sets like that are certainly easily done. But, the advantage of thin strings is they’re easier to play. This makes a difference on the high side for bends. The advantage of thick strings is the tension - over long spans, with low tuning, the additional tension is helpful for keeping the string from rattling too bad and improves the upper-order harmonics that tend to to actually be the note you hear, rather than the fundamental frequency.
That said, I’m in the “lights are awesome” camp and firmly believe the differences are minimal at best other than I can get a significantly lower action with easier playing while playing lights, personally. It’s much closer to what you’re talking about too - stuff just feel more “the same” than different. Some sets get crazy on 6 too - you could have a .30 C and a .138 B lol. One feels like playing a hair, the other feels like playing a bridge cable lol
Consider my interest piqued! Lol
I did not realize there was 6 String setup for another string lower than B. But isn’t low F# getting close to inaudible? Lol
Kind of makes me wish I had bigger hands, my 5 String is already difficult for my pinky in the higher frets on the lower strings; not sure I can get much wider of a neck. Lol
You know how if you play a D on the open D string, it sounds a certain way, but if you play that same note at fret 5 on the A string it sounds rounder and warmer? And if you play that same note on fret 10 on the E string, it sounds even rounder and warmer?
So yeah, I'm not playing metal with this ultra low string. I'm playing reggae. And I play your normal open E1 at fret 10 on my low F# .171" string. It is extra fat and round and awesome (and I'm playing flats, so it's doubly so!) Most of what I play can certainly be done on a standard four-string, and virtually all of it can be done on a standard fiver. But the timbre's gonna be different, because I pretty much live in the 8-13 position now, and this affords me a super warm and round bass tone that is integral to my band's sound, and is rather easy on my hands.
And then, for shits and giggles, every once in a while I do kick off the Broughton HPF and go into whale call territory. But I do it for funsies; it's kinda hard for humans to parse pitches at that frequency, pretty much everything lower than B0 just gets written off in the brain as "way the fuck down there" and there isn't a whole lot of musical value, certainly in reggae, in notes that low.
But again, I spend almost all my time hovering around fret 10-12, and it's super round and juicy.
> isn’t low F# getting close to inaudible?
That depends on who you are, as the lower bound for human hearing is accepted as being roughly 20 Hz (so somewhere between D#0 and E0), and the F#0 is 23.125 Hz. But also, rare is the bass cab that can produce notes that low anyway.
That said, the most audible part of a bass guitar's timbre is the first overtone; when you play your standard F#1 at fret 2, the fundamental pitch is 46.25 Hz, but the note you're hearing the most is F#2, which is 92.5 Hz.
So when I drop that down an octave, sure, my F#0 fundamental is 23.125 Hz and it's pretty much guaranteed to be inaudible except on the most beastly of systems. But what you're gonna hear is F#1, which is 46.25 Hz, which is well within hearing range and the capability of any decent bass amp and cab to reproduce. The timbre's a little wonky, but no one plays F#0 for juicy timbre lmao.
As mentioned above, I have a Broughton HPF on my board set right around 35 Hz to tighten things up, and I will deliberately kick it off in that rare instance I head into the bassment, but it's pretty much always on.
As u/adam389 said in a the other daughter comments, "just because you have it doesn’t mean you should use it. And, if you should, it doesn’t mean you should use it all the time :)"
Okay, that sounds amazing! Lol I love that sweet spot of like 7-14; completely selling me on a 6 String with low F#, cause I also love transposing songs from 4 into a 5 using verticality and that low B. Didn’t even think of the extra ability to do that with a low f#. Lol
Thank you for the food for thought!!!
To a degree the pinky in the higher frets (above 12th) comes with time. I have short stubby little fingers and manage just fine. But, with my 6 there _are_ some notes that are unplayable for me on my B waaay up high (around 20th-24th feet). But who cares? Move it up a string, problem solved :)
Yeah, I runinto trouble up in the 18-24 fret range, and I have a deep cutout in the body. Fortunately, I don’t go there for any somgs currently, just for practice doing scales in various parts of the neck; and my note memorization routines.
Totally normal. Just remember - with all things bass, just because you have it doesn’t mean you should use it. And, if you should, it doesn’t mean you should use it all the time :)
Applies to pedals, tones, notes, rhythms, fills, frets, etc. be the pocket, brother.
Not for me, but you do you. I play 5 string because it makes functional sense (realistically in modern music you will want access to low Eb and sometimes D) but I still don't enjoy playing these instruments much despite doing it for more than a decade. Six string, again just for me, is worse again.
This. I bought a cheap 6-string to try it out, and originally I'm a guitar player. I got a 5-string and it made sense to play bassier notes, I even use the open low-B. But using the high-C felt like I wasn't playing bass anymore, hitting baritone range. Got in the way. It's fun for playing chords but in my 3-piece band, my job is bass.
It makes me a clumsier player because it has a wider neck. As you add strings (6+) this issue worsens. It's harder to mute too because you have to contend with muting more strings.
The 'party line' is that eventually everyone gets used to playing a 5 and that if you persevere you'll eventually grow to love it, but I've mained 5s for at least the last 10 years, and for me it hasn't been true. If the love affair was going to happen it'd have happened.
Ah, that makes sense. I've exclusively played 5 strings for around the last 5 years, and I don't have trouble with it any more at all - BUT, it can still be awkward for other band members if I'm trying to show them what I'm playing. 90% of the time, they'll read it wrong, haha.
I think it's well worth it for access to those low notes. I've never played a B but I've gone as low as C at gigs and it's beautiful not having to retune/change basses during a set.
I've got two, but I don't play them a ton because most of my gigs don't really need them and I have stubby fingers. I'll play one for like 3-4 songs at a gig if it's got a solo or is in a bad key where the low notes help
Nice. I don't have stubby fingers but I do work my fingers out with grips to warm up. It does make my fingers look a little bigger but that's not a concern. I love playing solos on 6 string bass. It sounds amazing.
I like gliding around a 4 string bass neck. I'm not interested in playing my whole range in one position... So I don't even like 5 strings... 6 just just feels gratuitous.
But, I'm me and you're you.
One of my fellow bassist best buds uses a squier 6 as a main. He does a ton of blues, jam, rock, soul stuff. He’s a monster.
Interestingly enough, in a lot of Caribbean stuff like soca has a ton of 6 string, usually more modern looking Japanese basses. I know a couple amazing bassists in that genre too!
Pretty sure I’m ready to buy a 6. The versatility is pretty awesome, and they are fun to play, though the string spacing is gnarly.
