Six string Tuning

[phisto]

I've had my six string for about 10 months now and i"m not finding much use for the B string. I'm thinking of retuning my bass as FCGDAE instead of CGDAEB. My question(s) is do I resize the strings and nut accordingly? Will this change the intonation? Any other issues to be aware of?

[two fingers]

Interesting. You find less use for the low notes on a bass than you would notes up in the guitar range?

[One Bad Monkey]

Originally Posted by two fingers

Interesting. You find less use for the low notes on a bass than you would notes up in the guitar range?

In terms of economy of motion, you have a better range with the higher C string than you would with the B. Plus, any chording you may do is a lot cleaner sounding on a 6 (thanks to the C) compared to the same chords on a 5.

To the OP, I wouldn't change the nut just yet, but certainly switch out the strings and see if the new, higher tuning will work for you.

[SLaPiNFuNK]

You can do this temporarily using a small piece of business card or paper. You may find only needing to do it on the E string (in the B string position).

I did it sloppy but I like it like that. If the paper shifts while tuning I can pull it back into place or hold it still... (I do this on this instrument to fix a fret buzz when open as the nut has worn too low)



And to find strings, you just need to buy 4 string sets and a single High C and F to match. Most companies do not make wound F strings (.020W or .022W) so you may find yourself using a plain steel F. and Plain Steel is Plain Steel so you can use a Plain Steel string from who ever has available.