Question. What musical differences are there between a four string bass guitar and a five string bass guitar?
A normal 4 string bass guitar is tuned 1st (thin) string = G, 2nd string = D, 3rd string = A, and the 4th (thick) string = E.
With a five string bass guitar we add an extra string to give us a low B note. This can give us some extra depth and gives the bass guitar player a chance to compete with the keyboard or synthesizer player. However this B still doesn’t go as low as a grand piano can. Note also that the low B keeps the bass guitar consistent to its being tuned in fourths. So it’s easy to keep to well known patterns.
i.e. G D A E B Note names
1–4th–2–4th--3--4th--4--4th--5 Strings
Bass Guitar tuned in fourths – that is each string is four notes away from the next in regards to a scale.
Famous Players who play a five string Bass Guitar
Paul McCartney although famous for playing a 4 string Hoffner bass guitar has played a Wal 5 String bass and can be seen playing it on the Beatles remake ‘Free As A Bird’.
Break with convention
On a conventional 4 string bass guitar it is easy to run out of notes but on a five string we get nicely to that low B note. We also have that extra low C note on the 1st fret of the 5 string – so handy in the key of C or F to give that extra growl.
Great effect – just one example. Happy playing!
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