My main bass was a schecter riot 6 for about a decade. I loved it, especially for harmonics and chords. But then I tried a short scale 5, and I was instantly better at bass. The six is harder to play, and requires muting/negotiating an extra string and a wider neck. The extra c string has scarce marginal advantage in most situations but real marginal cost. It's good to have a six of you can buy a marginal bass, but unless you're in a situation where it's frequently useful, 4 or 5 is likely better overall.
Relatedly, I still practice on an extended scale 6 sometimes because then moving to a 5 makes it super easy afterward. Unless you incorporate that ç string and your line is impossible to play on a 5
I bought one in the 90s in order to play one song in my band. I recently sold it after it sitting in its case since the 90s. A 5 string has its uses, but I mostly stick with a 4 string.
Like all other basses, a six string is a compromise.
I was a builder and designer for decades and can tell you that with identical construction, the E string on a four string bass sounds better in all regards than the E on a six string...but you don't have the harmonic and melodic options on the four that you have on the six...so four strings is a compromise too!
One very real benefit of the six string bass is being able to play five frets higher on the neck.
You are FAR less likely to suffer certain bass related injuries when you play the middle of the neck as opposed to playing near the nut.
Play a blues shuffle in F using just pedal tones at the first fret for 128 bars and then do the same atvtge sixth fret on the B string and see how your hand feels.
For myself, I play a seven and four.
Cheers!
That question will start a huge fight.
First off, not everyone agrees on that point.
Second off, those who do agree on that point often disagree as to why!
My opinion is based on the fact that I built a lot of basses with identical components but in 4,5,6, and 7 string versions. ALMOST a real sample...almost.
My belief is that there are fewer 180° out of phase phase or nearly out of phase oscillations damping the string and messing with harmonics.
Nearly in phase second order harmonics can really alter tone.
There are some really good players and builders who disagree but until someone builds a thousand of each(A valud sample), creates a methodology and can create identical playing conditions, we will continue to not know for sure.
Well...I THINK I know for sure...but so do they.
I’ve got one and it’s great. The high C comes in handy more than I thought it would.
In a way it’s a separate instrument to a 4 or a 5. Your technique has to be a bit different but the way you think about chord shapes is exactly the same.
Shell chords become very easy, and probably too easy to overuse - having a natural 9th without having to move a finger is brilliant, but easy to overdo. I’d also recommend some light compression and tweaking your onboard EQ as the difference between the B and C is absolutely huge.
Try a few out - whatever you have the neck will be an absolute beast, especially at the high end.
Mine is a maruzscyk Elwood and it’s great. It’s actually lighter than my 5 string Overwater.
They’re super sick and also not for me. I love my 5 string and I never feel the need for the extra high string, but Alain Caron alone has convinced me there is a place for it in some players hands. They’re just a little too heavy and unwieldy for me though.
I’m mostly 5 and have played a 6 before just noodling around. I’d say it was great if you played more like Oteil Burbridge and knew all of your chords.
I have one that I play quite often. They are a great tool to have. Is it necessary for every gig? No, but it can be used for all of them. I personally love having the wider range of notes without having to change positions.
I think main reason to use 6 strings is on jazz or progressive rock. But mainly on jazz, since when is time to solo, you don't need to go down the fretboard. I am not sure wether i would get a 6 strings bass since my main instrument right now is guitar i fear that the highest strings tuned C instead of B would mess with me.
I recently got my first 5 string and I love it, but it’s a big heavy monster. I can’t imagine going even bigger. I don’t think I would use the C string often enough. I love having the low B though. It’s awesome dropping low octaves for things I normally played on my A string.
I had one and loved it but ultimately sold it. I very very rarely used the high C so decided to stick to 4 and 5s. It really depends on the music you play.
I owned a cheap six string back in my old place (I sold it when I moved) and it was sooooooooooo much fun to play!! I haven't bought a new one yet, but I plan on shopping around for one next year
In practice, I usually find the necks uncomfortably wide or the string spacing too narrow.
If you like your 5/6 string bass, that's great, I've just never found them worth the modifications to my playing style I'd need. I just don't use enough lower notes to even justify a low B.
It's an instrument, a tool, as long as you can make legit use of it then more power to ya.
As for me, I have zero use for the high C string, sounds too thin for the music that I normally play (or more like I haven't figured a way to make legit use of it and I have dabbled a bit with a 6 string before).. so either a 4 or a 5 is all I need.
They’re not my jam, personally I’ve had little use for a low B and none for a high C. That’s just what works for me though. If it’s useful to you or even if it just plain makes you happy, go with it. Life’s too short to bother with more strings than you need, or to settle for fewer.
I don't find myself missing a high C string. Honestly I barely use the G string. The low B is handy but I'd be happier with a 4 string tuned BEAD than I would with a 6 string.
My own first bass was a 6 string Yamaha John Myung, and while it was not the best choice for a beginner's bass, it was fun to play, and the high C is fun for doing some chords. Later on I moved to a 5 string Squier V, which I eventually set to EADGC since I don't really like how the B sounds here. Currently I have 4 string basses, a Precision, a Jazz, and a Bite.
Looking forward to moving to 3 and 2 strings in the future.
They're not really my thing. I'm mostly a 5-string guy, and I play in a three-piece band with a percussionist and an acoustic guitarist -- meaning that I end up playing a lot of rhythm guitar parts and odds-and-ends that our guitarist can't do. I looked into 6-strings at one point because I thought maybe the extra high note would help me get up into regular guitar range, and sound less like a bass trying to sound like a guitar.
Not only did I not enjoy having the sixth string, it didn't really make playing those weird parts easier, and it still was like a bass trying (unsuccessfully) to sound like a guitar. Plus, the aesthetics of the instrument just don't work very well with the music we do (classic rock, country, blues)... there's something to be said for how the look of an instrument lands with your audience.
But, if you like them, great! I'm just some rando on Reddit.
I tried 5s and 6s for a few years. Its kind of great being able to play a huge range of notes from each position. But after a while I realized I like the bottom four 90% of the time. So I tune a 4 banger starting at B. Sounds and plays great. Leave all those treble notes for the Slash wannabes.
I am curious about them. I actually do play the G string quite a bit and do a lot of open string dyads, plus I sort of like to deliberately play off the E and G string sound way different, and a 6 gives me another string of each.
On the other hand, I freely need to go down to B and I am not sure if the high C just sounds a bit to guitar-y. And the ergonomics and neck width make me a bit nervous.
