Six String Bass - A Quick Guide to 6 String Bass - Bass Practice Diary - 30th October 2018

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If you'd like to learn more, please check out what I've written on my free bass blog here johnnycoxmusic.com/six-string...
Six String Bass - A guide to the 6 String Bass - Bass Practice Diary - 30th October 2018
I just want to share some of the reasons why I play a six string bass. I get asked about six string basses a lot. So, I thought I should make a video about why I play them. And also give out some advice for anyone learning or thinking of learning to play a six string bass. I’ll also write a little bit about the history of the bass guitar and how basses came to have six strings.
The first thing I need to say is that how many strings you choose to play, 4, 5, 6 or any other number, is not that important. What is important is the music you play and how you choose to play your instrument.
You need to decide what is the best instrument for you and the way you want to play. There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to how many strings. And I think that bass players sometimes care too much about it. They need to remember that what matters is music, not strings.
Why do I play a six string bass?
Having said that, I do have good reasons for playing six strings and I’ll share some of them with you now.
The biggest advantage of playing six strings is the extra range you get. With an extra low string and an extra high string you can extend your range in both directions, which makes six string basses very versatile. I don't do many gigs where I don’t need to use the extended low range of my six string bass. I can play bass lines that weren’t originally written to be played on bass guitar.
The extended high range of the instrument enables me to play melodies, chord voicings and harmonies that would be very hard to achieve on four and five string basses. I know that not every bass player wants to explore these kind of harmonies, but I do, and if you’re interested in that too then you should think about playing six strings.
Is it Harder to Play Six string Bass?
Yes and no. Hopefully if you’ve seen my other videos you’ve seen me play four and five string basses. Other than the extended range, there’s no difference in the way I play 6 string to 4 or 5 string basses either technically or musically. My technique changes when I switch to fretless bass. But it doesn’t change when I switch between a fretted 4 and a fretted 6 string bass.
So for me, playing 6 isn’t any harder than 4 or 5 strings. In fact it’s easier because I play 6 most of the time and it’s what I’m most comfortable with.
Having said that, you need a strong technique to play 6 string bass well. And you need to make sure that you really learn all six strings.
Why do bass guitars have four strings?
I just want to say one more thing about the history of the bass guitar and why basses have four strings to begin with.
Many people think that Leo Fender invented the electric bass in the 1950’s, he didn’t. It was invented in the 1930’s by a gentleman named Paul Tutmarc. And it was originally sold as a bass fiddle.
Musical instruments usually evolve from other instruments rather than being invented out of the blue. The electric bass was no different. It was modelled on the orchestral strings violins, double basses etc. Hence it had four strings, was tuned like a double bass and it was called a bass fiddle.
What Leo Fender did, which was revolutionary for the electric bass, was to realise that it would be much easier to play if it was shaped like a guitar rather than a fiddle. And he created all of those iconic Fender basses like the Precision and the Jazz Bass which became the archetypes for all future bass guitars. But the Fender basses retained the four string tuning of Tutmarc's original electric bass fiddles.
Who Invented the Six String Bass?
It was Anthony Jackson in the 1970's who started to ask the question, if the bass guitar is now a member of the guitar family, not the orchestral strings family, then why retain the four string double bass tuning? Surely it makes more sense to have six strings like a guitar? It was Jackson who came up with what we now consider standard tuning for a six string bass. He called his bass guitars contrabass guitars. The name never caught on, but the concept of the six string bass has become more and more popular.
In conclusion
That’s my thoughts, and please don’t take this as any kind of criticism of four or five string basses. Most of my favourite bass players play four string basses and many play five. I play four string basses. And I can’t stress how much it doesn’t matter how many strings you like to use. You should find the bass that feels right for the way you play, and that’s all that matters.

Пікірлер: 161

  • @mnare04
    @mnare043 жыл бұрын

    I’m actually glad that I found this video. My grandpa came to visit us and he randomly brought me a 6 string bass so I was just like ‘ok, guess I’ll learn it’. And this actually helps me understand the bass a bit better

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Cool. What a great grandpa! I hope you love the 6-string bass. Let me know if you'd like to do a lesson on Zoom . First one is free.

  • @jmarq2283

    @jmarq2283

    2 жыл бұрын

    Can I have your grandpa?

  • @laurentalvaro1905
    @laurentalvaro19054 жыл бұрын

    You're so right. I learnt on a 6-string, and I couldn't play on anything else...

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    4 жыл бұрын

    Yeah, it's hard to adjust to four or five strings when you get used to playing six.

  • @Nikannosneb
    @Nikannosneb3 жыл бұрын

    Just got a 6 stringed Bass as my Xmas gift. Thanks for this info

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Wow. That's a great early Christmas present! I hope you love your new bass.

