Advice for playing with 8 string guitarists?

[seattle_thomas]

I play bass for an experimental/progressive metal band, and my guitarists have always played in a drop G# or drop G (7-strings) which, to me, is a stretch in and of itself seeing as I match their tuning (an octave lower).

Now both of them have started playing 8-strings in drop E, and I am honestly a bit lost. Im not by any means an experienced bassist, but from what I do know, E an octave lower than normal is a bit ridiculous as far as bass goes. I've been playing in B standard (5-string), which has been working out pretty well so far but id like to experiment with alternate tunings to better match the shapes my guitarists create with the super low drop tuning. It would make learning riffs and playing specific note sequences so much easier...

Is there anyone out there with experience in the field of extreme drop tunings? I would really appreciate input or advice on the topic of any kind.

[202dy]

The problem with extreme drop tuning is floppy strings. The best answer is to purchase a guitar with a longer scale length. Heavy string gauges will help, too. If you cannot afford or desire to purchase a new instrument, at least restring and set up for heavy gauge strings.

From a set up standpoint, everything remains the same. If the player has a light touch the action can be lower. If the player digs in, the action will need to be higher to avoid buzzing.

As far as playing goes, nothing changes. Playing is playing.

[eyvindwa]

I say try to tune down at least a bit from B, it is a lot of fun and can sound great! (IMHO of course )

I tune my Warwick Thumb NT 5 string to G standard (G C F Bb Eb). I use strings from Circle K (circlekstrings.com), and they come in almost any gauge you want. I use their .166 set for the low G, and it works out well.

Check my band's myspace (in sig, genre should be somewhat familiar to you given your description) if you want to hear a few samples with this setup (the two new songs labeled with [rough mix] should be a good start).

[seattle_thomas]

Originally Posted by eyvindwa

I say try to tune down at least a bit from B, it is a lot of fun and can sound great! (IMHO of course )

I tune my Warwick Thumb NT 5 string to G standard (G C F Bb Eb). I use strings from Circle K (circlekstrings.com), and they come in almost any gauge you want. I use their .166 set for the low G, and it works out well.

Check my band's myspace (in sig, genre should be somewhat familiar to you given your description) if you want to hear a few samples with this setup (the two new songs labeled with [rough mix] should be a good start).

Thanks man I appreciate the info and ill definitely check your band out. We should exchange info, im really new to this whole experimentation thing and being a novice player jamming with seasoned musicians is a bit overwhelming.

I guess we've settled on G for the time being (G D G C F), its much darker and suits our style more....

What would you reccomend as far as basses for that register go? Im looking at a schecter stiletto studio right now, but im certainly open to suggestions. I like the feel of the stilettos but the tone of your warwick is probably so dark and rich...

[Stilettoprefer]

Stilettos are great for any style playing I have come across. I play jazz, metal, rock, and pep band, all on my stiletto.

[eyvindwa]

Sure, I'm all for helping out, so ask me any question you'd like. (However, please keep in mind that I am in no way a 'pro' at this myself, so take answers and suggestions with a few grains of salt.)

Circle K (and other manufacturers as well, I'm sure) have special sets for drop tuning like the one you suggest. Here's a page showing sets suitable for 5 stringed normal scale basses: http://circlekstrings.com/store/stan...5-strings.html You can always ask them if you are in doubt as to what set to go for, Skip has been super helpful to me.

(Just for the record: I have no affiliation with Circle K, I'm just a happy customer.)

With regards to basses, I have never played a Schecter Stiletto, so I cannot give you any direct advice on that one. I can tell you that I love the way my Warwick Thumb sits in the mix with this kind of music, though, but I'm sure there are plenty of other basses you would be just as happy with. My only advice would be to look for a bass with a strong midrange presence, as that typically helps you cut through in a band with heavily distorted and down tuned guitars.

Some people argue that you need a longer scale than the standard 34" to get a decent low G or whatever, e.g. 35" or 36", but that has not been my experience. However, to each his own, right?

By the way: if you guys have a MySpace page or something similar, I'd be happy to check out your band.

[seattle_thomas]

Originally Posted by eyvindwa

Sure, I'm all for helping out, so ask me any question you'd like. (However, please keep in mind that I am in no way a 'pro' at this myself, so take answers and suggestions with a few grains of salt.)

Circle K (and other manufacturers as well, I'm sure) have special sets for drop tuning like the one you suggest. Here's a page showing sets suitable for 5 stringed normal scale basses: http://circlekstrings.com/store/stan...5-strings.html You can always ask them if you are in doubt as to what set to go for, Skip has been super helpful to me.

(Just for the record: I have no affiliation with Circle K, I'm just a happy customer.)

With regards to basses, I have never played a Schecter Stiletto, so I cannot give you any direct advice on that one. I can tell you that I love the way my Warwick Thumb sits in the mix with this kind of music, though, but I'm sure there are plenty of other basses you would be just as happy with. My only advice would be to look for a bass with a strong midrange presence, as that typically helps you cut through in a band with heavily distorted and down tuned guitars.

Some people argue that you need a longer scale than the standard 34" to get a decent low G or whatever, e.g. 35" or 36", but that has not been my experience. However, to each his own, right?

By the way: if you guys have a MySpace page or something similar, I'd be happy to check out your band.

Hell yeah man. Www.myspace.com/oceanofmirrors. Its pretty rough at the moment but we're getting a facelift pretty soon...

All of our recordings are a bit obsolete now due to the 2 axe fx ultras our guitarists just purchased, but you can get a general idea of the sound we're going for. The recordings are also in G#, G sounds so much more brooding and dark... ill have to get you some polished mixes once we get drums tracked :-)

Im interested in dingwall basses as well, but the fan-fret system is so expensive... id love to at least play around with one and enjoy the separate scale lengths for each string. I've heard the B sounds unbelievable