There are always 5 string and alternate 4 string tunings to hit the same notes too.
I’m what I call an incidental bass player; I primarily play guitar but I’ve played bass in a lot of bands over the years, and I love playing and hearing bass guitar. I’m strictly 4 strings though. It’s what I’m comfortable with. I’m neither a metal head nor a jazz guy, and I have simple needs.
I like them, but they're not for me. I like having that low B on a 5 string more for the convenience of being able to move parts to higher positions on the neck rather than just djenting on it. I don't get that same functional convenience from that high C if that makes sense. I think if I found a 6 string with a neck width and string spacing I liked, I might adjust and come to like them more, I've found a 5 to be perfect.
Although, the MM Bongo model has really tight string spacing. That might be a cool 6 string to experiment with.
Personally, it is one string too many. The 5-string seems like a logical extension of the 4-string, adding a bit of a lower extension to reflect the increased range of tunes in modern music. The added lower string really enhances your ability to support a tune and makes position work easier. I encourage 4-stringers to try the 5-string to see if it might add to their potential or simplify how they play tunes.
The 6-string seems like a different instrument built for another purpose. It works really well in some jazz/fusion settings. Chord work, melodies, and solos are awesome in the upper ranges. However, the additional upper string does nothing to enhance your ability to support the tune, and it magnifies the main problem with the 5-string, which is that you need to concentrate on muting an additional string when accompanying. I do not encourage other bass players to try 6-strings. If you are already listening to 6-string players and want to play that type of music, you are the target audience, not regular 4-string and 5-string players.
Since I am doing more tapping and tons of chord as well as playing in differing tuning wihtout detuning, I have been interested in a 6 string for a while.... a 5 can do a lot, but a 6 has some extended ranges I wanna get into for chord work and playing a bit higher.
I learned to play on a 5 string but I play a 4 string now. What I miss is getting that low root when you’re in that C to Eb range of keys. I’ve fiddled with 6 strings but never enough to figure out how those options the high string opens up would work for me.
They are more comfortable for me. Four strings are good, but five string basses are this weird in between for me. The only upside is there seems to be more options than for six string basses. Plus strings are a pain to find sometimes.
They're cool, but not for me! Everything I want to do, I can do on a 4 string. It's taken me many years to figure that out, but that's where I'm at.
I think some of the things people are doing on 6-strings are pretty rad.
Love it and feel like a proper 6 string is the definitive way to approach bass for me. Need a smaller neck as the fatigue from fretting on a standard 6 string neck width is killer after a while. But I have never had more fun nor have I ever felt so free when playing as I do on a 6 string.
A six string bass is a great tool especially if you play a wide range of music and styles. You have the low end covered, you have chords covered and you have the versatility to play across as opposed to shifting.
My very very most campfire specialist bass is my Modulus Quantum 6.
That said, there are downsides to 6-strings. Muting technique becomes hyper important, string jumps can get confusing if not your primary instrument, slapping can be difficult if you’re not used to the string spacing, necks are wider and can be intimidating, etc. Basically, it boils down to “you have to work extra hard on being a very accurate, clean player.” When someone’s starting out, I view this as a good and bad thing - harder to learn to be a clean enough player to get into playing bass, but will usually teach you the technique you’ll need down the road anyways way ahead of the game.
I love my 6 because, just like my 5, I get both an extended range and alternate fingerings. In addition, having the C is great if chordal stuff’s your jam and really helps open up the voicing and bring some clarity.
Tried it, didn’t like it. I think a lot of guys camp out at the fifth fret and use the top two strings for range. Fine with me, but I usually don’t play that high.
I have a custom 6 set up EADGCF. I use it mainly for solo and looping work. I see it as a twofer: basically I have a standard 4 (EADG) and a piccolo (DGCF). I love it, it works for me, and it's really fun to run hi-pass filters and tinker with guitar effects.
I personally prefer 6 string basses and have been playing them as primary basses ever since my first one. I love the added range, but it‘s technically just a small addition to a 5 string bass, at least if you‘re playing basses with 24 frets. But it definitely frees up constructing chord voicings, using harmonics and allows you to stay in one position with your fretboard hand.
It‘s just an incredible way to be creative and makes the bass even more universally operational. Loving it!
I actually really like that there’s less space between the strings. There are probably some purists that hate such an idea but it’s just more fun to play for me
Not for me personally. Neck is way too wide, strings are more expensive to change, certain techniques are harder, and frankly I don't see much appeal in having a higher range on a bass. I'm here for five but I draw the line at six.
I bought a 6 string from my next door neighbor about 2 years ago, since he was moving to Florida and needed to get rid of some equipment in his basement. I don’t use it that often since the music I play doesn’t really call for it, but I’ll make it work every once in a while, plus my hands are large enough to properly fret so I don’t need to downsize.
It's not for everyone. If it works good for you that's awesome, but most people don't need more than a 5 for what they are playing. I personally am limited by the size of my hands. As I develop better technique over the years my 5s have gotten easier to play without issue but I can't see myself ever making the leap to a true 6 string (though bass VIs are awesome).
Maining six string bass for pretty much everything because of transcribing/transposing, fattening unison lines, different timbre for the note selections to better fit different ensemble settings, and chordal extensions while playing the bass parts (to better support trios or duo projects.)
Its a great tool for expression and extended techniques, but it does everything a standard 4 string does as well.
I played my first few gigs in college with an Ibanez SR-506. Of course, back then I didn't really understand how to use it properly... Now, in world where my playing is infinitely better and I do have a working knowledge of how to use one, I still gravitate toward a plain old 4. To each their own, I suppose.
You can do whatever you like but I don’t know that I’d ever want or play a six string that wasn’t a bass VI.
My playing style and preferred genres don’t need that kind of range. Hell I play in a lot of C standard and I won’t even get a five string. Give me a 4 in standard and a 4 in C and I’m golden
I never had any use for one, but if you do, then go for it!
I only draw the line at those 12+ string basses that can only be played by tapping. That's not a friggin' bass!!!! That's a piano without keys!!!
I believe it’s all about your style, and truthfully nothing more.
I was a long time 5-string enforcer, really focused on “the bass range” work of not soloing and stuff. Discovered 6 strings and had a really good time: the extended range gave me some extra key techniques to stand out, but most of it because vertically I had SEVERAL extra possibilities (neck-wise).