  • @christophercraig9295
    @christophercraig92952 жыл бұрын

    I love your explanation of not needing to learn 4-string in order to learn 6-string. Just learn the instrument. I watched your other video where you play Anthony Jackson and you showed some great technique to keep my lower strings quiet when playing higher strings.

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! 👍🎶

  • @Arael4
    @Arael4Ай бұрын

    Totally agree with you .... everything you said and demonstrated

  • @og-greenmachine8623
    @og-greenmachine86232 жыл бұрын

    SO glad I went with 6-string💡 Gorgeous sounds...

  • @mermolaev
    @mermolaev3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks a lot for your advice! Just bought myself an Ibanez SR306 and enjoying it.

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Excellent! I hope you love your new 6-string bass! 👍🎶

  • @tecedo1
    @tecedo14 жыл бұрын

    Great tutorial and history. I am a new player and I am starting on a 6 string bass. I was advised to start on a 4 string bass. However, I wanted the additional range when composing music. I am originally a singer, then flautist and keyboardist.

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    4 жыл бұрын

    Hi Tyrone. Thanks very much! Yeah, the extra range is certainly an advantage for composing. I hope you love your 6 string bass!

  • @hemogoblin3076

    @hemogoblin3076

    4 жыл бұрын

    No sense starting on the 4 string if you want to play a 6 right?

  • @davidmiller6076
    @davidmiller6076 Жыл бұрын

    Ur very skilled and clean.. I’ve had a Stroke on my right side.. But I’ve gotten a lot back, through practice and discipline!!

  • @tigerscott2966
    @tigerscott29662 жыл бұрын

    Great video. Thanks again. After watching this 2 years ago, I left my fear behind and bought a 5 string bass. 6 sting is next for me.

  • @MacedonianGrace
    @MacedonianGrace3 жыл бұрын

    yippie i got my 6 string bass yesterday purely on the looks , but man i feel this beast i gona work on it. nice video thanks

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Awesome, I hope you love your new bass! 👍🎶

  • @rquance1
    @rquance14 жыл бұрын

    I play 4 and 5 string basses since I avoid stepping on the Guitar player's range with the C string. Very good tutorial!

  • @1okanaganguy
    @1okanaganguy4 жыл бұрын

    I just uptuned my P 5 to a high C. Now, it's a new guitar with amazing range and a whole new set of skills emerging... but, I miss the B. Try a six, you say... Good vid, I'm in. belled

  • @GoingNutsinTX
    @GoingNutsinTX4 жыл бұрын

    Going to start on my six tomorrow! Nice video.

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    4 жыл бұрын

    Awesome! Thank you!

  • @freerangephilosopher9525
    @freerangephilosopher95253 жыл бұрын

    Great video, thank you. Just found your channel through it. Got an amazing deal on an LTD 6 string with a satin finish and spalted maple top today. Sounds amazing, plays amazing. Can't wait to dive in further. Thanks for the history, perspective, and tips!

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Awesome! Thanks. I hope you love your new 6-string bass. Would you like to try a free 30-minute bass lesson with me on Zoom? I can help get you started with the 6! 👍🎶

  • @kelsindukwe9714

    @kelsindukwe9714

    9 ай бұрын

    Is this offer still open?

  • @anuragaudesh
    @anuragaudesh2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much Sir ❣️🎸❣️🎸❣️

  • @angusorvid8840
    @angusorvid88403 жыл бұрын

    I love the sound of bass, and six string bass especially. I play guitar, but I've always admired the bass, and I say hats off to anyone who plays it well, but hats off to anyone who chooses bass as their instrument. It's still growing and there is a lot of creativity in the bass world. It is much more than a rhythm instrument, and has huge possibilities as a solo instrument. What is happening with the bass is more interesting than what's happening with the guitar, which has pretty much stagnated. I believe in the future that bass will lead guitar to a better place.

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Angus! 👍🎶

  • @tgdb4968

    @tgdb4968

    3 жыл бұрын

    I totally agree, I’ve played guitar for years and I love the bass just as much tbh, that much so I’ve just bought a 6 string Bass!

  • @themns4u
    @themns4u3 жыл бұрын

    Cool info, thanks bro!

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! 👍🎶

  • @nanarat3844
    @nanarat38443 жыл бұрын

    Omg I think I’m gonna die my god father got me a 6 sting bass and I can’t find no one to help me this channel is god sent I swear

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Drop me a message via the Contact form on my website and we'll schedule a Zoom lesson. First 30 minute lesson is free! johnnycoxmusic.com/contact/ 👍🎶

  • @ianstrickland5280
    @ianstrickland52804 жыл бұрын

    lovely steve bailey signature!

