Help tuning 5 string

[sv2893]

Hi all, I recently bought a 5 string bass. But I have a problem with the fifth string. I tune it to B, but that leaves the string too lose (you can play with that but it often makes sounds that the other strings don't). And if I try to tune it on the higher B, I only get to A or A#, it becomes too tight. Any suggestions?

[bassteban]

Where did you buy the bass? Is there any possibility of taking it to the store for assistance? I mean, low B is low B; I can't imagine tuning it to the next octave w/o breaking the string or at least throwing everything else out of adjustment. What kind of bass are we talking about? Some basses(usually cheaper ones but not always)have poorer B-strings than others.

[D.Don]

You need a thicker B string, you know that gauge of this one?

And most probably saddles need adjusting.

D.Don

[Johnny StingRay]

Move the saddles toward the bridge, then re-tune. Make sure your tuner is set to "bass" guitar. Make sure you are tuning the thickest string to B, not the skinniest.

[fretlessman71]

Originally Posted by Johnny StingRay

Move the saddles toward the bridge, then re-tune. Make sure your tuner is set to "bass" guitar. Make sure you are tuning the thickest string to B, not the skinniest.

OOH.... you might be on to something. I bet that's where the confusion is.

A 5-string bass is conventionally tuned B-E-A-D-G. That lowest, thickest string closest to your head is the B string, and the others go from there.

Your E string should sound like the very first note in "Tom Sawyer" by Rush. The B (only thicker string) should sound lower than that; the others should be incrementally higher.

Remember each 5th fret should have a note that sounds like the next higher open string.