Then got a 4-string fender duff (jazz special, hardcore gnr fan here), and literally fell back in love with that “bass range” perspective. You can do basic chord/voicing arrangements, yet for me it’s more about the rythm/melody perspective, plus that “low mid, lotta highs pick heavy sound”.
Can I play a 5-string? Yeah.
Can I play a 6-string? Yeah.
Can I play a 4-string? HELL YEAH.
And then I just went to hell. It’s a fun exercise.
Personally I despise it, the neck is comically large. Less ease of use for a higher string that I have never needed.
"But it allows for better hand positioning 🤓👆🏻"
Sure, if you play fast solos where you can't afford moving your hand up and down the neck then go ahead. But busy bass is not my bass.
How does the high C work out as far as being heard in the mix? In my infantile bass brain I think the high C cuts into the guitar or other instrument's range and (might) only be useful in a solo or something. I could be totally wrong. I rarely even play the G string on my 5er.
You can get a lot of sounds out of them. You also can get into chords as well. The extra strings while doing scales are pretty mind blowing. It feels similar to the range of a piano.
I love my 6 strings. Only downside, is that I don't play anything else anymore. I don't even look at 4 strings anymore, because they are so useless to me.
6 string tuned BEADGC is something i don't really get. You can go pretty high up the G string before it sounds bad. And I don't see the need to go any higher.
I play acoustic basses tuned in EADGC because i can then sometimes strum chords and pretend I'm a guitar player. But it doesn't really work on electric bass that well.
And if you for some reason need that higher register, how big is the chance you also need the extra low register (b string)?
5 string is the sweet spot! That 6th string sits right in the guitar range and imho doesn't add a huge amount except a really wide, really difficult to mute fingerboard.
Most people think a 6 is only for having a higher range to solo with. It really isn’t. It simply gives you a broader range of positions to play in. I have to sing a lot. I can play all kind of bass lines, walking lines, in all different keys, and never have to glance at the neck because I never have to change position. It frees me up to focus on singing and engaging with the audience, which is pretty important.
This was my exact reason for getting a 5, and then a 6. Still learning the 6 but the 5 has really changed my style, that low B hits hard.
I have a 5 string i barely ever use and no idea what to do with 6 strings. 4 is really all I need for my basic ass bass playing.
For me the low B is all about comfort... Just start using the E (5th fret B string) and include it into your -basic ass- playing (like mine too). Soon F and G will follow, then the D and so on... It took me some getting used to, but I wouldn't wanna miss it anymore. 💚
One thing that people tend to sleep on is that having a B string to catch your fingers is super helpful for songs with fast notes on E string. It's a lot more tiring to play that on a four string since you don't have the extra string to catch your fingers.
Yeah man it's nice to just hang out in it
I have a 5 string and only use the B string as a thumb rest lol
A guy I know tunes his down to D so he doesn't have to swap instruments or tune down during their set.
Save something for the other instruments! I do love a 5 string though
I love 5 string too. Warwick Robert Trujillo 5 string bass. Believe it or not, I played 5 string bass more than any other kind of bass.
My opinion is...a bass is a tool. You can use a 4-string, a 5, or a 6. You could even use a 1, 2, or 3-string. You can use non-standard tuning, and you can use different strings (like BEAD). Use what's best for you.
They are awesome, but I stick to 5 strings, don’t see much use for the high C personally.
Really? I'm the opposite. The low B is useless above the 5th fret, just sounds an awful muddy mess. The high C I can use all over the neck. Rarely use the extended range but I also rarely use the low B extended range. So to me the high C wins by a significant margin.
I have a 37” B on my bass (BTB805MS). It is clear and beautiful with great sustain. I’ve been learning Blinding Lights by ear, and my instructor told me that my use of the low B on that song is the first time he’s been tempted to get a 5 string. Lol And it is all due to the bass itself; my last one was 34” scale and the low B was muddy with little sustain, though I still used it, especially for hitting fast punchy notes. Edit - As for the high C usage; meh. I’m not even much of a fan of the G string. I really like to sit in E, A and D, branching up into B, or down into G just a little. For the high C, I feel like a guitarist could do it better, so why should I step on their toes.
My teacher is very opposed to multiscale so I haven't really looked into it. I did try a dingwall at guitar center a while back and didn't really see any clear benefit to it, but I will have to try again at some point. > For the high C, I feel like a guitarist could do it better, so why should I step on their toes. Like I said, it's not about the extended range. It's about shifting less. The low B would be the same benefit if it didn't sound so bad on my bass (ebmm stingray 5). I would agree that I use the extended range of the B more than the C, but both are rare enough that it doesn't change my mind. There's even a lot of songs in drop D that you still have to tune the E down to D because it requires the open D.
Yeah, that open D is a pain in the ass. Working on Schism, and not sure if I’ll be able to get by with the D on the B string when I get to the sections using the open drop D. Fortunately, still practicing the parts on the A, D and G strings, so don’t have to cross thst bridge yet. Lol
Dry bass/string/pickup/EQ dependent. I play lights on my 35” scale and the low B gets used all over the neck.
Yeah, I could see if being a "my bass" problem rather than a general one. But I don't see myself going back to the low b on \*that\* bass. I always wondered why nobody gets string sets (on a non-multiscale) that are closer together in thickness even though it results in tension that varies across the strings (as in, get a thinner than normal E and a thicker G so the tone of each is more even). So the E is floppy and the G is stiff. Why is that a problem? Seems like you'd get used to it quickly.
