Using open strings?

[StuartV]

When learning songs (particularly from sheet music), there is a frequent choice that comes up of using a fretted string or an open string.

On one hand (ha ha), using the open string seems like it would make things easier. One less note to fret. Can be getting fingers in position for next note(s) while you're playing the open string. Etc.

On the other hand, learning the song with all fretted notes means, for the most part, you could play the same song in a different key very easily, just by starting in a different position.

Is one or the other particularly recommended in a formal bass playing education?

[kreider204]

You're pretty much thinking of everything already. I'd add that there's a tonal difference between the open string and the fretted equivalent, so that might affect your choice, depending on what sort of sound you want.

Otherwise, it's mostly a matter of personal preference.

[StuartV]

I already thought about the tone thing, too. But I'm not sure I was thinking of it correctly. I was thinking that using an open string would be better for tone. But, a friend pointed out that he some times use the fretted note on a lower string because the fatter string gives a "thicker" sound. But, the open string would (I assume?) have more sustain, which might be good for some things (like, the last note of a song, in particular).

Anyway, I was really just wondering if a formal bass education would teach one as preferable over the other. I was imagining a teacher saying something like "if you're learning something where your choice is to use open strings and the first 4 frets or use frets 1 - 5, then use open strings. If you need to transpose to another key, then you just need to learn how to do that, even though it will be harder."

[ej22tgc8]

If you happen to be playing a fretless, an open string is a great reference for your intonation.

[StuartV]

I can see that. What I can't see is me playing a fretless... LOL!

[dvh]

Originally Posted by ej22tgc8

If you happen to be playing a fretless, an open string is a great reference for your intonation.

Bingo. Upright players routinely use open strings for that reason

[kreider204]

Originally Posted by StuartV

I already thought about the tone thing, too. But I'm not sure I was thinking of it correctly. I was thinking that using an open string would be better for tone. But, a friend pointed out that he some times use the fretted note on a lower string because the fatter string gives a "thicker" sound. But, the open string would (I assume?) have more sustain, which might be good for some things (like, the last note of a song, in particular).

Right, depends on the song. For hard rock, I like open strings - they sound clearer. For blues or blues rock, I like fretted notes - mellower.

Originally Posted by StuartV

Anyway, I was really just wondering if a formal bass education would teach one as preferable over the other.

Not to my knowledge. I've always heard that you should use what works best for the song.

The only other related thing I can think of is practicing scales - both my classical and jazz instructors always wanted me to learn them with and without open strings.

So I guess the answer is "both."

[PJSShearer]

I went through the same thoughts when I first started playing and decided to avoid the open strings for the same reason you give - transposing to a different key is much easier. I also took your point a little further, do be aware that from the bottom A (on a 4 string) on up you can play the same note in more than one "place" - open A string or E string 5th fret, the open D can be found on the A string 5th Fret and the E string at the 10th fret ... etc. So there's usuallly more thna one way to go about things. This is something that will stand you in good stead when/if you start reading music notation - things will come easier.

However, open strings do sound different to fretted notes, and guitards tend to think in E or A, so you need to aware of these as well. !!

[StuartV]

Thanks, guys.

PJSShearer, I think I've got what you said covered. I haven't been playing bass that long, but I played trombone in jazz bands for years. So, the reading part is handled. And the alternate positions thing, too.

I wasn't so concerned about alternate positions because, generally, those will still transpose easily. It's just the open strings that don't transpose and have had me wondering about whether to use them or not.

Actually, the newest song I learned is The Eagles - Tequila Sunrise. I couldn't find sheet music at first, so I learned it from a tab. The tab had everything on frets 3 - 8, so I was playing it that way. Then I went ahead and bought the sheet music 'cause I thought it would be easier to read (for me) and a more accurate transcription (which it is). Once I started playing from the sheet music, it occurred to me that I could play the whole song using frets 2 - 5. Much less moving my hand back and forth (as in, none?). So, now I can pretty well play it either way.

