Tuning my 5 string bass different to guitarist?

Steez_Unit · #1 12-30-2011, 06:20 PM

Hey everyone, i'm a bit of a noob when it comes to guitar tunings. I've been pretty frustrated for a while now as my band plays in low F# and every time I down tune my strings, they never produce a decent sound (too floppy etc)

Ive heard that there's a way to make it work by tuning the bass differently to the guitar (different octave or something).. I saw someone mention that Meshuggahs bassist does it, but i've no idea how octaves and tunings work

Ideally I don't want to order heavier bass strings to handle F#, but If theres anyone that can help me here, that'd be great

darkstorm · #2 12-30-2011, 07:49 PM

Tune std and play the right notes then. They wont be at the same place as on the guitarists fretboard, but will be the same notes.

SLaPiNFuNK · #3 12-30-2011, 08:10 PM

There are a few different string company's that make strings for F# tuning...

You would need a string that is about a .175. Depending on your instrument you may or may not need to modify it.

You would tune your instrument: F# B E A D

armywalaby · #4 12-30-2011, 08:30 PM

just curious, what kind of music is this?

DWBass · #5 12-30-2011, 09:17 PM

If you play a 5 string, why do you need to downtune? I don't get this!

FunkMetalBass · #6 12-31-2011, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWBass

If you play a 5 string, why do you need to downtune? I don't get this!

Because OP's guitarists tune down to F#. Some people like to be able to play an octave below the guitars, and with a standard tuned 5-string, he can't physically play 5 notes an octave below the guitarist.

OP,
Unless you're looking for strings to tune down to F#, this question may be better suited for the Technique subforum. I think the way Meshugga's bassist does it is he just frets an F# on the E-string instead of tuning his bass down to match the guitarists' low F#. You'll have to figure out what notes the guitarists are playing and play those where you can. Another option is to buy a lighter set of strings and tune up a whole step from standard (C# F# B E A). That way you'll have an F# string (probably the best idea if your guitarists do a lot of bouncing off of the open string) and you'll still have 5 notes below the guitarist.

If you decide that you want to tune down to F#, I'd recommend the Circle K Balanced 190 set to tune F#BEAD.