Playing open strings

[fearceol]

I'm a little confused here ! My present and previous teachers told me it is not the norm to play open strings (except the low E on a 4 string). Is this correct or is it a matter of personal choice. Because of this advice, I have got into the habit of not using open strings. I have just started on Ed Friedland's new Blues book only to find the first few exercises using open strings

[David Lansen]

I think it's a matter of personal choice when and whether to play open strings. Most often it's about what works with the flow of music, and sometimes it's for the sake of easier fretting patterns.

Although, I for one kinda hate to play open strings because a lot of times they sound so different tonally from other (fretted) notes, it just doesn't work.

[DocBop]

As far as I'm concerned it personal choice. They are there and can by you a second to shift positions. They help make less stretching when low on the neck. So will say the timbre is different, but to me not enough to worry about. DB players use open strings all the time and cool for drops. Ray Brown used to use the same note fingered and open in drops for a neat effect. Jeff Beck and others who mix an open string in a lick to get an bonus note without fretting. Many times to open note isn't even in the key, but goes by so fast you all you know that was a hot lick.

I say it's there to be used use it.

[BetterBottomEnd]

I would say its a good idea to learn using as few open strings as possible so its easier to transpose but once you're comfortable use them thats what they're there for.

[Timbo]

It's a matter of personal choice. The open strings have a different tonal characteristic and I personally tend to shy away from them because I get a warmer sound from higher up on the fretboard. But i'll still use them if it makes life easy

[doctorjazz]

It depends how you use them. Like DocBop said, they can be handy if you have to switch positions, I used to use them fairly often for that purpose when I gigged with my 4 string. As a fretless player, I find it handy to throw one in every now and then as a reference to make sure my stopped notes are in tune.

[TheBassBetween]

Personally, I like learning shapes. By that, I mean learning the major scale by the pattern, and if you throw in an open string there, it messes me up. In fact, I have difficulty playing an E Major scale starting from an open E, but I can play it perfectly fine starting on the 5th of my B string.

That said, if a bassline is more comfortable with an open string, why not use it? You're probably the only one who will notice the difference in an open string, as opposed to a fretted note. I also like to use it for triplets, hitting and open string and hammering two frets. Even if its out of key, like was said earlier, it's a real easy quick note that doesn't require switching any hand positions.

[seanm]

Originally Posted by BetterBottomEnd

I would say its a good idea to learn using as few open strings as possible so its easier to transpose but once you're comfortable use them thats what they're there for.

I've gone through stages. I spent years staying away from open strings for the above reason. I am now using open strings much more often.

I find I can switch between using the open strings or not much easier now. However, there are still some songs I need the open strings to play, such as "Takin' Care of Business".

So it comes down to personal choice.

[owensea777]

Open strings can really enhance your basslines (assuming you aren't playing someone else's line taht doesn't use open strings), so don't forget about them. Open strings are just another tool you should practice and be proficient with.

[All_¥our_Bass]

I actually really like to use open strings.

[T-MOST]

It depends on the song. If I have to be really low open strings come in very handy. They are no harder to use than any other note. To me it's a matter of knowing the fretboard and what notes are easiest to play at the time.

[driver800]

I love using open strings especially with a fretted higher octave or on the 1 or 3 to let them ring a little longer. I also try to use the different timbre of fretted and open notes to get a different feel. Like when playing 2 of the same quarter notes, I'll play the first one fretted and the second one open or vice-versa. I'm not saying I do it well, but I try.

The only "absolutes" in music are that absolutes are not always right.

[Lobster11]

God himself (i.e., James Jamerson) not only made liberal use of open strings, but was known for doing so routinely even when they were out of key. Lots of those old Motown songs were in flat keys, but he frequently used the open strings anyway either as passing notes -- which were so quick you could hardly tell whether they were in key or not -- or deliberately to create dissonance or tension.

Of course, James also played almost entirely with just one finger on his right hand, and few of us would endorse that approach, but still....

[fearceol]

Thanks for the imput guys! As I said I formed the habit of not using open strings but did find myself using them now and then when the reach was awkward. I suppose the advice often given here applies in this case, i.e. if it feels right to you then it is right. Some interesting feedback.

[WillPlay4Food]

Originally Posted by TheBassBetween

Personally, I like learning shapes. By that, I mean learning the major scale by the pattern, and if you throw in an open string there, it messes me up. In fact, I have difficulty playing an E Major scale starting from an open E, but I can play it perfectly fine starting on the 5th of my B string.

If something is difficult for you, then practice it until it isn't difficult anymore. The idea is to improve your bass playing and anything that's difficult is an impediment to your improvement.

[Rattman]

- I find that playing open strings is 'counter intuitive'...

..in the respect that playing outside a 'box' pattern can sometimes goof up the timing. That being said however, intergrating open strings into a pattern for me needs to be practiced abit until it fits naturally. The other drawback I find with open strings is the tonal quality of the sustain.. its got it's own qualtities that just requires a differant touch when using them.

[hunta]

A really great bass teacher I had said to use open strings whenever possible. A really bad bass teacher I had said not to use open strings. There are competing theories about it.

My great bass teacher (He took lessons from Miroslav Vitous, he could play like Jaco on electric, and shredded on upright, so I trusted anything he said) loved the fat sound you get from open strings. More string vibrating = fatter sound.

My bad teacher (orchestral upright player mainly) wanted to avoid open strings whenever possible, because of the different tonal character, and you can't do vibrato on an open string.

I can see the merit with both approaches. Personally I think open strings are great, and I use them all the time. But, if I want to maintain a consistent tone for some reason then I'll avoid them. If all I did was play classical then I would probably avoid the open strings. For most other styles of music I think open strings are great.

[DocBop]

Originally Posted by hunta

A really great bass teacher I had said to use open strings whenever possible. A really bad bass teacher I had said not to use open strings. There are competing theories about it.

My great bass teacher (He took lessons from Miroslav Vitous, he could play like Jaco on electric, and shredded on upright, so I trusted anything he said) loved the fat sound you get from open strings. More string vibrating = fatter sound.

My bad teacher (orchestral upright player mainly) wanted to avoid open strings whenever possible, because of the different tonal character, and you can't do vibrato on an open string.

I can see the merit with both approaches. Personally I think open strings are great, and I use them all the time. But, if I want to maintain a consistent tone for some reason then I'll avoid them. If all I did was play classical then I would probably avoid the open strings. For most other styles of music I think open strings are great.

There is the key right there, knowing the difference so you can use either one depending on the situation. Learn every approach to playing so you have options when you play.

[WillPlay4Food]

Originally Posted by DocBop

There is the key right there, knowing the difference so you can use either one depending on the situation. Learn every approach to playing so you have options when you play.

Or get a bass with zero frets so the open strings sound the same as fretted strings.

[seanm]

Originally Posted by WillPlay4Food

Or get a bass with zero frets so the open strings sound the same as fretted strings.

Which begs the question, has anybody played a bass with a zero fret and not liked it because the open strings sounded different? i.e. You get used to the open strings and rely on them for certain songs?

I know for some songs I like to hit that open string for the final note and let it ring while the guitar players doodle on (and on and on and on ). Does the zero fret make this different?