[okcrum]

Open strings can work great. I need to be aware of muting them a bit more to get the right note durations, more so than with fretted notes.

[mambo4]

Personally I love incorporating open strings because it gives each key a unique feel under my LH fingers.

On the tone issue:

The longer the vibrating segment, the more overtones will be heard. This makes the sound "clearer" because there's more audible clues (overtones) for the mind to perceive what pitch is happening.

Before technology came along it was an issue of simply being heard. Now It's more an issue of taste and tone.

[StuartV]

Aha! Thanks, mambo4! Good info.

[seanm]

Originally Posted by StuartV

Actually, the newest song I learned is The Eagles - Tequila Sunrise. I couldn't find sheet music at first, so I learned it from a tab. The tab had everything on frets 3 - 8, so I was playing it that way. Then I went ahead and bought the sheet music 'cause I thought it would be easier to read (for me) and a more accurate transcription (which it is). Once I started playing from the sheet music, it occurred to me that I could play the whole song using frets 2 - 5. Much less moving my hand back and forth (as in, none?). So, now I can pretty well play it either way.

OT but, I play most of Tequila Sunrise on the first two strings. Don't you lose the slides if you stay in first 5 frets?

[StuartV]

The tab I was using had it all on the E and A strings (except for one spot where you hit an F# or a G, I think, on the D string as a passing note two times). The sheet music doesn't have any slides, per se. The only spots I can think of where the way it's written might be played as a slide are the very beginning. For that, the tab did show a slide from fret 1 to end up on fret 5. The sheet music just shows that as a two 1/8th note lead-in playing G, G#, A. Regardless, that's not affected by staying in the first 5.

Other than that, there's a few times where the tab and sheet music basically have a hammer-on from C to D, but that also is in the first 5, regardless.

Or maybe I'm just forgetting something....

Where are you playing slides?

[capnsandwich]

I come from the school of playing open notes = an extra finger. I play open notes whenever they're needed. The tone isn't much of an issue unless you're slapping, in which I'd play a fretted note. The key is to get to know your fretboard and know where the notes are so you can play whatever notes you want. Open notes, however, can make life easier if you use them.

[seanm]

Originally Posted by StuartV

The tab I was using had it all on the E and A strings (except for one spot where you hit an F# or a G, I think, on the D string as a passing note two times). The sheet music doesn't have any slides, per se. The only spots I can think of where the way it's written might be played as a slide are the very beginning. For that, the tab did show a slide from fret 1 to end up on fret 5. The sheet music just shows that as a two 1/8th note lead-in playing G, G#, A. Regardless, that's not affected by staying in the first 5.

Other than that, there's a few times where the tab and sheet music basically have a hammer-on from C to D, but that also is in the first 5, regardless.

Or maybe I'm just forgetting something....

Where are you playing slides?

I think of the song as changing key from G to A. So a index finger slide from C to D to get me from G to A, and a ring finger slide from E to D to get me back into the G position. Plus some D E D slides for embellishment.

Does that make any sense?

[elavate7]

using open notes are alot easier if you have it......but if you dont know where the opn note is, then just use what you know!

[emdsd]

My music teacher always told me to avoid using open strings unless absolutely neccesary, mainly because it was easier to transpose into different keys. I find it harder to control open strings (dampening and such) so I've pretty much stuck to that advice over the years. As in many cases, I think it all depends on what works for you, though.

[StuartV]

seanm, yes, that makes sense. But, I don't see how any of those slides would be limited by staying in the first 5. They're all sliding back and forth between 3 and 5, right? Hmm, well, I guess that would be except for the E to D slide. In that case, I guess you should step outside the 5!

[dvh]

Originally Posted by emdsd

My music teacher always told me to avoid using open strings unless absolutely neccesary, mainly because it was easier to transpose into different keys. I find it harder to control open strings (dampening and such) so I've pretty much stuck to that advice over the years. As in many cases, I think it all depends on what works for you, though.

Becomes a liability if you move on to upright...