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @drvgsndior
    @drvgsndior3 жыл бұрын

    Just got my 6 string today, hopefully I can get it down soon ☺️

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Excellent, I hope you love your new bass! Let me know if you'd like to try a free 30 minute bass lesson on Zoom with me. I'll help you get started with it. 👍🎶

  • @fredbass77
    @fredbass776 ай бұрын

    It depends also to our musical influences, and to bassists that we love

  • @TrashCanBoiBoi
    @TrashCanBoiBoi2 жыл бұрын

    I play upright bass (the one in the orchestra) and I've been so interested in 6 string basses lately...

  • @AmatullahK
    @AmatullahK4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks very much! This is one of the best video's on why play the six string bass. For some time now I've understood it's perfectly logical for even a beginner bass play to learn bass on a whatever bass 4,5 or 6 string, that the student has on hand or even wants to buy. But this view while still not in majority, is more prevalent. Again thanks and remember: Master Bass Player Anthony Jackson on Playing the Six String CONTRABASS Guitar said: ”My feeling is; Why is the standard four and not six? As the lowest pitched instruments of the guitar family, the bass should have had six strings from the beginning. The only reason it had four [strings] was because Leo Fender was thinking in application terms of an Upright Bass.”

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks very much! Yeah, I think more bass players are learning on 6-string basses these days. You can get good 6-string basses at entry level prices now. So, there's nothing to stop people learning with 6 strings. When I started learning bass 25 years ago, getting a good 6-string bass was quite a big investment, but that's not really the case any more.

  • @rosekwakyewaa1085
    @rosekwakyewaa10853 жыл бұрын

    This video is really helpful because I’m a drummer and I’m looking into playing the bass too

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! I'm glad it's helpful. 👍🎶

  • @displacedhippie3296
    @displacedhippie32964 жыл бұрын

    People that dont like 6 strings are not adventurous or original musicians. I just started really playing bass and I went with a ODT 6 string FIRST! I love experimenting with sound and having a full range is so amazing. I play guitar all the way up to 12s and played since I was six, been playing drums and studying percussion since I was 4 and having more to play with is WAY worth it!

  • @Iliveinabox666
    @Iliveinabox666 Жыл бұрын

    This video really helped me consider my approach with my six. My biggest challenge is properly muting strings, especially when shifting say from.. B to A with the E in the middle.

  • @pangeaproxima9446

    @pangeaproxima9446

    Жыл бұрын

    ok, ok...now we know.

  • @DJBennyswift
    @DJBennyswift2 жыл бұрын

    I'm a percussionist and have loved Bass since I was a kid, I don't know how to play Bass, but I'm going to use my brother in laws 6 string Bass and start practicing and find my way around it. A friend told me to start with a 4 string, but I want to start with the 6 string because I guess I'm hard headed hahaha....wish me luck!!!!

  • @lartensgrill6106
    @lartensgrill61064 жыл бұрын

    Great video

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @Rightmeow623
    @Rightmeow6234 жыл бұрын

    Thank-you!!!

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    4 жыл бұрын

    👍🎶

  • @mikelonjr831
    @mikelonjr8314 жыл бұрын

    I'm learning to play bass guitar and I got a brand new 6 string bass guitar brand lehnon and I like it because first of all looks way tougher than a five or four and I just love it I don't use my other bass guitars no more😁😁😁

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    4 жыл бұрын

    Awesome! Great to hear you're loving the 6-string! 👍🎶

  • @kendalljackson6022
    @kendalljackson60222 жыл бұрын

    I kept replaying 5:28 that’s so melodic

  • @TechToyTinkerCompany
    @TechToyTinkerCompany3 жыл бұрын

    I'm picking up an Ibanez 6 string today. I've only played 4 and 5 string before, should be fun.

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Happy New Bass Day! I hope you love your new bass! 👍🎶

  • @vic_jr5310
    @vic_jr53105 ай бұрын

    I love you thank you

  • @powerforward1955
    @powerforward19554 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the meaningful content. That Warwick Steve Bailey 6-string instrument you have is one of the best. Watching you on the fretboard reminds me of Steve Bailey (on his fretless) and Alain Caron. I started on 4-string 3-yrs ago, but for some reason the 6-string really appeals to me, perhaps because I've played the organ/keyboard for decades so my ears are accustomed to melody. Again, thanks. Be well.

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks very much! You're very kind! Both Steve Bailey and Alain Caron are wonderful musicians. Yeah, I see what you're saying, if you've already been playing chordal harmony on a keyboard for years, then 6 string bass definitely sounds like a logical choice for you.

