C standard tuning

[Renny Gade]

Hi, I've been asked to play for a band that uses C standard tuning, thats two steps down for each string, so; CFA#D#. (Note, I play with my fingers)

I play a Fender jazz, and I've so far tried Ernie Ball Power Slinkys (0.110 E) and D'addy Chromes (flats, 0.100 E) and neither have really given me the tension that I need, especially on the low C string. So far I've done a fair bit of research and yet I cannot find a definitive answer as to what strings I need to use this tuning while still maintaining a decent amount of string tension. I've read that I can use a light gauge 5 string set by dropping the high G, but once again I cant really find a definitive answer as to whether or not this is a good idea.

The type of music this band plays is sort of psychedelic rock, Kyuss/QoTSA style, so I'm not aiming for a zingy type sound (the EBPS strings gave me this), just a thick full on bassy sound. I read that Fender Flats have alot of tension so perhaps they could work? I'm really not sure, but basically what I need is a set of strings that I can use in C tuning that give a bit more tension then the strings I've tried.

Thanks!

[meev992]

.115 "E" String, D'addario

and you might want to use slightly lighter gauger on the higher strings.

[thombo]

try the bottom 4 of a 5 set... 115-130 on the c string.

[Mayers]

I would use a 5 strings set and throw away the G string. More easier to get the note without loosing tension.

So you would keep low B ( 130 ) , E (105 ) , A ( 85 ) and D ( 65 ). And now tune 1/2 half higher to get CFA#D#

[fenderx55]

Originally Posted by Mayers

I would use a 5 strings set and throw away the G string. More easier to get the note without loosing tension.

So you would keep low B ( 130 ) , E (105 ) , A ( 85 ) and D ( 65 ). And now tune 1/2 half higher to get CFA#D#

Yeah, this really seems like the best idea. DRs have pretty high tension (from what I've felt) and what about the Jamerson flats? Didn't someone say those were intensely high tensioned flats?

Booyakasha! : http://www.labella.com/artists/jamesjamerson.html

[Roland777]

Buy singles:
.115/.120 .090 .065 .050

You can do without the crappy balance of standard sets.

[lowendgenerator]

Originally Posted by Roland777

Buy singles:
.115/.120 .090 .065 .050

You can do without the crappy balance of standard sets.

Agreed.

[kski94]

I use ghs bass boomers. .45-.105. They work great for drop-c, so it should work well with c standard.

[NewLaw83]

Originally Posted by kski94

I use ghs bass boomers. .45-.105. They work great for drop-c, so it should work well with c standard.

Why not the GHS boomers Heavy .050 - .070 - .095 - .115? The Mediums seem too light for me. I use .110 size "E" string to drop tune to C.

I would also look into just buying singles. You can buy strings from juststrings.com in singles. SIT strings seem to have the most singles I've seen on there. They have Power Wound strings from .030 all the way up too .130 in increments of .005.

[odin70]

I would go for: 125,100,80,60

[kski94]

Originally Posted by NewLaw83

Why not the GHS boomers Heavy .050 - .070 - .095 - .115? The Mediums seem too light for me. I use .110 size "E" string to drop tune to C.

I would also look into just buying singles. You can buy strings from juststrings.com in singles. SIT strings seem to have the most singles I've seen on there. They have Power Wound strings from .030 all the way up too .130 in increments of .005.

I was thinking of going heavier, but the .45's work well. I will use the heavy gauges soon to see if they are better. Iassume they should be, idk.

[Jazz Ad]

Bottom strings of a light 5 string set is the way to go.