String Bass Guitar
Why do people play 4 string bass guitar when 6 string bass is probably easier?
Well for guitar players anyway, if a guitar player wants to move onto bass then why doesn't he choose a 6 string, it has exactly the same tuning as a 6 string guitar so all of the old chords/scale shapes still apply to it? its like playing a guitar through an octaver is it not? why do people choose 4 string? or am I missing somthing?
Thanks
A 6 string is not easier to play and more confusing because the EXTRA strings is at the Bottom end and not tuned like a guitar. 
The tuning is usually B E A D G C which is the standard tuning and NOT like a guitar.
Don't forget that the strings get closer together making some playing styles (e.g. slap bass) a little trickier. You have to be more accurate. And, the neck gets wider. That means more reaching and stretching on the neck of the bass. Regardless of what you choose, there’s going to be work and practice involved. And, you can always switch later on. It’s not that hard to go from one to another.
Hope that answers yuor question. Not easier to play for sure. People choose 4 string because YES, it is easier and also, you can tune the 4 string like BEAD to resemble the 5-string bass and lastly, you are not overkilling yourself.
Start with 4 and then make the move is what I tell beginners.
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