c# tuning for a 5 strings basses, need advice

ItalianMetal · #1 12-01-2010, 08:47 AM

Hi men,
I'm an Italian bass player, I play mostly Metal.
I have a question for you, i need advices!!!!!!!!!!
My band decided to use a different tuning to help our singer, We have understood that he feels better and goes better if we play 3 half-steps down. So the common E will become a C#. Now, I have only 5 strings basses. I have thoughts about two possibilities:
1) I could tune 3 half-steps down my bass , so it will be, from low to high B-C#-F#-B-E ( I don't think that tuning down the lowB is a good idea ). In this case I should need a set of strings with a big diameter in order to keep a good tension of strings. For exaple a set so made: 045-065-085-105-130/135
2) or I can take advantage of my 5th string. I could tune my bass 1 step up, and I'd have ( from low to high ) C#-F#-B-E-A. In this case I will need strings with a small diameter, just like 040-060-075-095-118
What do you think about? Which is in your opinion the better choice?

Please excuse me for my bad English, I hope you can understand my question

Ric5 · #2 12-01-2010, 08:56 AM

Why don't you just tune BEADG? You have a C# on the low B string at the 2nd fret that way.

I find the BEADG tuning works for 99% of what I need to play. The ONLY thing it doesn't work for is a song where I need a low B flat. That has only happened once.

The whole point of the detuning thing is to allow guitar players a way to play notes below the low E. But with the 5 string bass you have 5 notes below E with the standard tuning.

Also I don't buy the argument that the low string needs to be C# when played open. Do you really think anybody in the auidence can tell if you play a low C# open or fretted? Of course they can't.

jeremyr · #3 12-01-2010, 08:58 AM

If you're not going to drop the B I would just tune up a step. seems to make more sense and keeps everything consistent. I'd think you'd want to go with like a 115 - 120 for your C#

ItalianMetal · #4 12-01-2010, 09:09 AM

Ric5 you are fully right. The reason of my question is that I would like to maintain the same positions of my guitar players. We do a large use of E ( or C# ) played at "zero fret", excuse me but I don't know the right word in English. For example
G-----------
D-----------
A------2--3-
E--000---0-0
So for me will be easier to have the same tuning of my guitar players

Rockingbird · #5 12-01-2010, 09:13 AM

Yes, tuning a step up should be a smart thing to do, especially if you're really riding the open C# all night.

T40Chump · #6 12-01-2010, 09:21 AM

+1 on tuning up to c# using a thinner string. I think that would work nicely. Don't forget the truss adjustment.

agreatheight · #7 12-01-2010, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T40Chump

+1 on tuning up to c# using a thinner string. I think that would work nicely. Don't forget the truss adjustment.

I agree with this.

NicJimBass · #8 12-01-2010, 09:34 AM

One of my old bands tuned this way, so I tuned my whole 5 string down- G#, C#, F#, B, E, IIRC. Used a .145 string for the G#, and a .130 for the C#- it was the lowest 4 strings from a 5-string set with the added .145, and it sounded pretty awesome. Mind you, I didn't use the lowest notes a ton, but when I did, it meant business!

bassmeknik · #9 12-01-2010, 09:59 AM

I have performed with a few guitarists that used lower tunings and my solution was to either play the piece with standard tuning OR I use a 12 string guitar capo (heavier spring) on the 5 string bass (put at 2nd fret for C# tuning) and play it like a 4 stringer with an extra top string. My wimpy classic rock singer does ACDC You Shook Me All Night Long in the key of 'D' and this was the best way I can up with to accommodate him. Using this technique I play the song using standard fingering just in a different starting position. Then it is quick to remove or reset for the next song. Weird perhaps but it has been working for a year with this guy.

bassmeknik · #10 12-01-2010, 10:09 AM

I see you will be using this as a regular setup with your band. I would setup a bass special for this band; different strings, intonation, and truss rod adjustments. You might want to think about picking up a 4 string bass to do this to... I seems to me to be the BEST solution IMO.

ItalianMetal · #11 12-01-2010, 10:19 AM

bassmeknik I would buy a different bass, but in this moment I have no money for it. And I can't sell one of my 5 strings basses... one is a custom handmade that I love, one is a gift from my girlfriend!
So i'd like to keep the standard tuning on a bass and to tune in drop c# the other one

bassmeknik · #12 12-01-2010, 10:19 AM

"We do a large use of E ( or C# ) played at "zero fret", excuse me but I don't know the right word in English."
Your description is explained just as I would... "Zero fret" also may be expressed as "open string"

bassmeknik · #13 12-01-2010, 10:27 AM

Definition of "open string"
playing a string with out fretting it or played at the "zero fret"

ItalianMetal · #14 12-01-2010, 10:34 AM

open string... yes Bassmeknik, thank you, I didn't remember

knuckle_head · #15 12-01-2010, 03:19 PM

Look for a set that looks like this;

.124 .084 .061 .043

ixlramp · #16 12-01-2010, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ItalianMetal

I could tune 3 half-steps down my bass , so it will be, from low to high B-C#-F#-B-E ( I don't think that tuning down the lowB is a good idea )

G# C# F# B E is a good idea, the G# sounds gorgeous! You could use a .145 from D'Addario (that will be at low tension). I recommend a .150 / .158 from Circle K Strings, they are excellent strings for low tunings and sell tension-balanced sets for any amount of detuning.

rockstarbassist · #17 12-02-2010, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ixlramp

G# C# F# B E is a good idea, the G# sounds gorgeous! You can use a .145 from D'Addario (that will be at low tension) or a .150 / .158 from Circle K Strings.

Yup, that's how I'd do it if I were going full C# standard. The 'ol Pantera tuning. One of my faves.

FunkMetalBass · #18 12-02-2010, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockstarbassist

Yup, that's how I'd do it if I were going full C# standard. The 'ol Pantera tuning. One of my faves.

That's what I do even when I drop to C# - take that A# down to G# too.

eyvindwa · #19 12-03-2010, 11:14 AM

I agree with the previous two posters, and would like to second the recommendation for Circle K Strings. I tune G C F Bb Eb myself in my main band, and use the .166 balanced set from Circle K. Sounds delicious!

rockstarbassist · #20 12-03-2010, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyvindwa

I agree with the previous two posters, and would like to second the recommendation for Circle K Strings. I tune G C F Bb Eb myself in my main band, and use the .166 balanced set from Circle K. Sounds delicious!

2 full steps =

. \m/

We're about to start writing/playing in Drop B. Kinda excited.