5-String Bass Guitars

5-String Bass Guitars

The electric bass guitar is primarily responsible, together with the drums for the Groove in a band. Ever since Jaco Pastorius, Jack Bruce, Marcus Miller and Flea it's clear that the Electric Bass plays in the front row. Therefore, bass players can now draw from a similar sized pool of bass guitars as their guitar playing counterparts. Besides the classic 4-string bass, 5 and 6-string basses are becoming increasingly popular. The 'normal' four-string electric bass guitar is exactly one octave lower than a guitar tuned: E, A, D, G.


Short Scale Bass
The Short Scale Bass has a relatively short neck. This is generally easier to play because the frets are closer together and you do not have spread the fingers as much as along scale bass which makes it ideal for children and adolescents. The sound is softer and rounder and therefore used to be accused of these basses that they do not have as much "oomph" as the big bass. But thanks to modern pickup technology this is history.

Long scale Bass
The Long Scale Bass has a much longer neck and thus offers a harder sound. In addition, the weight distribution is slightly better in the long scale basses and they are rarely top-heavy. Those who consider tormenting their left hand a bit, should in any case try long scale bass playing.

Otherwise, the same rules apply as for the guitar when buying a Bass. It should feel good in your hands and not too heavy. The string action must not be too high and the bass should still have good easy playability in the higher frets. Even if you yourself can't yet play, take the instrument in your hands and plays a few notes. The first impression usually does not deceive.