  • @powerforward1955

    @powerforward1955

    4 жыл бұрын

    Johnny Cox Music , thanks for your response. I’ve been learning bass via Hal Leonard Books accompanied by a couple of other bass song books for practical music (I.e., songs that people know). Is there a particular book or book series you could recommend for learning the 6-string bass? Be well.

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@powerforward1955 Unfortunately, there aren't many books available specifically for 6-string bass. And I can understand why. I would love to write a book for 6 string bass, but the economics just don't work out. It's hard enough to make money from any bass book. And if you make your book specifically for 6 string bass then you immediately cut off the majority of your target audience. Because most bass players don't play 6. I hope that one day I will release a book specifically for 6 string, but it won't be for a while. In the mean time my advice is to learn the notes on the first and sixth strings and then adapt all the exercises that you've seen for 4 string onto 6 strings. Hope that helps.

  • @powerforward1955

    @powerforward1955

    4 жыл бұрын

    Johnny Cox Music Abundant thanks...I agree regarding the economics. Accordingly, perhaps I should consider a 5-string as there many more tutorials, etc. available. Your technical knowledge and competence on the 6-string is awesome. Keep the music flowing...Be well.

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@powerforward1955 Thanks very much!

  • @rahmatbasschannelbassistta586
    @rahmatbasschannelbassistta5862 жыл бұрын

    tq..from malaysia

  • @potatoheadhaoy
    @potatoheadhaoy3 жыл бұрын

    I have a 5 string bass and I love the low b because you don't have to move around the neck as much, but lately I'm thinking of switching to a high c setup. The reason is that I am a guitarist, and I often play bass with a lot of phrases that are inspired by shell voicings and inversions. When you do that, sometimes the g string isn't enough to play stuff like a maj9 or minor 9 arp with the A string as the root, or something like a minor 11 or maj13 that spans 5 strings on a guitar. You can just play those chords in one place on the fretboard with a guitar, but on the bass you have to compensate by moving up the neck to get those extensions, or switch to the b to play them, which also results in kind of a janky feel. Those methods just seem counterintuitive to me and requires a lot of movement up and down the neck that I could just omit if I had a high c string. Idk, I know I could probably just get used to it, but as a guitarist who plays bass for the sake of recording my own music, it just seems like a lot of effort and time for something I could bypass with a 6 string or a high c setup on a 5.

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hi, yeah, having a high C-string really increases your options with chord voicings. Especially when you're playing extensions. One extra string makes a massive difference. 👍🎶

  • @darnellsmith9322
    @darnellsmith93225 жыл бұрын

    I definitely getting a 6 string bass guitar

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    5 жыл бұрын

    Awesome. You'll love it!

  • @Scarabee80

    @Scarabee80

    4 жыл бұрын

    Do you like it?

  • @jasonstone3231
    @jasonstone32314 жыл бұрын

    I started out on a 4 string. Moved up to a 5 and I'm waiting for my 6 string to be delivered. I will keep all 3 because I love playing them all and I just can't get rid of them. I'm excited to start playing a 6. Rock on 🤘 🤘

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    4 жыл бұрын

    Hi, that's awesome. You should definitely keep all three basses. I hope you love the 6-string!

  • @ck-ck
    @ck-ck2 жыл бұрын

    Nice presentation, straight forward and clear! Still something missing: i feel that the difference between base VI ( e to e tuning) and 6 string ( b to b tuning) is really worth mentioning , since the Bass VI is more played like a guitar and holds its own place ..

  • @SlappyTheElf

    @SlappyTheElf

    2 жыл бұрын

    BEADGC its all in 5ths.

  • @dr.tomorrow

    @dr.tomorrow

    Жыл бұрын

    @@SlappyTheElf 4ths

  • @SlappyTheElf

    @SlappyTheElf

    Жыл бұрын

    @@dr.tomorrow my mistake.

  • @Will-rh1wh
    @Will-rh1wh3 жыл бұрын

    Just a tip (take with a grain of salt , as with all tone its your personal preference) In terms of the Steve Bailey signature 6 string Warwick bass, try this take out the Seymour Duncan preamp and put in an Aguilar OBP-2 (or 3) BIG IMPROVEMENT , brings out the bland, neutral sounding Duncan pickups better than stock ( lots of Bassists doing that ) Also those other Warwicks you have there, try taking out those mass produced MEC pickups and try "proper" GERMAN pickups from DELANO or Haeussel (yes custom DOES make a BIG difference) for a player of your skill level and experience I think you deserve better, a lot of "grey area " with MECs from what I have found...

  • @zamn7094
    @zamn70944 жыл бұрын

    I just ordered a 6 string bass and it will be my first time ever touching a bass in my life

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    4 жыл бұрын

    Great! Do you use Zoom? I can give you a free 30 minute video lesson to get you started if you want.

