Alternate lower tuning for 5 or 6 strings in metal

brandonkr · #1 08-27-2010, 12:36 AM

The band I play with now all tune to dropped C, and I've noticed many metal guitarist using 7 string guitars in dropped A tuning. I was wondering if any other metal genre bassists lowering the tuning on their 5 or 6 string bass to match the open strings of the guitarists, and (if they do) how it sounds that low? I'm considering a 6 string bass, and on my four stringers anything lower than dropped C really just sounds awful to me, so I'm wondering how a 5 or 6 string might effect that? Could one successfully tune to a low A or lower and still have it sound any kind of decent? I would assume the thicker neck, thicker strings and extended scale would help, but I'd like to hear some first hand accounts.

Also, does anybody produce strings meant to be tuned lower than a low B?

knuckle_head · #2 08-27-2010, 01:02 AM

I have helped guys do drop A, drop G, and even drop E. My personal bass is a 4 string tuned in standard E intervals, but an octave down. You could do B - an octave down - if you'd like.

You don't need a longer scale length, but it certainly doesn't hurt.

How low do you want to go?

somegeezer · #3 08-27-2010, 01:09 AM

I think the low B is low enough. Though Meshuggah play down to F. That's Like B standard 5 strings, tuned half step down, then another low string added... Not sure how they get the bass to be so clear that low. Maybe he plays with an octave string for that F on the bass.

T-Bird · #4 08-27-2010, 02:15 AM

Hi.

Even though I don't play metal as it's understood nowadays

, the 6er I mostly played in the last band I was in was strung F#BEADG.
Quite fine with a regular (tube) rig and 34" scale lenght.

As for the strings, Circle K comes to mind

if You're in their distribution region. Just click knuckle head's handle and go from there.
Warwick has the Black Label Dark Lord set (which I use as a base).

Regards
Sam

knuckle_head · #5 08-27-2010, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by somegeezer

I think the low B is low enough. Though Meshuggah play down to F. That's Like B standard 5 strings, tuned half step down, then another low string added... Not sure how they get the bass to be so clear that low. Maybe he plays with an octave string for that F on the bass.

He plays in unison.

FunkMetalBass · #6 08-27-2010, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knuckle_head

I have helped guys do drop A, drop G, and even drop E. My personal bass is a 4 string tuned in standard E intervals, but an octave down. You could do B - an octave down - if you'd like.

You don't need a longer scale length, but it certainly doesn't hurt.

How low do you want to go?

Regarding this question,

I currently really like your .150 B-string. Could your .254 keep similar tension if tuned an octave lower?

knuckle_head · #7 08-27-2010, 02:18 PM

The .150 at B has 47 pounds of tension on it. A .254 at B will have 33.6 pounds. It won't feel the same.

eyvindwa · #8 08-27-2010, 02:27 PM

I use Circle K strings, and tune my Warwick Thumb (34") G C F Bb Eb, i.e. two whole steps below standard 5-string tuning. The thickest string is .166, and for me it works out quite well.

brandonkr · #9 08-28-2010, 03:21 AM

I heard a speculative rumor that the bassist from Meshuggah actually tunes to a guitars dropped C, but two octaves down.

In regards to knuckle_head's question, I guess I'd like to be able to hit a C. (that's almost an octave below the standard low B string) It'd be awesome to go down to A, but that seems like it would be too muddy regardless of scale or strings. Of course, I'll defer to any expert opinions.

knuckle_head · #10 08-28-2010, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brandonkr

I heard a speculative rumor that the bassist from Meshuggah actually tunes to a guitars dropped C, but two octaves down.

In regards to knuckle_head's question, I guess I'd like to be able to hit a C. (that's almost an octave below the standard low B string) It'd be awesome to go down to A, but that seems like it would be too muddy regardless of scale or strings. Of course, I'll defer to any expert opinions.

I can only speak to the F Dick hits with Meshuggah - I know that to be in unison with the guitars. He could go lower...

I can get you to C but I really am unclear which one you're trying to hit. Are you referring to the C above the low B on the bottom of a 5 string bass? Or is it the octave below that you want?

Will this be in standard intervals or drop C?

Nashrakh · #11 08-28-2010, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brandonkr

I heard a speculative rumor that the bassist from Meshuggah actually tunes to a guitars dropped C, but two octaves down.

I heard the guitars tune to low F, the bass is actually tuned a half step up.

BassesForTheWin · #12 08-28-2010, 10:02 AM

5-String=GCGCG

brandonkr · #13 08-28-2010, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knuckle_head

I can get you to C but I really am unclear which one you're trying to hit. Are you referring to the C above the low B on the bottom of a 5 string bass? Or is it the octave below that you want?

Will this be in standard intervals or drop C?

An octave below, in dropped C.

knuckle_head · #14 08-28-2010, 09:35 PM

.254 .174 .130 .096 .072 .052 .037

Basically a Balanced .174 set (of what ever string count) plus a .254 single.

I highly recommend a new nut. Intonation of the low C may test the placement of your bridge.