Do You Avoid Playing Notes on the G String?

[Eyesee7]

No matter what basses I've owned, I've never liked the way notes ring out on the G string, as the other strings have more depth and sustain. Whenever possible I like to move a lick up the neck and play the notes that would have been on the G string on the D string instead. Once it gets past the 7th fret however, I will play the notes on the G string, usually its an octave thing anyway. I realize there are some songs where you want that brighter sound, or maybe the lick sounds better if it involves open D or A strings and you want to keep it closer to the first few frets.

Anyone else do this? Or is it just my ear that thinks those G notes aren't holding up to the depth of notes on the other strings??

[seanm]

I find that a larger G helps. I find generally a 50 G is better than a 45.

That said, I have tuned a bass BEAD and was surprised at how many songs I could play without the G string

[Skitch it!]

It's the case I'm afraid with quite a few basses, it's not wrong it's just the way it is, unless you can zone the frequencies in with an E.Q. which then changes everything. If you have a very low action I'd suggest taking it up a little, it lets the strings and tonality 'breath' a little more, I'm not a big fan of super low, it does affect the tonality a bit I find ; )

If I want a fuller tone on the high notes, I tend to choose an up-neck position too if it's really important to fill consistently, it's one of those things. But the G still works subliminally if the note is audible, but you won't get ground shaking stuff out of the it ime, ymmv.

As posted you could try up-ing the gauge, I wouldn't be into it though just for playability stakes.

[MysticMichael]

Originally Posted by Eyesee7

Anyone else do this? Or is it just my ear that thinks those G notes aren't holding up to the depth of notes on the other strings??

Absolutely not. The G string is what it is. I've increased the gauge of string I use for the G, and made a point of adapting my technique as well as I can in order to achieve a sound on the G string with more heft and gravitas. For certain select passages, I'll even slide up high on the D string in order to achieve the effect I want.

But to avoid playing the G string altogether? No way. I'll find a way to make the entire instrument work for me - NOT the other way around...

MM

[bass_lord_mutha]

Why would anybody want to limit themselves in such a way?

[OleJohnnyMac]

I use it a lot when I slap (badly), but my Badass V is a bit too wide for my MIM J5's neck, so my G slips off way too easily when I'm doing vibrato on higher melodic lines and stuff.

[Chrisk-K]

Nothing sounds sexier than the popped G string tone.

[ugly_bassplayer]

Hell no.

[StayLow]

I use the G and C a lot in solos & chordal work, and of course for slapping. Not at all for straight grooving & song support.

There's a proper time and place for using it. Same as cymbals, the highest octave on a piano, salt & pepper when you're cooking, or using your teeth in bed.

[mcm]

i do a lot of octave runs from the g. i have to have a bass with a strong g.

[Zooberwerx]

I've found that with excessive EQing, the G string (and sometimes the D) will disappear into the background. This may sound stupid or insane (consider the source) but I like to set my EQ whilst doing runs centered around the A / D string-7th fret instead of just thumping on the open E or A.

Riis

[SMILEYSIXX]

No way. Go buy yourself a three string bass if you want to limit your abilities that much. That's like buying a car and saying "Damn that rear passenger wheel is a nuisance." It's there for a reason.

[jeff5311]

I agree with the OP. The G played on the 10th fret of the A is soooo much more usable in a band setting than the open G. However, this primarily becaise i play a jazz with rounds. A P with flats makes the open G more usable.

[BassBob1]

i play a jazz with flats but up until 3 months ago used rounds. I never avoid the G string. that just sounds silly. I do how ever avoid playing open strings all together. I just prefer to fret every note except the low E obviously.

[Mayers]

Euh

I use my G and C strings a lot even in a band setting. Why wouldn't I ???

[CapnSev]

Originally Posted by ugly_bassplayer

Hell no.

+1

[jeff5311]

Not that I dont use the G string. Its great for runs, bark, snap, etc... But if u r lookimg for a fundamental note to hold the band together, it wont be played on the G string. Just sayin'.

Sry for the lack punctuation. This is typed on my iPhone.

[dcr]

Originally Posted by bass_lord_mutha

Why would anybody want to limit themselves in such a way?

What he said......




dcr

[jmattbassplaya]

I find that you can make the G fuller simply by plucking more towards the neck.

[prd004]

I personally cannot get enough G-String!!!!!