  • @zamn7094

    @zamn7094

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@JohnnyCoxMusic sure I'll be in touch when my bass come

  • @qxiz5164

    @qxiz5164

    3 жыл бұрын

    Just Got mine

  • @nanarat3844

    @nanarat3844

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@JohnnyCoxMusic you do zoom lessons I would love to try one with you! Plz this instrument is making me so frustrated

  • @giacintavoltolini6303

    @giacintavoltolini6303

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@JohnnyCoxMusic would you be willing to teach me as well?

  • @OlettaLiano
    @OlettaLiano27 күн бұрын

    I've been playing six-string bass since 2012 and I love it, but I don't use standard tuning. I tune mine from low E to high F because I do a lot of two-hand tapping and need to higher range.

  • @southofheck
    @southofheck3 жыл бұрын

    Im looking at buying a 6 string in the near future. Im sort of unsure about it, because I dont feel like with my current skill I'll make much use of the C string, but I really wanna give it a shot and see what I can make of it.

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    If you do decide to get a 6-string, let me know and we can do a free 30 minute lesson on Zoom. I'll give you some exercises to get you started using the C string. 👍🎶

  • @southofheck

    @southofheck

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@JohnnyCoxMusic will do! Thanks!

  • @asuntos.publicos
    @asuntos.publicos Жыл бұрын

    Hi, Johnny. What's your opinion on Yamaha TRB 1006 basses?

  • @blahblahsen1142
    @blahblahsen11423 жыл бұрын

    honestly, i had a 6-string and some 4 strings basses and i often run out of strings on 4 and wish i had a 5th, never ran out of strings on the 5s. the 6 necks are too fat. I wanted to learn the 6 and i found that i either get a 5 string with one string in the way or have to tune so stupid-low (F#0) that the range doesn't get along with amps. I just feel like 5 is enough for me, and never feel like i'm missing anything. Hell i got a 5 up-tuned to drop C for extended high range for whittling and its great. to each their own but i spent a year hating my 6-string until i modded it into a 5.

  • @funnypapasmith
    @funnypapasmith3 жыл бұрын

    Great video!, even though I haven't had a six string out of the case for a while. I've been playing for 47 years and I am still eager to learn and hear others peoples ideas. I usually can stand about 15 seconds of most bass instructional type videos, but I enjoyed yours all the way through, and agree with you completely on the importance of good left hand technique. I would like to know what kind of bonehead hacks could have possibly gave you a thumbs down. Bookmarked your website, and agree with you on your 5 tips for better practice too. Of course, being as anal as I am, I'll have to watch all of your videos in order now. I read your little sidebar about Dylan; I took lessons from Dave Van Ronk for three and a half years in the early 1990's, he was a great teacher and friend, I like to say I was his favorite student. I f you don't know of him, you should check him out, Dylan lived with him in the early 1960's when he first came to New York USA. I have a brother who is 7 years older, and because of him, I've been listening to Dylan my entire life too, and Jack Bruce since I was 5 years old (1969). Keep teaching and passing it on. Thanks, Rich

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hi Rich. Thanks so much for your kind words and for taking the time to comment. I certainly know who Dave Van Ronk is. I've read Chronicles Volume One and watched the Scorsese documentary. Didn't he write "Baby Let Me Follow You Down" from Dylan's first album? I've recorded a few Dylan songs recently, just as a fun lockdown project. You can find them in this playlist kzread.info/head/PLx1KgWy7_XsywfLAxW50lf4sQoQ9yWkpP. I really appreciate you taking an interest in my videos, but I definitely wouldn't recommend watching all of them 🤣! One of these days I need to go through and delete the videos that aren't up to standard. 👍🎶

  • @The3xFail
    @The3xFail3 жыл бұрын

    The 5th C string confuses me, I play guitar and the 5th string is a B. wondering if I should get a 5 or a 6 string

  • @matthewburkhart4187
    @matthewburkhart41874 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this Great & helpful video. I’ve just bought a used Carvin LB-76. I’m happy to play it as is, but I’m curious if I can restring & retune it to get typicsl 4-string bass range plus two high strings, rather than one low & one high. I’m interested in approximating the range & sound that Peter Hook & Kristian Dunn (respectively of Early New Order & El Ten Eleven) coax out of that lovely but impossibly rare Shergold Marathon Six, which seems to straddle the range of a 6-string bass & a baritone guitar.... Centrally, I want to maximize space to noodle around with melodies in higher registers, but I’m new to bass & am not sure if that re-orientation of strings would be physically possible. Any thoughts or suggestions?

