Trying Out Alternate Tunings...Need Some Advice

DeanAngerer · #1 08-30-2009, 12:01 PM

In an effort to try to play outside of the box and do new things, I'm experimenting a bit. For the time being, I'm going to drop finger playing in favor of a pick for some more chunky playing.

On top of that, I've been thinking about alternate tunings instead of the EADG I've been using for so long. The two options I'm thinking are CGCF, which is what I currently have, and BEAD. Unfortunately, I can't just simply go out and buy a 5 string and be done with it.

Anyways, I'm just worried about the affect it may have on my neck; if there's any chance that it could damage or warp the neck beyond repair. I'm also looking for some practical advice on which of the 3 tunings (EADG, CGCF, or BEAD) would be best for me to use.

I rarely play metal or anything that requires a notes lower than my low E, but I still find it appealing to have that extended range. Drop C seems to be okay, it's just hard to get used to the bottom string being a 5th tone apart, which is a long way. And I'm just worried that BEAD will sound like incoherent crap.

Any advice, experience or thoughts?

mmuel817 · #2 08-31-2009, 01:49 AM

If you are tuning your normal strings down to BEAD, it will sound like incoherent crap. However, if you try fitting different strings bass you'll have to tweak the neck slightly to account for the tension differences if you want your bass to stay healthy for a long time. You'll also have a bit of trouble getting a B string to fit in the nut where a much smaller E string is meant to be. I'd say that the tried and true EADG is the way for me, but if you find another way then go for it. One of the best jazz bassists I've played with tuned his bass in all 5ths instead of 4ths. I have no idea how he did it, but he said it was better and did it well. He didn't ask anyone though, he just found his style. Maybe there's something to learn from that.

standupright · #3 08-31-2009, 01:51 AM

want to twist your brain a bit? tune your entire instrument in 5th's instead of 4th's

odin70 · #4 08-31-2009, 02:13 AM

Fifths are very cool! It will also give you the range of a 5 string (almost) C-G-D-A

Try 120, 90, 60, 30 strings

standupright · #5 08-31-2009, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by odin70

Fifths are very cool! It will also give you the range of a 5 string (almost) C-G-D-A

Try 120, 90, 60, 30 strings

that will give you the range of a cello an octave below.

DeanAngerer · #6 08-31-2009, 11:01 AM

Well in theory, tuning in 5ths sounds nice, but is it bad for the neck of my bass, and it seems like there's a ton of shifting involved. I might try it out though, it'll extend my range on both ends.

odin70 · #7 08-31-2009, 11:15 AM

Should be no neck problems if you use the string gauges i suggested.

Rudreax · #8 08-31-2009, 02:57 PM

Try all sorts of tunings, but not for a long time. Things such as 5ths, 6th, 3rd, and such will get you out of positions and force you to focus more on your ears than your eyes.

Another thing I tried as a sort of octave tuning; I tuned the D string to E and G string to A so that they were an octave apart from the E and A strings. Just experiment with a lot of intervals and see what you get.

Just remember that, like the others have said, if you want to do this for a long time (over a day) make sure you get different string gauges.

CBgaragebassist · #9 08-31-2009, 04:53 PM

DGCF is nice. BGCF is also cool.

Lord Trau · #10 08-31-2009, 06:03 PM

BEAD is a great tuning, especially if you don't play the highest notes very often.

I tend to play low on the neck, so BEAD allows for not only lower notes but also for better economy of movement with your fretting hand.

I just get a five string set and set the G string aside. As it has been mentioned, you will need to have the neck adjusted. I just had my tech do it.

Gasman · #11 08-31-2009, 06:19 PM

I play DGCF and love it. I use EB hybrids, which fit nicely in the nut, as opposed to a low B which almost certainly would require a .130 gauge string and subsequent nut filing. I tried .110 once, but even that didn't sit right in the nut. All I've done is adjust my truss rod slowly to get the action where I want it (it took a few days- I'm paranoid about damaging my neck too.) If you are patient, there's no reason to fear adjusting your truss rod yourself. Just give it a quarter turn at most in the direction you want and wait for the wood to settle. Good luck!

chilee · #12 09-04-2009, 05:29 AM

I have been experimenting with alternate tunings on the bass for some time, and wrote a book about it back in 1992. It is a free download. You can also check out some of the music composed in the tunings.

http://leebarry.net/alternate_tunings.html