Why does some bands (f ex. Dream Theater) use 6 strnig bass and Opeth 4 string? What difference does it make? and why doesn't some people like it?
Number of strings on basses
- Thread starter Torenstain
- Start date
wankerness
Member
Six string basses can go lower and higher than a four string bass. The bassist on MORNINGRISE used a six string, and was thus able to play lower notes on songs. When Mendez plays Advent live, he has to play a bunch of notes up an octave. And I don't know why people would dislike the fact that someone uses a six string instead of a four string bass, unless it's NOT KVLT or something.
Ermz
¯\(°_o)/¯
6-string basses are harder to play than 4 strings, as it's essentially like playing another normal guitar. Usually only the more talented or experimental of bassists use the 6-strings because you can pull off some whacky sounds with them you can't get with the 4's.
Demilich
Remember
Gin_from_the_bottle
Member
i know quite a few bands that use 6 string basses. as to wwhether its harder to play a 6 string, then a 4 string, i had absolutely no problems when i switched from a 4 string to a 5 string. so i dont think its hard to play on a 6 string.
Demilich
Remember
It can't be that much harder, I mean, at worst you just ignore the other 2 strings and pretend it's the same as a 4 string. Otherwise, if a 6-string is what DeFarfalla used on Morningrise to achieve some of those cool-ass things he did, then it must be worth it! 
I never liked John Myung's bass playing, talented or no.
I never liked John Myung's bass playing, talented or no.
Moonlapse said:
I disagree. Just because you have 2 strings less on a conventional bass than what you have on a 6-string doesn't make you a better player. If you can't play the four strings you have, what makes you think you'll be able to play six strings better?
Also, the tuning system on a 6-string bass is different than what's on a standard guitar, unless you're going for a contrabass guitar effect. The tuning on a 6-string bass (if we're talking about standard concert pitch) is
B, E, A, D, G, C. The additional low B-string, also found on 5-string basses, only provides an additional 5 notes which are felt more than they're heard. The additional C-string is actually tuned up a minor second higher (tuned a fourth higher than it's neigboring string, rather than a major third as you'd find on a guitar with standard tuning) than a regular 6-string guitar and, depending on how many frets your 6-string bass has, only provides about 4 to 6 extra notes.
Let's also not forget the stretch of the hands that you're going through when switching from a 4-string to a 6-string. There's more material (wood) for the neck to support those extra strings and the spacing of the strings is often narrower than what you'd find on a standard 4 or even 5. Most bassists don't like the narrow spacing on a 5 and 6 string bass and stick with the 4. (I know that I prefer using 5-string basses with wide necks and wide string spacing. Sadly, this is considered a custom option and usually increases the cost of the bass.)
As to wacky and experimental bass players, try some Michael Manring as an example of what can be done to a 4-string bass.
The irony of most 6-string bass players is that they usually stick to the four middle strings!
ya pretty much covered it...
yeah, i say, if you can't play 4 strings, why play 5 or six
now what some people do...
is get a 5 string tenor bass
tuned to
e a d g c
because a tenor bass is tuned to
a d g c
used by stanley clarke and other such people...
now what is really crazy
are 7 string and 9 string basses
and lets not even get into sticks(8-12 string tapping instruments)
yeah, i say, if you can't play 4 strings, why play 5 or six
now what some people do...
is get a 5 string tenor bass
tuned to
e a d g c
because a tenor bass is tuned to
a d g c
used by stanley clarke and other such people...
now what is really crazy
are 7 string and 9 string basses
and lets not even get into sticks(8-12 string tapping instruments)
Protected Witness
Magickal Theatre 33
Protected Witness
Magickal Theatre 33
To answer your question:Torenstain said:
6 string basses are generally tuned B E A D G C; giving you added lower and higher range from a standard bass guitar. Sometimes they are tuned different though.
TwilightSymphony said:
I saw Michael Manring play acouple of weeks ago, it was the first time I heard him play and my mouth was like this
the whole time! That Hyperbass of his is on a level of its own, truley something to see if you have the chance.
Benzine
.flaps
to be honest, the bass playing on morningrise is the best on any opeth album, mendez is good but not anywhere near as good as the old guy
Protected Witness
Magickal Theatre 33
Arrrrrrrrrrghh....mendez plays all of that stuff note for note live. How many times does this need to be said?KevyCanavan said:
ggggggu
New Metal Member
Ermz
¯\(°_o)/¯
Arrrrrrrrrrghh....mendez plays all of that stuff note for note live. How many times does this need to be said?
