6 String Electric Basses

Why choose a 6-string electric bass?

A 6-string electric bass significantly extends the classic bass range both downwards and upwards. In addition to the familiar E-A-D-G tuning, a low B string and a high C string are usually added. This creates a wide tonal range that allows both deep foundations and melodic lines in higher registers.

Compared with 4- or 5-string basses, the 6-string bass is aimed more strongly at bassists who want to play more than basic root-note work. Chords, voicings, solo passages, complex runs and modern bass arrangements can be realised especially flexibly on a 6-string bass.

Low B string, high C string and musical benefits

The low B string extends the bass range downwards and provides additional depth for modern grooves, lower keys and powerful low-end passages. The high C string opens up the upper range of the instrument and makes melodic playing, chords and solo lines easier without constantly having to move into high positions.

This combination makes the 6-string bass especially interesting for fusion, jazz, progressive rock, metal, gospel, R&B, worship, solo bass and demanding studio work. The bass can provide both rhythmic foundation and melodic or harmonic functions.

• More depth: the B string provides additional low-end options for modern bass sounds.
• More height: the C string makes melodies, chords and solo passages easier.
• More positional flexibility: many lines can be distributed more ergonomically across the fretboard.
• More harmony: chords and voicings become much more accessible on the bass.

Sound, body style and application

6-string electric basses are often built with a modern design approach and a wide tonal spectrum in mind. Many models feature active electronics, powerful pickups, stable hardware and precise response across all six strings. The decisive point is that both the low B string remains clearly defined and the high C string sounds balanced and musical.

A 6-string bass is particularly useful when the bass is not only used as a foundation, but also as an extended melodic and harmonic instrument. In dense arrangements, it can support the low register, while in solo passages it can move into higher tonal areas.

• Fusion and jazz: suitable for complex lines, chords, walking bass, solo playing and harmonic extensions.
• Progressive rock and metal: useful for technical riffs, low registers, fast runs and modern arrangements.
• Gospel, R&B and worship: suitable for deep grooves, melodic fills and flexible position changes.
• Studio and recording: interesting for versatile bass parts, clean intonation and extended tonal possibilities.

Selection in the MUSIC STORE range

The MUSIC STORE range includes 6-string electric basses for different requirements – from modern workhorse instruments to specialised basses for stage, studio and technically demanding playing styles. The choice should not be based on the brand name alone, but on the combination of scale length, neck profile, string spacing, pickups, electronics, weight and balance.

Anyone looking for a 6-string bass should narrow down the selection according to the intended use. For fast lines and technical playing styles, a controllable neck and suitable string spacing are important. For studio and stage use, defined lows, clear highs, clean intonation and a sound that fits well into the mix despite the extended range are essential.

• For technical players: comfortable neck profile, controllable string spacing and precise response.
• For fusion and jazz: clear articulation, balanced highs and good chord capability.
• For rock and metal: stable B string, powerful low end and assertive pickups.
• For studio work: clean intonation, low noise and a versatile basic sound.
• For stage and live use: robust hardware, good balance and reliable tone control.

Playing feel, neck width and string spacing

Playing feel is particularly important with a 6-string bass. Due to the additional strings, the neck is noticeably wider than on 4- or 5-string basses. Neck profile, string spacing, fretboard radius, weight and balance should therefore match the player’s hand and technique well.

Narrower string spacing can make fast lines and technical passages easier, but requires precise control. Wider string spacing offers more room for fingerstyle, slap or chord playing. The key point is that the bass remains controlled and comfortable to play despite its greater width.

• Neck width: should suit the player’s hand size and technique.
• String spacing: affects fingerstyle, slap, chord playing and fast runs.
• Scale length: influences tension, response and definition of the low B string.
• Balance: important for long rehearsals, studio sessions and live use.

Active or passive electronics?

Many 6-string electric basses use active electronics because the wide tonal range needs to be controlled precisely. Active tone control helps shape low frequencies cleanly, adjust mids for presence and integrate the high C string into the overall sound.

Passive 6-string basses are less common, but can be interesting for players who prefer direct response and a more organic basic sound. With either concept, the decisive factor is that all six strings sound balanced and that the bass works not only for solo playing, but also in band and studio contexts.

What should you consider when buying a 6-string electric bass?

When buying a 6-string bass, it is especially important to check whether the wide tonal range can be used musically and whether the instrument fits ergonomically. The low B string should be clearly defined, the high C string should not sound thin, and the neck should remain controllable despite its width.

For those new to 6-string basses, a model with comfortable playability, clean intonation and straightforward electronics is recommended. Advanced players and professionals usually pay closer attention to pickup configuration, preamp, scale length, string spacing, weight, workmanship and the specific intended use.

• Tonal range: B and C strings should sound even and musically usable.
• Ergonomics: neck width, weight and balance must suit the player.
• Intonation: important for chords, high positions and studio recordings.
• Electronics: should make the extended frequency range easy to control.
• Application: ideal when bass lines, chords, solos and modern arrangements are required.