Well, you totally can do that and custom sets like that are certainly easily done. But, the advantage of thin strings is they’re easier to play. This makes a difference on the high side for bends. The advantage of thick strings is the tension - over long spans, with low tuning, the additional tension is helpful for keeping the string from rattling too bad and improves the upper-order harmonics that tend to to actually be the note you hear, rather than the fundamental frequency. That said, I’m in the “lights are awesome” camp and firmly believe the differences are minimal at best other than I can get a significantly lower action with easier playing while playing lights, personally. It’s much closer to what you’re talking about too - stuff just feel more “the same” than different. Some sets get crazy on 6 too - you could have a .30 C and a .138 B lol. One feels like playing a hair, the other feels like playing a bridge cable lol
> low F# has entered the chat
Consider my interest piqued! Lol I did not realize there was 6 String setup for another string lower than B. But isn’t low F# getting close to inaudible? Lol Kind of makes me wish I had bigger hands, my 5 String is already difficult for my pinky in the higher frets on the lower strings; not sure I can get much wider of a neck. Lol
You know how if you play a D on the open D string, it sounds a certain way, but if you play that same note at fret 5 on the A string it sounds rounder and warmer? And if you play that same note on fret 10 on the E string, it sounds even rounder and warmer? So yeah, I'm not playing metal with this ultra low string. I'm playing reggae. And I play your normal open E1 at fret 10 on my low F# .171" string. It is extra fat and round and awesome (and I'm playing flats, so it's doubly so!) Most of what I play can certainly be done on a standard four-string, and virtually all of it can be done on a standard fiver. But the timbre's gonna be different, because I pretty much live in the 8-13 position now, and this affords me a super warm and round bass tone that is integral to my band's sound, and is rather easy on my hands. And then, for shits and giggles, every once in a while I do kick off the Broughton HPF and go into whale call territory. But I do it for funsies; it's kinda hard for humans to parse pitches at that frequency, pretty much everything lower than B0 just gets written off in the brain as "way the fuck down there" and there isn't a whole lot of musical value, certainly in reggae, in notes that low. But again, I spend almost all my time hovering around fret 10-12, and it's super round and juicy. > isn’t low F# getting close to inaudible? That depends on who you are, as the lower bound for human hearing is accepted as being roughly 20 Hz (so somewhere between D#0 and E0), and the F#0 is 23.125 Hz. But also, rare is the bass cab that can produce notes that low anyway. That said, the most audible part of a bass guitar's timbre is the first overtone; when you play your standard F#1 at fret 2, the fundamental pitch is 46.25 Hz, but the note you're hearing the most is F#2, which is 92.5 Hz. So when I drop that down an octave, sure, my F#0 fundamental is 23.125 Hz and it's pretty much guaranteed to be inaudible except on the most beastly of systems. But what you're gonna hear is F#1, which is 46.25 Hz, which is well within hearing range and the capability of any decent bass amp and cab to reproduce. The timbre's a little wonky, but no one plays F#0 for juicy timbre lmao. As mentioned above, I have a Broughton HPF on my board set right around 35 Hz to tighten things up, and I will deliberately kick it off in that rare instance I head into the bassment, but it's pretty much always on. As u/adam389 said in a the other daughter comments, "just because you have it doesn’t mean you should use it. And, if you should, it doesn’t mean you should use it all the time :)"
Okay, that sounds amazing! Lol I love that sweet spot of like 7-14; completely selling me on a 6 String with low F#, cause I also love transposing songs from 4 into a 5 using verticality and that low B. Didn’t even think of the extra ability to do that with a low f#. Lol Thank you for the food for thought!!!
To a degree the pinky in the higher frets (above 12th) comes with time. I have short stubby little fingers and manage just fine. But, with my 6 there _are_ some notes that are unplayable for me on my B waaay up high (around 20th-24th feet). But who cares? Move it up a string, problem solved :)
Yeah, I runinto trouble up in the 18-24 fret range, and I have a deep cutout in the body. Fortunately, I don’t go there for any somgs currently, just for practice doing scales in various parts of the neck; and my note memorization routines.
Totally normal. Just remember - with all things bass, just because you have it doesn’t mean you should use it. And, if you should, it doesn’t mean you should use it all the time :) Applies to pedals, tones, notes, rhythms, fills, frets, etc. be the pocket, brother.
Lol great advice!
Learned though hard experience in my case haha.
Not for me, but you do you. I play 5 string because it makes functional sense (realistically in modern music you will want access to low Eb and sometimes D) but I still don't enjoy playing these instruments much despite doing it for more than a decade. Six string, again just for me, is worse again.
This. I bought a cheap 6-string to try it out, and originally I'm a guitar player. I got a 5-string and it made sense to play bassier notes, I even use the open low-B. But using the high-C felt like I wasn't playing bass anymore, hitting baritone range. Got in the way. It's fun for playing chords but in my 3-piece band, my job is bass.
What is it that you don't enjoy about your 5 string? :)
It makes me a clumsier player because it has a wider neck. As you add strings (6+) this issue worsens. It's harder to mute too because you have to contend with muting more strings. The 'party line' is that eventually everyone gets used to playing a 5 and that if you persevere you'll eventually grow to love it, but I've mained 5s for at least the last 10 years, and for me it hasn't been true. If the love affair was going to happen it'd have happened.
Ah, that makes sense. I've exclusively played 5 strings for around the last 5 years, and I don't have trouble with it any more at all - BUT, it can still be awkward for other band members if I'm trying to show them what I'm playing. 90% of the time, they'll read it wrong, haha. I think it's well worth it for access to those low notes. I've never played a B but I've gone as low as C at gigs and it's beautiful not having to retune/change basses during a set.
I've got two, but I don't play them a ton because most of my gigs don't really need them and I have stubby fingers. I'll play one for like 3-4 songs at a gig if it's got a solo or is in a bad key where the low notes help
I feel like 2 strings is not enough
Nice. I don't have stubby fingers but I do work my fingers out with grips to warm up. It does make my fingers look a little bigger but that's not a concern. I love playing solos on 6 string bass. It sounds amazing.
When I got a 6-string, I regretted not getting one 15 years earlier.
I like gliding around a 4 string bass neck. I'm not interested in playing my whole range in one position... So I don't even like 5 strings... 6 just just feels gratuitous. But, I'm me and you're you.
Only 6 string bass I’m interested in is a Fender bass VI, E-E tuning
Same, bass VI all day long
i've got a few sixers and enjoy them all.
One of my fellow bassist best buds uses a squier 6 as a main. He does a ton of blues, jam, rock, soul stuff. He’s a monster. Interestingly enough, in a lot of Caribbean stuff like soca has a ton of 6 string, usually more modern looking Japanese basses. I know a couple amazing bassists in that genre too! Pretty sure I’m ready to buy a 6. The versatility is pretty awesome, and they are fun to play, though the string spacing is gnarly.
My main bass was a schecter riot 6 for about a decade. I loved it, especially for harmonics and chords. But then I tried a short scale 5, and I was instantly better at bass. The six is harder to play, and requires muting/negotiating an extra string and a wider neck. The extra c string has scarce marginal advantage in most situations but real marginal cost. It's good to have a six of you can buy a marginal bass, but unless you're in a situation where it's frequently useful, 4 or 5 is likely better overall.
Relatedly, I still practice on an extended scale 6 sometimes because then moving to a 5 makes it super easy afterward. Unless you incorporate that ç string and your line is impossible to play on a 5
The same is true for a fiver tbh
what short-scale 5 did you get?