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    4 жыл бұрын

    Hi Matthew. You can try it. The bass will need a setup if you change the string gauges because it will change the tension on the neck. You'll need to adjust the truss rod, string heights and intonation and then just see how well the bass plays. Let me know if it works.

  • @matthewburkhart4187

    @matthewburkhart4187

    4 жыл бұрын

    Johnny Cox Music : thanks so much, Johnny.. That’s all very helpful to know. I’ll probably just get my bearings on the Carvin as it’s currently strung, then experiment at a later date. I look forward to checking out more of your videos, & I appreciate your taking time to write back with those suggestions. Best wishes, Matt

  • @masto9430
    @masto94303 жыл бұрын

    Loving the tone you're getting on that bass, I came across your video looking for some advice on left hand technique. I've been exploring the 6 string for 5 years now and I love using wide chord phrasing but now I have to put the bass down for a couple weeks because the base of my left thumb is hurting due to what I think is my technique. On wide/stretchy chords, where would you place your thumb so you can keep playing for a couple hours without messing your hand up? I think I overstretched a tendon with how I went at it. Would love if you could get back to me, in the meantime I'll explore your blog a little, great stuff!

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. Would you like to do a free 30 minute bass lesson on Zoom and I can have a look at your left hand thumb position?

  • @masto9430

    @masto9430

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@JohnnyCoxMusic Thanks a ton for the offer and I'd like to pick you up on that. Sorry for the late reply, wasn't home when you replied.

  • @StephenALS2002
    @StephenALS2002 Жыл бұрын

    I’m a bassist too but I’ve been considering the 5 string this due to a lot of pop and modern metal and heavy metal utilizes that fat B-string. 99.9 percent of music I don’t see music that uses that high C string. But I’m not hating because it’s useful. I personally tried the 4 and the 6 string the 4-string is too thin for my hands. And the 6 is too wide. I always though the 5-string was the best for me. But again it’s your decision which bass you want

  • @daveydoodle1916
    @daveydoodle19163 жыл бұрын

    I was always surprised why Jeff Berlin doesn’t play 5 or 6 string bass? I’m thinking of getting a 5 string and setting it up EADGC.Will see?

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    I don't think there were many (or any) 6-string basses around when Jeff Berlin was learning to play.

  • @royhoward119
    @royhoward1192 жыл бұрын

    How do you wear your 6 string? When you are sitting, do you balance it across your eight leg, or your leeft? Do you see an advantage to either? How do you position it when you're playing in a standing posit? Thank you!

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hi Roy, I think those are really important questions. I feel that it's better ergonomically to balance the bass on the left leg with the neck raised. I think balancing the bass on the right leg can cause problems with posture and wrist position. Standing, I want the bass to feel like it's in the same position as when I'm seated, with the neck raised. Neck dive is a common problem with 6-string basses. 👍🎶

  • @abc123gpl
    @abc123gpl8 ай бұрын

    i play guitar. 4, 5, and 6 string basses. i have to adapt to every instrument in an instant. that is not very hard if you use your time to PRACTICE cheers from germany.

  • @gcvrsa
    @gcvrsa Жыл бұрын

    For a second, I was going to say it's a little ironic to be holding a Warwick bass and saying that you should get a 6-string with approximately the same spacing as a 4-string, because Warwick is known for their relatively narrow string spacing on 5-string and 6-string basses, but then I realised it's a Steve Bailey model, which is built on Warwick's Streamer LX Broad Neck platform. I love the Streamer LX, but I found I couldn't get on with the narrow spacing of the regular Streamer LX5. If I get one, it would definitely have to be a Broad Neck.

  • @josephwilliams4477
    @josephwilliams4477Ай бұрын

    Is that a Warwick bass and what model is it?

  • @qxiz5164
    @qxiz51643 жыл бұрын

    Just got my first bass ever it has 6 strings and im confused XD

  • @flamegirlrocks
    @flamegirlrocks3 жыл бұрын

    My dad has a bass but it’s six string so that’s why I’m here lol

  • @tequoiaboyd8291
    @tequoiaboyd82913 жыл бұрын

    Hello i need to learn the fundamentals of learning bass notes and etc everything

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hi. Do you use Zoom? We can do a bass lesson on Zoom if you like. 👍🎶

  • @oscarlewis8962
    @oscarlewis89624 жыл бұрын

    Hey jhonny cox your book come whit cd

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    4 жыл бұрын

    Hi Oscar. It doesn't come with a CD but you can download all the audio here www.fundamental-changes.com/download-audio-form-bass/ Just put in your name and email address and select my book from the drop down list.

