Advantages Of A 5 string Bass (you can't do these on a 4 string)

I mean, I would argue that a 5 string is honestly 100% better than a 4 string in general, b/c anything you can play on a 4, you can play on a 5... The only reason that I would say that a 4 is "better" is if you have smaller hands and just can make the reach on a 5.

That being said, most of the basses I own are 4 strings, mainly just b/c they are way more common. I have a 5 and a 6 as well, and use them a lot in all honesty. Our church does a lot of songs in Eb, D, and Db, and when I'm playing a 4 string, I always find myself missing those nice "low" root notes, since you don't have them on a standard 4 string.

Great lesson, thanks!

the comment about shoulder injury is why i favor my 5 string over my 4 string as well. That 2 octaves in one position spacing comes in real handy.

I play in church. I just love to see the shock on people's faces when I pull the bass out of my bag and its a 4 string not a 5.
I once had an overnight service and the sound man was trying out my bass and he saw it was a 4. He asked "Where is the 5th string?" I said to him that it doesn't exist.
I do understand the advantages of a 5 but the truth is I really love my 4 string. Tastes and preferences at the end of the day dictate what you go for.

Edit: Currently only have one bass guitar that's a 4 string. I do intend to buy a 5 string and even a 6 string just for that matter. This will obviously happen when the finances do allow

Flashlight by pfunk

I bought a 5 string because i went through about 15 in the shop trying them out, my bass was quite literally just the perfect fit for me, and everyone makes joke because i rarley use my b,ive got greate muting technique now though

35" scale length 4-string tuned BEAD & done

Not a fan of 5 strings as that B string just farts. But your comment on scale length is interesting. Will have to look around for some longer scale length Basses to see if the B string starts sounding better.

I don't like playing open strings on bass so 5 string was perfect for me.

5 String basses are popular here in Mexico since most of cumbia or corrido songs have extra bassline notes

Beautiful bass.

What Brand is that bass?

Ahh, yeah. sure. Whatever you say.

You don't have an Advantage. You THINK you have an advantage.

"not saying it's better... but its better..." lol - dont be afraid to hurt 4 string feeelings...

Probably my main reason for having my 5 string is i love that E flat and D. I also hate changing the tuning on my 4 string lol

See Victor Wooten and don't believe the hype
4 is the way to go sloppy B always sounds like shite. IMO

I think the big trick for a strong sounding B string is either extending the distance between the bolts or just adding extra like six bolts or a five - at least three bolts on the B string side of the neck really tightens up the sound of the B string!

That's why I need a 5 string! So I can play Ain't Nobody! Love that song! Chaka Khan 🤘🏼

Thanks for this informative video! I'm new to the channel and I see there are more than 500(!) videos. Appreciate it!