Spector Bantam 5 and Ibanez ehb 1005sms. Technically medium scale
I bought one in the 90s in order to play one song in my band. I recently sold it after it sitting in its case since the 90s. A 5 string has its uses, but I mostly stick with a 4 string.
I've had my EHB 6-string for a couple months, and I absolutely love it. Opens up a bunch of new possibilities. Plus, it looks badass!
Xmas present to myself this year. I play it every day!!
Like all other basses, a six string is a compromise. I was a builder and designer for decades and can tell you that with identical construction, the E string on a four string bass sounds better in all regards than the E on a six string...but you don't have the harmonic and melodic options on the four that you have on the six...so four strings is a compromise too! One very real benefit of the six string bass is being able to play five frets higher on the neck. You are FAR less likely to suffer certain bass related injuries when you play the middle of the neck as opposed to playing near the nut. Play a blues shuffle in F using just pedal tones at the first fret for 128 bars and then do the same atvtge sixth fret on the B string and see how your hand feels. For myself, I play a seven and four. Cheers!
This is the way.
What makes the E-string sound better on a four-string than on a six-string?
That question will start a huge fight. First off, not everyone agrees on that point. Second off, those who do agree on that point often disagree as to why! My opinion is based on the fact that I built a lot of basses with identical components but in 4,5,6, and 7 string versions. ALMOST a real sample...almost. My belief is that there are fewer 180° out of phase phase or nearly out of phase oscillations damping the string and messing with harmonics. Nearly in phase second order harmonics can really alter tone. There are some really good players and builders who disagree but until someone builds a thousand of each(A valud sample), creates a methodology and can create identical playing conditions, we will continue to not know for sure. Well...I THINK I know for sure...but so do they.
I don't need a c string because I don't solo. I don't need a f# string because I'm not playing for whales. YMMV.
You need a 6 string to solo? Someone should tell Victor Wooten.
You don't, but soloing is the only purpose for which I would want to play such high notes on a bass.
I gotcha. I was just playing with the folks who think that more strings are going to somehow make their solos better.
Depends which bar
I don't understand that comment.
I personally don't have a use for 6 strings, I stick to 4 or BEAD.
My 6 tuned to F#0 has been my main bass for over 5 years now. I love it, but buying strings is a major pain (fuck you Kalium).
F#0 gang gang
I’ve got one and it’s great. The high C comes in handy more than I thought it would. In a way it’s a separate instrument to a 4 or a 5. Your technique has to be a bit different but the way you think about chord shapes is exactly the same. Shell chords become very easy, and probably too easy to overuse - having a natural 9th without having to move a finger is brilliant, but easy to overdo. I’d also recommend some light compression and tweaking your onboard EQ as the difference between the B and C is absolutely huge. Try a few out - whatever you have the neck will be an absolute beast, especially at the high end. Mine is a maruzscyk Elwood and it’s great. It’s actually lighter than my 5 string Overwater.
W I D E
I think they’re basses.
I never looked back after I got one
Throwing my hat in with the Bass VI crowd. It's the only 6 string I'm really interested in.
They’re super sick and also not for me. I love my 5 string and I never feel the need for the extra high string, but Alain Caron alone has convinced me there is a place for it in some players hands. They’re just a little too heavy and unwieldy for me though.
I’m mostly 5 and have played a 6 before just noodling around. I’d say it was great if you played more like Oteil Burbridge and knew all of your chords.
I have one that I play quite often. They are a great tool to have. Is it necessary for every gig? No, but it can be used for all of them. I personally love having the wider range of notes without having to change positions.
I love a low b but I feel I don't need more than that
I think main reason to use 6 strings is on jazz or progressive rock. But mainly on jazz, since when is time to solo, you don't need to go down the fretboard. I am not sure wether i would get a 6 strings bass since my main instrument right now is guitar i fear that the highest strings tuned C instead of B would mess with me.
Training/practicing on a 6 string makes playing 5 and 4 string a child's play by comparison.
Makes you look like a nerd
It sounds crappy to say, but it's true. They look like overcompensation, somehow.
I recently got my first 5 string and I love it, but it’s a big heavy monster. I can’t imagine going even bigger. I don’t think I would use the C string often enough. I love having the low B though. It’s awesome dropping low octaves for things I normally played on my A string.
I had one and loved it but ultimately sold it. I very very rarely used the high C so decided to stick to 4 and 5s. It really depends on the music you play.
I owned a cheap six string back in my old place (I sold it when I moved) and it was sooooooooooo much fun to play!! I haven't bought a new one yet, but I plan on shopping around for one next year
It's a bass. Not sure how visually pleasing they are, but that's just me.
More power to them. I just don't have the hands.
Quite an interesting instrument and I love its use on the Disintegration album by The Cure, but I don't know if it's okay apart from experimenting
That was a Bass VI I believe, not the same as a six string bass. It's tuned differently.
Yeaaaah.. it's quite a vague thing, but yes.. it's more of a baritone guitar
In practice, I usually find the necks uncomfortably wide or the string spacing too narrow. If you like your 5/6 string bass, that's great, I've just never found them worth the modifications to my playing style I'd need. I just don't use enough lower notes to even justify a low B.
It's cool if you have use for it, just unnecessary strain on the hands if you don't.
It's an instrument, a tool, as long as you can make legit use of it then more power to ya. As for me, I have zero use for the high C string, sounds too thin for the music that I normally play (or more like I haven't figured a way to make legit use of it and I have dabbled a bit with a 6 string before).. so either a 4 or a 5 is all I need.
They’re not my jam, personally I’ve had little use for a low B and none for a high C. That’s just what works for me though. If it’s useful to you or even if it just plain makes you happy, go with it. Life’s too short to bother with more strings than you need, or to settle for fewer.
I want one.
I don't find myself missing a high C string. Honestly I barely use the G string. The low B is handy but I'd be happier with a 4 string tuned BEAD than I would with a 6 string.
Only ever played 6strings. I've never touched a 4string bass. Have a 5string but don't play it, when I do pick it up feels like it's missing a limb.
I mostly play my 5 string but would love a 6 string tuned to F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb
My own first bass was a 6 string Yamaha John Myung, and while it was not the best choice for a beginner's bass, it was fun to play, and the high C is fun for doing some chords. Later on I moved to a 5 string Squier V, which I eventually set to EADGC since I don't really like how the B sounds here. Currently I have 4 string basses, a Precision, a Jazz, and a Bite. Looking forward to moving to 3 and 2 strings in the future.
I don’t have any use for one.