  • @DrowningTimeOfficially
    @DrowningTimeOfficially4 жыл бұрын

    Any advice on sitting down with a neck heavy 6 string bass? Perhaps a strap? Or a heel!? i found it confy playing like that, are there any even to buy? xD Im feeling slite pain after a while, im a guitarist mainly.

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    4 жыл бұрын

    Hi, thanks for the question. I think balance is so important on a bass, and it's hard to find a 6-string bass that is perfectly balanced. When I'm sitting with a bass, I prefer to sit with it on my left leg. I learned to play with my bass balanced on my right leg, but I've discovered that it balances better on my left leg. It's also slightly better ergonomically for my right and left hand positioning. But honestly you should try anything to get your bass to balance better. What works will depend on the specific instrument. In the past I've tried putting weights on my strap and moving the strap buttons to get my basses to balance better.

  • @DrowningTimeOfficially

    @DrowningTimeOfficially

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@JohnnyCoxMusic tnx for the advice

  • @johnmarkbetes3966
    @johnmarkbetes39664 ай бұрын

    I got a 6s and I don't know how to make my G and C string sound like that. It sounds so thin.

  • @foot942
    @foot9422 жыл бұрын

    Does amp matter? Like if the amp is not good, the low B string can't be heard?

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes, amp is always very important. 👍🎶

  • @trey7270
    @trey72703 жыл бұрын

    Im a beginner guitarist and I've been looking more towards getting a bass (six string bass to be specific) I have no clue where I could get lessons for such a rare Instrument! Do you have any places you know of where I could learn?

  • @trey7270

    @trey7270

    3 жыл бұрын

    And also a follow up question. Would it be a good idea if I tuned a six string bass to E A D G B e tuning? Like a guitar

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@trey7270 Hi. There are 6-string basses that are made to be tuned like guitars but an octave lower. Check out this article www.fender.com/articles/tech-talk/the-bass-vi-baritone-guitar-or-bass. But those instruments are tonally more like guitars than basses. They usually have a shorter scale length than conventional 6-string basses tuned B-E-A-D-G-C. Let me know if you'd like to try a lesson with me on Zoom. I can do the first 30 minute lesson for free.

  • @johnryanlabares9542
    @johnryanlabares95424 жыл бұрын

    I'm planning to get a 6 string bass guitar. What 6 string bass guitar you are using? Any recommendations?

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    4 жыл бұрын

    All my 6-string basses are made by Warwick, and they're great basses. But it depends on how much you want to spend. There are a lot of good basses around now at different price points.

  • @frankroberts9927

    @frankroberts9927

    2 жыл бұрын

    Check out John Myung’s (Dream Theater) Signature Music Man 6 string- pricey but beautiful!

  • @nacientecaos5505
    @nacientecaos55053 жыл бұрын

    hi! is it important that a 6 string bass has 24 frets? i saw one at a good price but it has only 20 frets, what do you think? thanks

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hi. I don't think it's that important. Most 6-string basses do have 24 frets to maximise the range of the instrument. But I'd rather have a good instrument with 20 frets than a bad one with 24.

  • @nacientecaos5505

    @nacientecaos5505

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@JohnnyCoxMusic thx man

  • @michellevansickle9406
    @michellevansickle94064 жыл бұрын

    So quick question if you only use the middle 4 strings is that the same as a 4 string bass or not (dont come for me I'm new to this lol)

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    4 жыл бұрын

    Hi Michelle. Yes, the middle four strings on the 6-string bass are usually tuned the same way as a 4-string bass in standard tuning. So, if you know how to play on a 4-string bass, you can play all the same things on those middle strings. The 6-string bass gives you extra range on both the low and the high end.

  • @michellevansickle9406

    @michellevansickle9406

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@JohnnyCoxMusic thank you

  • @ErikShen2907
    @ErikShen290710 ай бұрын

    Are you a Warwick Endorser by chance???

  • @BoogieBMWE34
    @BoogieBMWE346 ай бұрын

    That style of finger playing with thumb, like on classic guitar - is it playable in band ? in any music other than playing for other bassists ? It takes out all playing rythmic energy of bass, no corresponding to drums, just only playing itself.

  • @magmarok8209
    @magmarok8209 Жыл бұрын

    Been playing six string for years and am looking to get a seven string.

  • @pangeaproxima9446

    @pangeaproxima9446

    Жыл бұрын

    ok, ok...now we all know.

  • @130mMer5boc
    @130mMer5boc10 ай бұрын

    Has Adam Clayton ever performed with a 6 string bass?

