Beginner bass?

Question:Is it a good idea to start playing bass with a 5 string? I play guitar already and know a few basics about the bass. I'm not so much into being in a band, so solo is my game. I wanna do things like jazz or funk. Maybe some rock, but I'll need to find a few songs that the bass actually sticks out. So yeah, my question is should I start with a 5 string bass if I know I'm going to stick with it? My price is up to $350

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Is it a good idea to start playing bass with a 5 string? I play guitar already and know a few basics about the bass. I'm not so much into being in a band, so solo is my game. I wanna do things like jazz or funk. Maybe some rock, but I'll need to find a few songs that the bass actually sticks out. So yeah, my question is should I start with a 5 string bass if I know I'm going to stick with it? My price is up to $350

If you're just starting, I suggest you get a 4 string bass first. 4 string bass guitars are basic and simple to use.

Afterwards, you could get a 5 string bass.

Why get a 4 string bass first? Well, the reason is that even if you have a 5 string bass, you will probably still use the 4 string bass at times. It is your personal decision on which to use at which time. It is better to have both. Also, the 5 string bass is more professional. If you start with the 4 string bass, you'll have more idea and more knowledge with what a bass guitar. When you are ready to step up to a professional instrument, you know what to look for. You know which bass guitar is best for you, based on experience with the 4 string bass.

If you get a 5 string bass right away, you might think you're getting a good model. But that is because you've never owned a bass before. When you start playing it and spending more time with it, you could see the flaws with it and reasons on why it's not your type. If you got a 4 string bass, then that is ok because you can simply upgrade to a 5 string bass that is more of your type.

I've been playing bass for over 15 years. I actually learned to play on a 5 string but now i prefer a 4 string. However, for funk or jazz a 5 string is nice, but you can do just as well on a 4 string. I personally think you should start out on a 4 string. good luck.

I've played bass for thirty years and would suggest a four string bass even though you have experience on a guitar. It will do any song you want to do just as well as a five string and you will get a better quality four string for the price you are looking at. Youtube has a lot of good instructional techniques shown by Flea and Ben Wooten on bass. Songs to try just for starters. Flashlight by Parliment( very old) Brick House by the Commodores. Another one bites the dust by Queen. Whip it by Devo. Anything by Flea from Red hot chilli peppers. Level 42 from the eighties. Any song you like is always a good one to try and figure out the bass to play to.