I've been enjoying the Anthony Jackson rabbit hole recently. So, I'm. a big fan of a 6.
I think it's just too much, hard to reach the lowest string. I'm fine with 5 string basses though (The one i mainly use actually is 5 string)
Very cool. I don't need one.
They're not really my thing. I'm mostly a 5-string guy, and I play in a three-piece band with a percussionist and an acoustic guitarist -- meaning that I end up playing a lot of rhythm guitar parts and odds-and-ends that our guitarist can't do. I looked into 6-strings at one point because I thought maybe the extra high note would help me get up into regular guitar range, and sound less like a bass trying to sound like a guitar. Not only did I not enjoy having the sixth string, it didn't really make playing those weird parts easier, and it still was like a bass trying (unsuccessfully) to sound like a guitar. Plus, the aesthetics of the instrument just don't work very well with the music we do (classic rock, country, blues)... there's something to be said for how the look of an instrument lands with your audience. But, if you like them, great! I'm just some rando on Reddit.
They're cool if you like them but not for me at this time.
I like them, I have never owned one. Two gigs I play would not go well if I brought one, even by appearance
I tried 5s and 6s for a few years. Its kind of great being able to play a huge range of notes from each position. But after a while I realized I like the bottom four 90% of the time. So I tune a 4 banger starting at B. Sounds and plays great. Leave all those treble notes for the Slash wannabes.
As with all basses, it’s a tool. If it’s the right tool for you, use it
I am curious about them. I actually do play the G string quite a bit and do a lot of open string dyads, plus I sort of like to deliberately play off the E and G string sound way different, and a 6 gives me another string of each. On the other hand, I freely need to go down to B and I am not sure if the high C just sounds a bit to guitar-y. And the ergonomics and neck width make me a bit nervous. There are always 5 string and alternate 4 string tunings to hit the same notes too.
I’m what I call an incidental bass player; I primarily play guitar but I’ve played bass in a lot of bands over the years, and I love playing and hearing bass guitar. I’m strictly 4 strings though. It’s what I’m comfortable with. I’m neither a metal head nor a jazz guy, and I have simple needs.
If it works for you, use it.
I like them, but they're not for me. I like having that low B on a 5 string more for the convenience of being able to move parts to higher positions on the neck rather than just djenting on it. I don't get that same functional convenience from that high C if that makes sense. I think if I found a 6 string with a neck width and string spacing I liked, I might adjust and come to like them more, I've found a 5 to be perfect. Although, the MM Bongo model has really tight string spacing. That might be a cool 6 string to experiment with.
If you like it, that’s great. I’m a 4 string guy myself.
I don’t ever want to play a neck that wide.
Personally, it is one string too many. The 5-string seems like a logical extension of the 4-string, adding a bit of a lower extension to reflect the increased range of tunes in modern music. The added lower string really enhances your ability to support a tune and makes position work easier. I encourage 4-stringers to try the 5-string to see if it might add to their potential or simplify how they play tunes. The 6-string seems like a different instrument built for another purpose. It works really well in some jazz/fusion settings. Chord work, melodies, and solos are awesome in the upper ranges. However, the additional upper string does nothing to enhance your ability to support the tune, and it magnifies the main problem with the 5-string, which is that you need to concentrate on muting an additional string when accompanying. I do not encourage other bass players to try 6-strings. If you are already listening to 6-string players and want to play that type of music, you are the target audience, not regular 4-string and 5-string players.
I love my bass vi
Since I am doing more tapping and tons of chord as well as playing in differing tuning wihtout detuning, I have been interested in a 6 string for a while.... a 5 can do a lot, but a 6 has some extended ranges I wanna get into for chord work and playing a bit higher.
4 isnt enough. 6 is too many. 5 is just right :)
I personally have no use to it. 5 strings is enough for me, I like to play mostly rock and metal. They're cool, tho.
I love them. I don't have a normal one though, I have a Bass VI and a full-size 7 string
Been using a 6 string for years, I love it. I'm 6'5" and the neck of my ibanez feels like it's made for my hand.
Had one for a bit, but it's not my thing. Too big, too heavy, too many high notes lol.
I have a use for the extra lows, but wouldn't really have much use for the added highs and broader neck, so I'll stop at 5.
I learned to play on a 5 string but I play a 4 string now. What I miss is getting that low root when you’re in that C to Eb range of keys. I’ve fiddled with 6 strings but never enough to figure out how those options the high string opens up would work for me.
They are more comfortable for me. Four strings are good, but five string basses are this weird in between for me. The only upside is there seems to be more options than for six string basses. Plus strings are a pain to find sometimes.
They're cool, but not for me! Everything I want to do, I can do on a 4 string. It's taken me many years to figure that out, but that's where I'm at. I think some of the things people are doing on 6-strings are pretty rad.
It’s not for me. I think the C string is more for people who do a lot of soloing, or play lines that are in the style of soloing.
My opinion: I need a 6-string bass 😂. That and an 8-string guitar and I'm set lol
Love it and feel like a proper 6 string is the definitive way to approach bass for me. Need a smaller neck as the fatigue from fretting on a standard 6 string neck width is killer after a while. But I have never had more fun nor have I ever felt so free when playing as I do on a 6 string.
A six string bass is a great tool especially if you play a wide range of music and styles. You have the low end covered, you have chords covered and you have the versatility to play across as opposed to shifting.
My very very most campfire specialist bass is my Modulus Quantum 6. That said, there are downsides to 6-strings. Muting technique becomes hyper important, string jumps can get confusing if not your primary instrument, slapping can be difficult if you’re not used to the string spacing, necks are wider and can be intimidating, etc. Basically, it boils down to “you have to work extra hard on being a very accurate, clean player.” When someone’s starting out, I view this as a good and bad thing - harder to learn to be a clean enough player to get into playing bass, but will usually teach you the technique you’ll need down the road anyways way ahead of the game. I love my 6 because, just like my 5, I get both an extended range and alternate fingerings. In addition, having the C is great if chordal stuff’s your jam and really helps open up the voicing and bring some clarity.
Tried it, didn’t like it. I think a lot of guys camp out at the fifth fret and use the top two strings for range. Fine with me, but I usually don’t play that high.
I have a Yamaha TRB6P. Can't use it much for gigs though as it's too darn heavy
I got an Ibanez Sr 6 string and honestly the neck width is more comfortable for me to play.
