Drop tuning vs. 5 string bass

Surly · #1 03-08-2007, 07:11 AM

I've been reading a lot and noticing that alot of bands use Drop D and even Drop C tuning. I do like the sound, but why not just play a 5 string? Is there an advantage?

IAmTheDood · #2 03-08-2007, 07:18 AM

that's one of the main reasons for 5 strings ... so you can play those drop d songs, or e flat tunings without detuning

**WillPlay4Food** · #3 03-08-2007, 07:20 AM

If you do drop tuning, the root will be most likely be an open string. This makes faster runs easier to play. If you play drop-C based tunes, having to fret the low C on the B string can slow you down. Think of it as doing a fast paced F based (E string first fret) song on a 4 string. For songs that hit a note below E every so often then a regular 5 string would probably be easier than retuning, at least it is for me in my experience.

mariner · #4 03-08-2007, 07:20 AM

IMHO, drop tuning is really only a method for a 4-string to get lower notes that a 5 string would give you. Some also find it useful for intersting chord combinations.

If every song doesn't use that drop tone, then you're either switching basses or retuning often. Hipshot d-tuners help that, but if you can get a 5er, it does give you all that capability without the mess.

tdogg · #5 03-08-2007, 07:33 AM

this is going to sound a little crazy but i was in a band where the guitarists tuned down a whole step and dropped the lowest string down another step. the guitars were CGCFae. so i tuned CGCFC. thats right .... the intervals were
5th-4th-4th-5th . i had aloth of fun with chords in that band

nastyn8c · #6 03-08-2007, 07:42 AM

It often depends on the type of music. I love metalcore, but most of the bands that I love have bass players who are just guitar players that got stuck playing a 4-string to fill a need. They often do the drop-C and and drop-D tunings to make chords easier. I've even joked with a few of these guys about how it annoys me that they're not "real" bass players.

At the same time, there are a number of incredible bass players who use 4 strings exclusively. After all, they are easier to play because of the smaller fretboard. They can be drop-tuned to adapt to certain songs.

Consider exactly what your musical style is. I have my 6 string, and I don't switch to a 4 to play certain songs. I stick with my bass, and play the song the way that feels right to me.

chunkstyle · #7 03-08-2007, 07:51 AM

here's a crazy idea...

when i bought my G&L L-1505, it came strung E-C. i tuned to drop D and ended up with almost the same range as a 6 string in a much more managable package.

Surly · #8 03-08-2007, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chunkstyle

here's a crazy idea...

when i bought my G&L L-1505, it came strung E-C. i tuned to drop D and ended up with almost the same range as a 6 string in a much more managable package.

I thought about doing this too or something similar..

I guess metal bands like SOAD, Hatebreed, etc. like the drop tuning better than using a 5 string for playability reasons. Maybe they like playing in the key of C better than B. I like some Sepultura songs which are in B minor, they sound brutal.

#9 03-08-2007, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chunkstyle

here's a crazy idea...

when i bought my G&L L-1505, it came strung E-C. i tuned to drop D and ended up with almost the same range as a 6 string in a much more managable package.

Steve Digiorgio's main bass is tuned E-C with a hipshot on the E, and he doesn't mind resetting up his bass for drop Db or drop C either if need be. As of the last Sadus album, he also had a 5 string tuned the other way. I had my bass strung EADGC, and now for awhile have had it BEADG, but I'll probably go back to some happy medium between the two, like a 35-120 set or something like that.

Fishbrain · #10 03-10-2007, 04:36 AM

there was a time when all the various bands I was playin in the tunings went from drop b, drop c, drop d, standard e, Eb and DADGAD

I just used my trusty 5 string, standard tuning BEADG =)

in my metal band the songs in drop C could get tricky tryin to match the guitarists riffs but at the end of the day I think its made me a better bassist for it

Zappstorius · #11 03-10-2007, 06:42 PM

The advantage of drop d or drop c to a 5 string bass are that it's easier to play the open note, then a fretted one. A five string is cool though, and there is times that I use drop d with a 5 string. But I also drop the b string also, so it looks like: A-D-A-D-G. Some bands drop a whole step across the board. Do whatever you like.

nhaight · #12 06-23-2011, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surly

I've been reading a lot and noticing that alot of bands use Drop D and even Drop C tuning. I do like the sound, but why not just play a 5 string? Is there an advantage?

Quote:

Originally Posted by IAmTheDood

that's one of the main reasons for 5 strings ... so you can play those drop d songs, or e flat tunings without detuning

I have a five string and I still drop tune? Your gonna have to whether its a 4, 5, or 6+ string as far s I know... anyways 5 strings are just plain fun. The only reason you shouldn't get one is if your into slap and pluck style playing. It is pretty hard to do on a five.

ghiadub · #13 06-23-2011, 01:09 PM

I have a bass tuned BEAD - 5 strings are great, I have 2, but if I am not hitting those high notes I use the BEAD 4 string. Much more comfortable to play.

zachoff · #14 06-23-2011, 01:09 PM

5 strings are uncomfortable to play, tons of really cool and/or good basses aren't made in 5 strings, most 5 strings are active, detuning restructures your playing and sometimes songs you write are easier to play on a detuned bass than on a 5 string, open D and open C sound bigger, fuller, and more awesome than a fretted D or C on a 5 string bass...