4 String Bass vs. 5 String Bass: What's The Difference?

4-String Bass vs. 5-String Bass: What's The Difference?

At some point in their musical lives, every bass player eventually asks whether they should play a four-string or a five-string bass. They’re by far the two most popular types of bass guitar, and each has a legion of devotees prepared to defend them to the final note.

Which one should you be playing? And how much does that fifth string matter? We’re here to discuss the differences between a 4-string and a 5-string bass and what they do for your musical passion.

It’s All About That Bass (Range)

A standard bass guitar has four strings tuned E1-A1-D2-G2 (E-A-D-G), one octave below the four lowest strings on a six-string guitar. The five-string bass guitar adds a B1 (low B) string, which is positioned above the E-string. Adding this B-string extends the bass’s total sonic range by five half-steps and lets you play lower notes without retuning. The neck is wider to accommodate the extra string. The difference seems simple, but it can have a big impact on sound and feel.

Pros of a 4-String Bass

• Four-string basses are easier to learn and play, allowing for a variety of techniques such as slapping.
• Most music is written for and played on a four-string bass, so no tricks or “hacks” are necessary.
• Because they’re the most popular bass type, you’ll have more options for scale length, weight, and other features.

Cons of a 4-String Bass

• Without the extended range, you’ll have more difficulty playing music written in lower registers. Detuning or an octave pedal may be necessary, and even then, the notes won’t sound as accurate.
• The sound is on the brighter side, which may not always be a good fit.

Pros of a 5-String Bass

• The heavier tone gives the music more depth if this is desired.
• The bass will better complement down-tuned or seven-string guitars.
• You can play a lot more chord triads, giving certain music styles a stronger foundation.
• You have more flexibility over finger and hand positioning.
• It’s easier to transpose music into a lower register.

Cons of a 5-String Bass

• The larger neck makes the bass harder to play if you have smaller hands.
• You’ll need to make sure you have an amplifier that can handle the lower frequencies.
• Even with the bigger neck, the strings are often closer together, requiring more precision.
• Five-string bass guitars and their replacement strings are often more expensive.

Should I Play 4-string or 5-string Bass?

If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with the four-string bass, as it has a shallower learning curve. From there, it comes down to the music, sonic tone and playing technique you prefer. A four-string bass produces a brighter sound and let you play with more abandon. The extended range on a five-string bass is better for music written in lower registers (such as black metal) and bassists who prefer a more technical sound. Whichever bass you decide on, you can find your favorite bass guitar strings and accessories at Strings and Beyond.