Bass guitars tend to focus more on rhythmic than melodic lines, so adding an additional high C string expands their range to accommodate melodic lines.
Beginners might find this more difficult due to having more strings to manage and keep quiet.
Comfortable Contoured Bodies
Many bass guitar manufacturers provide bodies designed with comfort in mind, such as various shapes and sizes featuring advanced features like chamfered or rounded body edges for increased playability and comfort. Some bodies even include armrests or built-in strap pegs to make playing while seated easier. Other considerations should include neck shape/angle as well as the width/scale lengths which impact how close together frets are and tension on strings.
Ernie Ball Music Man’s DarkRay 4 and 5 string basses are prime examples of how comfortable an instrument can be. Their ergonomic rounded forearm contour reduces wrist stress during playing, as well as their sculpted neck joint that gives easy access to all 22 stainless steel frets. Furthermore, these basses include a newly revoiced 3-band preamp for improved tone and flexibility as well as lightweight aluminum hardware components for a lighter and more balanced instrument.
Warmoth offers bass guitars with unsurpassed levels of comfort, including their Gecko series of four different body shapes which all integrate with one neck. Each Gecko 6 bass body stands out with features like heel-less neck joints, perfectly designed control cavities, exotic woods for unique looks, heelless neck joints and heelless joint assemblies for optimum playback comfort – this model being particularly notable.
This body features a Swamp Ash central wedge with Mahogany wings and a “comfort carve.” Its top is book-matched flamed Maple, while its headcap, truss rod cover and electronics cover are made of Walnut. Furthermore, its neck features Ebony fretboard and headcap as well as Rosewood backstrap, string block and knobs; featuring 34 inch scale length strung through body construction with bone nut. In addition, there is a Lollar P-bass pickup fitted with master volume and tone controls.
Easier to Play
The guitar bass 6 string can provide an alternative to traditional 4-string bass models, offering extra low B and high C notes which allow players to explore chordal playing without needing to drop any tuning keys. Furthermore, its open strings also facilitate higher open string melodies as well as slap bass techniques; which is especially beneficial for soloists looking for additional chordal options on their fretboard. This option may also benefit bassists with more lead or soloist approaches who need flexibility playing more chordal notes without changing tuning keys as frequently.
Although a 6-string bass allows you to play more chords and arpeggios, its learning curve remains steep. Bassists must learn to co-ordinate both hands’ fingers as well as master muting skills to avoid unwanted noises from being picked accidentally. A fretwrap may be helpful as an early beginner in order to muffle any unwanted notes accidentally picked up during practice sessions.
Bassists must remember that although 6-string basses are tuned similarly to guitars (EADGBE), its top two strings are tuned one octave lower; therefore bass chords differ significantly from guitar chords and may require strong hands for playback.
Ben Shepherd’s masterclass on bass comping techniques and voicings will help you become more musical in your chordal playing on bass. From gothic rock of Robert Smith from Cure or Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament to power pop like Nick Lowe or Cheap Trick’s Tom Petersson this course can bring rhythmic and chordal playing to an entirely new level!
Overall, it’s impossible to say which instrument is easier or harder to play. Bassists who are used to the four string bass may find adapting to six string basses difficult, yet worth their while as more possibilities for your playing will open up. Beginners should focus on learning the fundamentals before diving deeper.
More Versatile
A guitar bass 6 string adds one extra string to its standard tuning of bass guitars, giving you access to more notes for chording and higher octaves that can make your bass sound fuller and more complex. However, keeping track of an extra string may make learning the bass more complex for beginners.
An additional advantage of the six string guitar bass is that it can serve as a lead instrument in some styles. While some musicians use bass as their primary lead guitar instrument, many utilize its rhythm or backing capabilities as part of their ensemble’s rhythm or backing instrumentation. A six string bass may also help add melodic qualities into their playing style.
If you are searching for an adaptable bass guitar, the G4M 878 may be just what you need. Boasting a 34-inch scale length and 6-string configuration, this bass offers a variety of tones suitable for any musical style imaginable. Available in various finishes with included set of Graphtech Nubone nuts to improve intonation and sustain, this instrument will surely meet all your musical needs!
As the neck on a bass guitar is designed to accommodate four or five strings, adding another string is likely to increase strain and stress on its structure significantly. To reduce this burden, manufacturers of bass guitars often design wider necks with graphite reinforcing bars under the fretboard that reduce string strain, making the instrument lighter and more comfortable to play for extended periods.
A 6-string bass is an invaluable asset in the arsenal of any bassist. While getting used to its additional string may take practice, when mastery is achieved you’ll be able to create more complex and full-sounding basses. Please be aware however that due to closer string spacing some techniques such as slap bass may become more challenging.
More Affordable
Long before, bass guitars were only available with four strings. Luthiers provided bassists with more options by producing basses with five, six or even seven strings – not limited to just four string versions! Nowadays bassists who wish to focus more on melodic music and less strumming may opt for six string models with an extended B string that extends its range by an octave; additionally it makes chords easier to finger as well as less shifting is needed on the neck.
While 6-string bass guitars aren’t the only choice available to bassists, they tend to be less costly than their 4-string counterparts and it is possible to find used models at reasonable prices. Companies such as Fender Jazz and Precision basses, Gibson SG/Les Paul basses and Yamaha bass guitars produce such affordable models so even beginners can afford an instrument of professional quality that meets both their budgetary requirements and musical preferences.
Sweetwater offers more expensive six-string basses from Carl Thompson, Alembic and Ken Smith luthiers; these basses can be found by those looking for unique tones or specific performance needs. Many feature humbucking pickups which can be adjusted according to personal style and tone preferences – you can scoop mids for lead instrument style tone while increasing punch and clarity, or use its comprehensive 3-band EQ feature to find what sounds best!
While browsing online may provide valuable research information on bass guitars, nothing beats experiencing and playing different models before making your selection. By taking your time researching and shopping for one in person before making your choice, you can ensure you purchase an instrument which meets both performance and budgetary considerations. Our knowledgeable staff is also on hand to assist in your search!