Pros And Cons of Headless 4 String And 5 String Bass Guitar

Have you ever thought to yourself, “Why do bass players need the extra string?” When looking at a 5-string bass guitar, is a 6-string bass guitar better than a 4-string bass guitar? Despite possessing only an extra string, the 5-string bass appears to be shrouded in mystery. Even if they have been playing with a 4-stringer for a while, beginners often have many questions about whether they should pick one up. 

In this article, we are going to answer some of the most frequently asked questions concerning 5-string basses and 4-string bass guitars by examining their advantages and disadvantages (pros and cons). 

What is the difference between a 4 and 5 string bass guitar? 

The neck of a headless 4-string bass is narrower, the string spacing is larger, and it is easier to play. A headless 5-string bass, on the other hand, has an additional string that allows it to play notes in lower keys and offers more scales, chords, and arpeggios, but it also has a broader neck and is heavier. Standard tuning headless bass guitars are tuned exactly one octave lower than conventional 6-string guitars, as we all know.

Pros of headless 5-string bass guitar

1. Eb is available to you

Let’s imagine you are doing some session work and the guitarist is playing in Eb. You did have to tune down to Eb with a headless 4-string guitar. A headless 5-string bass, on the other hand, has the Eb note on the 5^th string, so you don’t have to tune down your headless bass guitar. 

2. Drop D is within your reach 

Consider the case where your band performs a specific song in Drop D. You do have to tune down to Drop D or bring another headless bass guitar in Drop D if you are using a four-string bass. A headless 5-string, allows you to avoid turning your bass to a drop tuning. 

3. Coverage of More Notes

There is another advantage to having an extra string. You may play the same notes by merely going upwards on the headless 5-string bass, rather than traveling further across the neck. Some players feel that this is more efficient since it reduces sideways movement and drag. Simply put, you have greater note coverage in one position under your hand over your neck. Some believe that this is smoother and causes less drag. On a 5-string bass, on the other hand, you may simply move up to the fifth string to play the same note on the sixth fret. 

Cons of headless 5-string bass guitar

1. The 5^th String is muted

Although the extra string has numerous advantages, it also has a few drawbacks. The typical flaw is jamming on the other strings while keeping the 5^th string mute. 

2. Playability 

Playability is the second disadvantage of the five-string guitar. A 5-string bass’s neck is significantly wider than a 4-string bass to accommodate the extra string. 

3. Heavier Instrument 

String basses are typically significantly heavier than four-string basses because of the bigger neck, bridge, pickups, and overall size increase. As a result, the headless bass guitar becomes heavier. The weight of the headless 5-string bass guitar ranges from 8.5 to 12 pounds.

Pros of headless 4-string bass guitar

1. No extended low range required 

With headless 4-string bass guitar, you don’t need the extra low range and you don’t mind returning your bass to various tunings in order to produce low register notes. 

2. Portable in size

The headless 4-string bass guitar is portable and smaller in size than a 5-string headless bass guitar. It is easy to carry and convenient for traveling. 

3. Playability 

When it comes to the 4-string headless bass guitar it is very easy to play. This can be the best option for the beginner who just started playing bass guitar. 

Cons of headless 4-string based guitar

1. You will not have any additional string 

In a 4-string bass guitar, you won’t get the option to hit the notes of the additional strings in lower registers while remaining in standard tuning. 

2. You cannot play drop D and Eb

In a 4-string bass guitar, you won’t get the option to play drop D and Eb and other keys when you need them to play.

3.  No more coverage available 

Unlike the 5-string bass guitar, you cannot have more note coverage in headless 4-string bass guitar.  

Conclusion

 A 5-string headless bass guitar would be better suited to playing metal’s detuned sound. Because the lower notes on a 5-string bass are B-E-A-D-G. In comparison with four-stringed instruments tuned E-A-D-G. In the end, it’s up to you what you choose according to your convenience. Although both 5 and 4-string headless bass guitars are best in their own way.