How to detune? With the strings?

Youngspanion · #1 09-16-2007, 07:45 PM

If I want to detune to D, do I need to change my strings to a heaver gauge or do I need to by a low b set of strings?

I need to learn OH Darlin' by the Beatles and then I need to learn it in G. Its done in A by the band.

I was considering learning the patterns as they are and then de tuning to D, G, C, F.

rockstar744 · #2 09-16-2007, 10:22 PM

you should be fine tuning down a little, like to D without having to change things like string gauge or adjust the trussrod. if tuning all the strings down feels too floppy, you could just tune the e string to d (very commonly done)- you shouldn't have much trouble compensating for those two frets if you think about it when you practice. hope that helps!

andy

Mon Rominee · #3 09-17-2007, 05:24 AM

You could detune because it's easier, but I would just learn to transpose and play it that way. It's only 1 step down, nothing that drastic.

Fuzzbass · #4 09-17-2007, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mon Rominee

You could detune because it's easier, but I would just learn to transpose and play it that way. It's only 1 step down, nothing that drastic.

+1

knuckle_head · #5 09-17-2007, 10:26 AM

If you want to tune so that D is your open note you should get a bit thicker set of strings. A whole step is alot on a 34" scale. The difference is more than 8 pounds of string tension.

La Bella and others make an even tension set with a .110 on bottom, and others make a detuned set that have a .115 for the D - one of these two gauges would serve you well IMO.

3NotesAbar · #6 09-20-2007, 02:45 PM

Or get a Kubicki Ex-Factor

meev992 · #7 09-20-2007, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3NotesAbar

Or get a Kubicki Ex-Factor

AWWWWWYEEEEAAAAAA

Love your avatar, btw

3NotesAbar · #8 09-20-2007, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meev992

AWWWWWYEEEEAAAAAA

Love your avatar, btw

Thanks! I just changed it though, like this one better.

Anyway to the OP, sorry for my semi-meaningless hijack. But seriously, the simple answer would be, detune your bass with your favorite strings. If the tension change is too much (too loose), look at thicker gauges, or maybe different brands. Its entirely up to you, plus since every bass reacts different to detuning, so... Experiment!

morebass! · #9 09-20-2007, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mon Rominee

You could detune because it's easier, but I would just learn to transpose and play it that way. It's only 1 step down, nothing that drastic.

+1 and it's a slow song. I only detune for a song if I can't play it in standard tuning.

Toastfuzz · #10 09-21-2007, 07:39 AM

I personally like tuning down my standard guage strings. Yeah it makes them floppy, but I think it makes the bass more fluid to play and gets a warmer sound. I especially like it for slapping, my thumb bounces off the low string better and comes back in for another swing faster than when the strings are tuned tight.

(I downtune a full step, then drop the lowest string again, I think its CGCF? Whatever Ryan Martinie uses.)