What is the difference between four and five string bass guitars?

Bass Guitars A four string bass has an open string arrangement consisting of E, A , D , and G (from thickest to thinnest). This is the standard bass arrangement. The five string bass also has the E, A, D, and G arrangement, but adds an extra low B string above the E. This allows for a broader reach in note pitch since you are allowed for extra notes with the B string. For instance, on a standard four string bass you would have to tune down the E string two frets to get the dropped D pitch. But with a five string bass, there is no need to tune your E string since the D can be played on the third fret of the newly added fifth string (the B string). This lower B is especially popular with the modern hard rock/thrash metal crowd, and some of the screamo bands. For many players, there is a struggle with the low-b being "sloppy", which can largely be corrected by using a longer scale neck (35" at a minimum) and/or a different brand or gauge of strings Standard four string bass: E A D G Five string bass: B E A D G Six string bass: B E A D G C NB: you can also, if you wish, instead of using the extra string for a low B, you can retune the first four strings into standard tuning, I.e, E-A-D-G, and have the highest string as a high C. This arrangement is used quite frequently by bassists who prefer tighter strings, and an extra range up high, as well as getting a deeper, more bass-y sound from the thicker E string.