Converting C tuning to a 5 string

[xXMurderSoulXx]

Ok, so I want to play some songs by The Black Dahlia Murder. They tune CGCF, only problem is, I own a 5 string. Would would I tune the low b to?

[Descent2Cocytus]

two steps down, logically thinking, it would be GCGCF.
maybe F#CGCF

[NicJimBass]

If you're tuning your E string to C, then your low B would be tuned to G. I normally tune G#C#F#BE, so that's what would make sense to me.

Also, with tuning that low, it's best to go to a thicker gauge string. I normally use the lower 4 strings of a .135 5-string set, and add a .145 for the low G#. It keeps the strings tight, not floppy at all.

[Alun]

Apologies if I sound a bit stupid here but..

a, If you've got a 5 string, you could play anything in low C tuning in your current standard BEADG tuning. Lines that bounce off open strings can be tricky but you do haev all the notes there
b, If all the songs are in CGCF and you're going to play them that way, does it matter what you tune your B string to as it doesn't sound like you'll use it anyway?

Cheers,
Alun

[xXMurderSoulXx]

Originally Posted by Alun

Apologies if I sound a bit stupid here but..

a, If you've got a 5 string, you could play anything in low C tuning in your current standard BEADG tuning. Lines that bounce off open strings can be tricky but you do haev all the notes there
b, If all the songs are in CGCF and you're going to play them that way, does it matter what you tune your B string to as it doesn't sound like you'll use it anyway?

Cheers,
Alun

Easier to use the tabs.

[xXMurderSoulXx]

Well, I did it. I love how low tension they were. It felt like a whole other animal, and it sounded, and played so much better. However, I figure my truss rod will probably need adjusted, so I tuned it back to standard so I wouldn't screw my neck up.

Do you guys think I should get "Soft Guage" Or "Hard Guage" Strings? Right now I use soft.

[Rattlehead]

Originally Posted by Alun

Apologies if I sound a bit stupid here but..

a, If you've got a 5 string, you could play anything in low C tuning in your current standard BEADG tuning. Lines that bounce off open strings can be tricky but you do haev all the notes there
b, If all the songs are in CGCF and you're going to play them that way, does it matter what you tune your B string to as it doesn't sound like you'll use it anyway?

Cheers,
Alun

You're exactly right IMO. If the song uses the open C alot, then it's probably alot easier to buy a capo (and place it on the 1st fret) then to play around with different tunings, strings gauges, and truss rod adjustments.
Even reading tabs wouldn't be difficult, just add one fret to what the tab says.

[Rattlehead]

By the way one day before you posted this thread someone posted a thread called "Dropped C on a 5 String".

Maybe you should look around before asking this sort of question ...

[xXMurderSoulXx]

Originally Posted by Rattlehead

By the way one day before you posted this thread someone posted a thread called "Dropped C on a 5 String".

Maybe you should look around before asking this sort of question ...

I already saw it, didn't really apply to my question.