altered tuning to 5ths

[steve2]

Just curious if its possible to tune a bass in 5ths like a violin with the 1 sting being E. I dont thing a high C from a six string could be tuned that high. The strings would be E,A,D G.

The G could go to A,D would stay the same. E could go to G.

Hope someone understands how I am thinking. Thanks for advice.



Steve

[Melvin7822]

It would probably be wiser to tune it C G D A as opposed to G D A E. That way you're staying within the functional range of bass. Whatever you decide just remember that you have to decrease the string gauge if tuning up or increase the string gauge if tuning down. Let's not forget the nut work involved albeit easier when increasing gauge.

[steve2]

Thanks I will have to study on that. That gives me at least something to study on. I noticed on Juststrings.com they sell under individual stings their brands of all kinds of guages. My reasoning is years ago I grew uplearing mandolin learning a couple nice jazz tunes and thought it would be easier to tune the bass like a mandolin than to transpose everything which is what I am working on now with my 6 string bass. Just an idea. I only have one spare bass to tinker with and that is a 5 string. Transposing on the 6 string has not been that bad just taking some work. Thanks again

[user101]

tuning in 5ths is a nightmare for the left hand. But it does have 1 good point. It forces the left hand to do something new and different.
*if you're lefty then right hand *