The Reason Behind Adding Fifth Strings to Musical Instruments: Guitars, Violins, Mandolins, and More

Adding a fifth string to certain musical instruments might seem like a peculiar novelty, but it has practical benefits that enhance the playing experience and expand the instrument's capabilities. This article explores the reasoning behind adding a fifth string to guitars, violins, and mandolins, along with other stringed instruments like the bass guitar. We will delve into why musicians find it useful and the challenges associated with this modification.

Adding a Fifth String to Guitars

Typically, guitars have six strings, which provides sufficient range for most musical genres. However, in some cases, musicians choose to append an extra low E string. This alteration can be particularly advantageous for guitarists who play in orchestral settings or need to access a broader tonal palette. For instance, electric mandolins and violins with five strings—E, A, D, G, and C—offer additional lower notes, which can add a unique flair to the music. These instruments, although not conventional, provide a subtle yet notable difference in sound quality.

Adding a Fifth String to Violins and Violas

Violins, which are standard four-string instruments, occasionally receive an additional fifth string. This is often employed to enable viola music on a violin, as the lowest three strings of a violin align with those of a viola. By adding a fifth string tuned to C, a violin can cover a range of a viola, C-G-D-A. While this adjustment can be effective, it comes with certain challenges. The violin's body and scale length are not optimized to resonate well with the lower frequencies, leading to the low C string being too loose and lacking in volume and tone.

Adding a Fifth String to Mandolins

Mandolins, which typically feature eight strings in four pairs (two E, two A, two D, and two G), have not traditionally included a fifth string. However, there are theoretical designs for fifth-string mandolins, which could provide low C strings or high E strings to a mandola, offering a broader tonal range. These modifications, although rare, can enhance the versatility and expressiveness of the mandolin.

Extending the Range with Fifth Strings on Bass Guitars

Bass guitars can be found with a range of string configurations, including four, five, and six strings. A five-string bass typically extends the low end with an additional string, bringing the range down to a low B or C. A six-string bass usually extends the high end with an additional string, such as an A string. While the extra strings on basses enhance the range, they are also used to simplify finger placement by allowing the player to access notes on a neighboring string rather than moving up and down the neck. This flexibility can make playing more comfortable and efficient.

In summary, the addition of a fifth string to various stringed instruments serves to expand their tonal range and accommodate different musical styles. While this modification can introduce challenges, the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks, making it a valuable tool for musicians.