Once you’ve selected either an acoustic bass or electric bass, your next major decision should be how many strings it should feature. Most basses come with 4-string or 5-string models.
Extended range basses feature five lower-pitched strings (tuned EADGBE to produce greater musical versatility across genres).
Body & Neck
Bass guitars come in an assortment of variants. The three most prevalent are 4-string, 5-string and 6-string basses, with beginners often opting for 4-string basses as it is easier to learn than its alternatives. If your musical tastes expand beyond 4-string models then 5-string bass guitars may be best.
A bass guitar 5 string features additional strings tuned one octave lower than its traditional four-string tuning (4 strings: E-A-D-G). These extra strings enable bassists to access notes below the low E string that cannot be played using traditional four-string tuning; additionally, adding this extra string provides them with more options when it comes to slapping techniques.
As it’s important to keep in mind, bass guitars with five strings typically feature tighter string spacing compared to those with four. This may take some getting used to for beginners. Furthermore, 5-string basses generally feature wider necks compared to 4-string instruments; all these factors must be taken into consideration when purchasing one as they will affect comfortability when purchasing an instrument.
If you are considering purchasing a 5-string bass guitar, renting one first is highly advised. By testing out the instrument firsthand and getting acquainted with its playability and tone in a high-quality amp environment. Once you find one that feels right for you, purchasing it would allow you to focus on playing rather than fretting over strings that might need tightening up or other minor details that distract. Beginners might find 4-string models more appropriate.
Electronics
A bass guitar’s string count determines its lower-pitched notes. Although most commonly seen with four, five and six strings, luthiers can build any number of string basses to order. Some bassists enjoy using five string models which enable them to access lower pitched notes that wouldn’t otherwise be available on standard 4-string basses; other prefer six string models as these give greater access to higher pitched notes without shifting up their neck as frequently.
Bassists who wish to use 5-string bass instruments must upgrade both their amplifier and speaker cabinets in order to produce enough low frequencies from their instrument. A sealed cabinet is best, as this helps preserve low frequencies generated by adding an extra string. In addition, investing in an Original Bartolini design split-coil pickup that offers optimal voice reproduction without interference is highly recommended.
Another benefit of an additional low string for bassists is that it reveals new melodic possibilities for their playing. Bassists who make use of the open B string may discover they can play more chords and arpeggios than would be possible on a standard 4-string bass; this can prove particularly valuable when performing jazz, where bassists must often accompany guitarists or pianists while comping in harmony with them.
The extra lower string also enables bassists to move more fluidly around their necks during live performances where fast music needs to be performed at an accelerated pace – for instance two-octave runs can often be executed faster on 5 string bass instruments than on regular 4-string models.
If you’re shopping for a 5-string bass, there are numerous excellent choices available to you. One such model is the Ibanez SR305EB; this bass comes equipped with an impressive PowerSpan dual-coil pickup and 3-way Power Tap switch to give users true tonal variety and features mahogany construction for deep tones and rich tones.
Tuning System
A bass guitar may feature any number of strings, with 5-string basses usually featuring E-A-D-G-C (standard tuning). To expand their tonal capabilities, some musicians utilize alternate string configurations. Adding an additional low B string allows drop tuning which increases range by dropping its pitch one step or tone lowers; a popular technique in metal music that results in intense yet deep tones that resonates with listeners.
Although adding another string can increase range, it can make tuning more difficult due to closer spacing of strings that require more precise finger placement from beginners. Furthermore, the higher pitch of B string creates tension that requires adjusting the truss rod when changing strings.
To tune a 5 string bass accurately, there are two effective approaches to tuning it: using an electronic tuner or training your ears to detect even minute differences in pitch. Electronic tuners tend to be simpler for novice users and provide consistent references; however, tuning by ear is an invaluable skill that may prove helpful if the electric tuner becomes unavailable or out of reach.
Alternative to extended-range basses are regular basses with an added high C string, giving a tuned configuration of E-A-D-G-C-E and can be useful for musicians whose styles require frequent slapping. Detuners allow players to quickly change tuning by dropping one string by an adjustable amount – these devices are especially popular among metal bassists who often opt for D, A, C, F or B tunings; using one on every string might prove cumbersome but gives access to different notes and chords than would otherwise exist with standard tuning.
Sound
A bass guitar can be strung with any number of strings; most commonly found are 4-string and 5-string models. Deciding the number of strings for your bass guitar can have a dramatic impact on its sound; whether slapping it or plucking it, choosing the appropriate string count gives you the tonal flexibility necessary for any style of music.
An extra B string allows you to access lower notes that would normally be unattainable on a standard four-string bass without changing its tuning an octave lower (or using sub-octave effects, which never sound as great).
One major advantage of owning a guitar bass 5 string is the added depth and power provided by its lower note, adding depth and power to your music. These extra five notes can make all the difference between an average bass line and something truly memorable that stands out and leaves an impactful impression with listeners.
At first glance, playing a five-string bass may seem more daunting than four. Due to an additional string that needs slapping more precisely and may cause back and neck strain; additionally, 5-string models tend to cost more and replacing strings can be more of a hassle than four-string models.
Beginners may benefit from beginning on a four-string bass to get acquainted with the instrument and learn traditional bass roles, before upgrading to five strings when more comfortable to begin exploring music which requires their extended range.