Alternate Tuning...

[Not4You]

Hi...I recently was asked to tune down the bass a half step...no problem. Then they wanted me to drop D on top of that (c#?) However, I cannot seem to get a half step below drop D? My top string just does not hold tension...Am I doing something wrong?

[62bass]

No, I don't think you are. That's pretty low for most E strings on a 34" scale instrument. You may be able to get away with it with a heavier guage set of strings.

[Kronos]

Definitely get a heavier gauge set of strings. That will help.

[Not4You]

Thanks guys, I have played in drop D and a half step down before, but never a half step below drop D!...So I was little frustrated last night trying to tune!

[agreatheight]

I've done it - I moved to a heavier gauge of string and got my set up adjusted by a pro, plays great.

[TheEmptyCell]

I'm using a set of D'addario's with a .105 E, and I tune it down to drop C# on occassion. The music we play is straight stoner rock stuff, so the fret noise and just nastiness of it fits, but if you want a cleaner tone, I'd step up to a 110 or 115 E.

[OneArmedScissor]

Definately get a thicker E. I suggest a 120. I have used a 130 on mine and it was just way too thick but a 120 would be perfect.

[cerrem]

You could buy a 5-string box of strings and then just not use the G-string..... Use the top 4 strings and then drop down to D ... if that set does not agree with you then try the Ernie Ball Power Slinkies in the purple package...They are .050 to .110 ....

Best Regards
Chris

[katri]

that is the tuning my band always uses and i found that really you need a 110 or thicker to hold that tuning.