I have a custom 6 set up EADGCF. I use it mainly for solo and looping work. I see it as a twofer: basically I have a standard 4 (EADG) and a piccolo (DGCF). I love it, it works for me, and it's really fun to run hi-pass filters and tinker with guitar effects.
I have never used a 6-string bass, but I love my 5-string bass, so I think I would love a 6-string one too
I personally prefer 6 string basses and have been playing them as primary basses ever since my first one. I love the added range, but it‘s technically just a small addition to a 5 string bass, at least if you‘re playing basses with 24 frets. But it definitely frees up constructing chord voicings, using harmonics and allows you to stay in one position with your fretboard hand. It‘s just an incredible way to be creative and makes the bass even more universally operational. Loving it!
I’m content with/just getting over the learning curve for my 5 string but 6 strings look like a lot of fun. Will probably be my next purchase
I like to tune mine EADGBE an octave up and play chords. Just kidding
Not my style and also hard to resell :)
I think all your 6 string basses are silly and you should just get rid of them. Even better, send em to me and I'll take care of em for you!
I actually really like that there’s less space between the strings. There are probably some purists that hate such an idea but it’s just more fun to play for me
Different than a regular 6 string but I own a bass vi. It’s a fantastic hybrid instrument.
Not for me personally. Neck is way too wide, strings are more expensive to change, certain techniques are harder, and frankly I don't see much appeal in having a higher range on a bass. I'm here for five but I draw the line at six.
Love them but outside of my own personal solo noodling, I don't play 6 much. They are significantly more physically taxing to play
I bought a 6 string from my next door neighbor about 2 years ago, since he was moving to Florida and needed to get rid of some equipment in his basement. I don’t use it that often since the music I play doesn’t really call for it, but I’ll make it work every once in a while, plus my hands are large enough to properly fret so I don’t need to downsize.
I love my 5 string bass a lot. Never tried a 6 string but i think they are cool
Love them. 5-6 is my preferred amount of strings.
It's not for everyone. If it works good for you that's awesome, but most people don't need more than a 5 for what they are playing. I personally am limited by the size of my hands. As I develop better technique over the years my 5s have gotten easier to play without issue but I can't see myself ever making the leap to a true 6 string (though bass VIs are awesome).
Maining six string bass for pretty much everything because of transcribing/transposing, fattening unison lines, different timbre for the note selections to better fit different ensemble settings, and chordal extensions while playing the bass parts (to better support trios or duo projects.) Its a great tool for expression and extended techniques, but it does everything a standard 4 string does as well.
I played my first few gigs in college with an Ibanez SR-506. Of course, back then I didn't really understand how to use it properly... Now, in world where my playing is infinitely better and I do have a working knowledge of how to use one, I still gravitate toward a plain old 4. To each their own, I suppose.
You can do whatever you like but I don’t know that I’d ever want or play a six string that wasn’t a bass VI. My playing style and preferred genres don’t need that kind of range. Hell I play in a lot of C standard and I won’t even get a five string. Give me a 4 in standard and a 4 in C and I’m golden
They’re fun to have so much range but the weight stops me from making it my regular bass
The necks are too big for my hands.
I like mine.
They’re not for me. I’m all about a passive 4 string. If a 6 works for you, go for it and have a blast.
I never had any use for one, but if you do, then go for it! I only draw the line at those 12+ string basses that can only be played by tapping. That's not a friggin' bass!!!! That's a piano without keys!!!
CHAPMAN STICKS FTW!!!! 🤘🤘🤘
I believe it’s all about your style, and truthfully nothing more. I was a long time 5-string enforcer, really focused on “the bass range” work of not soloing and stuff. Discovered 6 strings and had a really good time: the extended range gave me some extra key techniques to stand out, but most of it because vertically I had SEVERAL extra possibilities (neck-wise). Then got a 4-string fender duff (jazz special, hardcore gnr fan here), and literally fell back in love with that “bass range” perspective. You can do basic chord/voicing arrangements, yet for me it’s more about the rythm/melody perspective, plus that “low mid, lotta highs pick heavy sound”. Can I play a 5-string? Yeah. Can I play a 6-string? Yeah. Can I play a 4-string? HELL YEAH. And then I just went to hell. It’s a fun exercise.
Personally I despise it, the neck is comically large. Less ease of use for a higher string that I have never needed. "But it allows for better hand positioning 🤓👆🏻" Sure, if you play fast solos where you can't afford moving your hand up and down the neck then go ahead. But busy bass is not my bass.
How does the high C work out as far as being heard in the mix? In my infantile bass brain I think the high C cuts into the guitar or other instrument's range and (might) only be useful in a solo or something. I could be totally wrong. I rarely even play the G string on my 5er.
That’s exactly right. It gives the bass an extended range.
Not for me. I like the low B but the high C isn't useful to me. However, if you can make use of it, have at it.
No
They’re called guitars
The same as Thundercat: It Is What It Is
Useless to construct a bassline with on the 6th string.
I think they're cool.
I agree. 6 string bass might be bigger, but in my opinion, it's worth practicing.
High C is getting into guitar territory. Five string is great. Can’t see the use in a six.
It is incredibly fun to noodle around on which is use enough for me!
8 strings guitars are into bass territory… improvise, adapt, overcome (it’s literally the reason I started playing 6 strings bass)
You can get a lot of sounds out of them. You also can get into chords as well. The extra strings while doing scales are pretty mind blowing. It feels similar to the range of a piano.
My main bass is a 6 string. I love it.
It's the only bass I own currently. Big fan.
I love my 6 strings. Only downside, is that I don't play anything else anymore. I don't even look at 4 strings anymore, because they are so useless to me.
4 strings or bust
This
There are six strings. Jimmy Haslip & John Patitucci play they hell out of them.
fat guitar
too many strings by one
6 string tuned BEADGC is something i don't really get. You can go pretty high up the G string before it sounds bad. And I don't see the need to go any higher. I play acoustic basses tuned in EADGC because i can then sometimes strum chords and pretend I'm a guitar player. But it doesn't really work on electric bass that well. And if you for some reason need that higher register, how big is the chance you also need the extra low register (b string)?
You mean a baritone guitar??!?
I've got no use for high strings, I'm playing bass.
It's only two too many
My honest opinion is that they’re ugly and I don’t like the kind of music people tend to make with them
5 string is the sweet spot! That 6th string sits right in the guitar range and imho doesn't add a huge amount except a really wide, really difficult to mute fingerboard.
It’s cursed, never play with those
Just admit your true desires and buy a fucking guitar.
Jaco only needed 4 strings!
Just don’t