  • @eusebioleonidas4183
    @eusebioleonidas41834 жыл бұрын

    Guys help me out. Passive or active? And why? I'm a new in bass community, been playing for about 2 years and about to buy my own bass. I need your advices

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    4 жыл бұрын

    Hi Eusebio. Most 6-string basses are active. Having an active bass means that you have an onboard preamp and you can adjust the EQ from the bass. That's useful when you're playing through a DI box. But it's unnecessary if you're playing through a good amplifier because you can set the EQ on the amp. I like basses that can switch between active and passive. But I honestly don't think it's important whether you play an active or passive bass. I have several basses, some of them are active and some are passive. More often than not, I play my active basses with the active circuitry switched off.

  • @eusebioleonidas4183

    @eusebioleonidas4183

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@JohnnyCoxMusic thank you johnny for the explanation. It really helps🙏

  • @HeadRedShot
    @HeadRedShot9 ай бұрын

    you say you dont need to learn 4 string bass first but how do you learn the 6 string without knowing the 4 string? i mean, there arent that many songs played with a 6 string bass you can learn with so you would just end up using the middle 4 strings. thats just what i think though, i would really want to learn the 6 string

  • @rmccain99
    @rmccain994 жыл бұрын

    Anthony Jackson.

  • @tequoiaboyd8291
    @tequoiaboyd82913 жыл бұрын

    I want to learn how to play not learn songs

  • @phamhuy7803
    @phamhuy78033 жыл бұрын

    6 string bass is surely superior compared to 4 string. You have same 4 strings EADG on the 6 string one anyway. Also, with 6 string bass, you can play as "Second guitarist" job;

  • @vluxlifestyle1
    @vluxlifestyle111 ай бұрын

    What do you think of 7 string bass?

  • @sebastianmurphy7685
    @sebastianmurphy76854 жыл бұрын

    Life Hack: fretwraps

  • @eduardomedrano4702
    @eduardomedrano47023 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Ben Affleck!

  • @bassicallyandre
    @bassicallyandre3 жыл бұрын

    I was under the impression that the 6th string was supposed to be a high b

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hi Andre. The 6th string is a low B. In standard tuning, the highest string (the 1st string) is tuned to C. 👍🎶

  • @bassicallyandre

    @bassicallyandre

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@JohnnyCoxMusic Yeah, but I don't understand why. I thought it would be BEADGB.

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@bassicallyandre It's because all the intervals between the open strings are 4ths on bass. Guitars in standard tuning have an interval of a 3rd between the G and B strings. I guess it's advantageous for playing some chord shapes if you have the 1st and 6th string tuned to the same note. However, I do know a couple of really good guitar players that tune their guitars in 4ths, E-A-D-G-C-F.

  • @bassicallyandre

    @bassicallyandre

    3 жыл бұрын

    I think I understand now. Thanks for clearing that up!

  • @donniemoose5702
    @donniemoose57023 жыл бұрын

    Oi oi oi oi oi oi oi !

  • @normg2242
    @normg22423 жыл бұрын

    I got myself a six string after playing four strings all my life and found I kept falling over the strings...lol

  • @JohnnyCoxMusic

    @JohnnyCoxMusic

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yeah, that will happen. Stick with it. You can overcome that. 👍🎶

  • @normg2242

    @normg2242

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@JohnnyCoxMusic .. actually I traded it in for the bass of my dreams in a chance of a lifetime - the Ibanez Black Eagle...!

  • @selfactualizer2099
    @selfactualizer20996 ай бұрын

    its really not hard, its an easiertuning than guitar, and just heavier, which only wimps complain about (im not a big tough guy, im pretty lazy,6 string bass is not too heavy guys ..) there should be no concern playing a 6 string bass if you arent someone who reads tab

  • @gcvrsa
    @gcvrsa Жыл бұрын

    The idea that one should learn to play a 4-string bass first, before ever picking up a bass with more strings, is really just an artifact of shame. There's this fallacious idea that you shouldn't play a bass with more strings than 4 unless you are a highly technically accomplished player, and that people who do play basses with more than 4-strings who aren't highly technically proficient are worthy of ridicule. As Johnny rightly notes, taken to its logical conclusion, no one should start to play a piano with 88 keys, and no one should play a guitar with 6 strings as a beginner. Really, the only thing that makes basses with more than 4 strings slightly more difficult is the fact that it has more strings, and they are often more closely spaced than the strings on instruments with fewer strings, and that requires some attention paid to detail. I personally started on a 5-string bass, because I felt the neck width of 4-string basses was too narrow and uncomfortable. Don't pick up a 6-string bass and feel like you have to play it the way anyone else does. Pick up a 6-string bass if it appeals to you, and ignore the taunts from the peanut gallery. Play it how you like. Even if you rarely venture onto the outside strings, you'll find they are nice to have when those rare occasions arise.

  • @hierrogm
    @hierrogm Жыл бұрын

    Guitarist gonna learn 6 string bass

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