tuning in 5ths

ARCtrooper225 · #1 03-08-2007, 04:03 PM

I know someone who has said he would play bass, but he likes tuning in 5ths rather than 4ths. I'm trying to think what string gauges would be good for CGDA tuning (im thinking a low B string tuned up a 1/2 step, an E string tuned up 1-1/2 step, same D, and G string tuned up a step) but I know the tension would screw up the neck, so can someone tell me good gauges so I can spread the gift of the low end ?!

SherpaKahn · #2 03-09-2007, 12:49 PM

I'd think maybe a .115 or .120 B..I mean, 'C' string, a .095 G (formerly E) string, a .065 D string, and a .035 or .040 A string.

I wouldn't worry so much about screwing up the neck as I would about having consistent tension across the strings.

SherpaKahn · #3 03-09-2007, 12:49 PM

Or on second thought, ask this guy:

Plain 0.015 string for cello tuning

Sir Edward V · #4 03-10-2007, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SherpaKahn

I'd think maybe a .115 or .120 B..I mean, 'C' string, a .095 G (formerly E) string, a .065 D string, and a .035 or .040 A string.

I agree with this, just get a normal D and lighter versions of the other strings, the tension won't screw up the neck, and once the strings are on there and tuned you will get somewhat consistent tension... the tension for all the strings are never the same anyways

Psychicpet · #5 03-10-2007, 02:59 AM

I've really been tossing around that idea too, just to get back on the feel of a 4 but with the range of a 5.... hmmm, might just have to bite the bullet and do it!

(and ya, the only thing I thought was definitely a .125 on the 'C')

All_¥our_Bass · #6 03-10-2007, 03:30 AM

I started a thread on this not too long ago.

Anyone here tune in fifths? (OR anything else really wierd/different)

Baleen · #7 03-11-2007, 07:18 AM

La Bella will make custom gauge strings. You could probably explain to them the tuning you want and get strings designed to be played at the new pitches so you'd have good tension on each string and across all the strings.

Benjamin Strange · #8 03-11-2007, 07:37 AM

I've been playing in this tuning for 9 years. My gauges are:

C - 135
G - 105
D - 75
A - 45

Roland777 · #9 03-11-2007, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benjamin Strange

I've been playing in this tuning for 9 years. My gauges are:

C - 135
G - 105
D - 75
A - 45

.135 C?! Duuude... I've got a .130 tuned to A!

DavePlaysBass · #10 03-11-2007, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benjamin Strange

I've been playing in this tuning for 9 years. My gauges are:

C - 135
G - 105
D - 75
A - 45

That is quite a bit more tension than standard tuning. Not that its a big deal if you neck and hands can handle it.

If you have a gauge of strings you like in standard tune, start there. Check out the D'Addario tension chart and find out what the tension for your standard tune preference is. Then using the chart find out what gauges get you in the ball park for your proposed tuning. Buy singles from Just Strings. Granted not all brands are the same tension for a given gauge, but this should get you in the ballpark. However as you go from a 45 to 50, the change in tension from one brand to the next is probably pretty close.

Dave

https://home.comcast.net/~carol7david/DA_Tension.pdf

DavePlaysBass · #11 03-11-2007, 11:33 AM

If you want to match a 45-105 set in standard with C-G-D-A, 135-95-65-40 would get you pretty close. This is based on 34"scale" D'Addario XL Nickel tensions. You might want to get a 130 for the C to try as well.

Sort of makes sense. You end up a fat C in order to get good E string like tension at low C. You use a skinny 0.95 E string tuned to G to get A string like tension. Keep the same D. Get a skinny 0.040 G and tune up to A.

Dave

Benjamin Strange · #12 03-11-2007, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavePlaysBass

That is quite a bit more tension than standard tuning. Not that its a big deal if you neck and hands can handle it.

If you have a gauge of strings you like in standard tune, start there. Check out the D'Addario tension chart and find out what the tension for your standard tune preference is. Then using the chart find out what gauges get you in the ball park for your proposed tuning. Buy singles from Just Strings. Granted not all brands are the same tension for a given gauge, but this should get you in the ballpark. However as you go from a 45 to 50, the change in tension from one brand to the next is probably pretty close.

Dave

https://home.comcast.net/~carol7david/DA_Tension.pdf

Agreed. My gauges are not for the meek.

I've tried lots of different gauges, and this seems to work out best for me. Anything less just sounds wimpy.

Eddy Sutherland · #13 03-15-2007, 05:02 AM

Hello fellow bassists,

I have been tuning in fifths for a couple of years due to having been bored with my playing in fourths. While having to relearn the fretboard took some time, it was well worth it because my basslines are now more interesting.

For my 4 string I am currently am using .135 for C, .090 for G, .052 for D, .032 for A. Why this configuration?

I like the string tension lighter as one moves up to the higher strings. For C think B string tuned up. For G think of A tuned down, using .085 is also good. The standard D in any bass set is usually .065: way to tight, so I go much lighter:.052(.055 also O.K.). The G string is usually .045, also very tight so I have found a.032 or .030 (usually used for a high C on a six string) to be good for A. There is a French bassist called Yannick Top who has used this tuning over 30 years and used to play in the band Magma. For further infos on 5ths tuning check out "ERB Zen Master" Ixlramp on: http://forum.extendedrangebassist.com/