Question about playing identical notes on different strings

[hall1k]

Hello, I know that you can find the same note multiple places on the fretboard, like a G played on the 10th fret of the A string is the same note as a G played on the 5th fret of the D string (which I tested by playing them both and listening for beats), but when I play them individually, they dont sound the same at all. Granted, my ear's not very good yet, but the difference is pretty obvious. How can i substitute one note for the other without changing the sound of the song, to make it easier to play? If it helps, I'm using a Hartke SB-15 bass that is in bad shape.

[EADG mx]

Originally Posted by hall1k

Hello, I know that you can find the same note multiple places on the fretboard, like a G played on the 10th fret of the A string is the same note as a G played on the 5th fret of the D string (which I tested by playing them both and listening for beats), but when I play them individually, they dont sound the same at all. Granted, my ear's not very good yet, but the difference is pretty obvious. How can i substitute one note for the other without changing the sound of the song, to make it easier to play?

When you say they sound different, do you mean in terms of tone or pitch?

Notes sound different when played on different strings (generally more bass-heavy, smooth, and less defined the lower the string). This is a good or bad thing - it depends entirely on what you want.

Originally Posted by hall1k

If it helps, I'm using a Hartke SB-15 bass that is in bad shape.

In bad shape how?

If this is a pitch issue you should look into getting your bass set up. Any music store should be able to do this.

[jefkritz]

well, assuming you're in tune (that could be your problem right there), it's a matter of timbre. the 'different' notes are the same note, but sound different. this can help you make good music if used effectively.

[hall1k]

I mean its got chips in the body and stuff. I bought it about 2 weeks ago, and it was set up for me.

I think its the tone thats different, cause i know the pitch is the same. im not really clear on what tone is, I know pitch is the frequency of the note, so tone would be the volume? im more of a physics person.

[mambo4]

By tone he means "timbre"

Like when you hear a C# on a piano versus a trumpet: the pitch is the same, the timbre is different.


Playing the same pitch in different places on the neck always yields different timbres. Closer to the nut gives you more over tones, a fuller, "stringier" sound; notes farther up the neck have less overtones, sound"bassier", "thumpier".

Which you use is a matter of taste and appropriateness to the music.

[hall1k]

ok thanks for the replies i think i get it now.

[EADG mx]

Originally Posted by mambo4

Playing the same pitch in different places on the neck always yields different timbres. Closer to the nut gives you more over tones, a fuller, "stringier" sound; notes farther up the neck have less overtones, sound"bassier", "thumpier".

Also, where you pluck on the neck is a factor. You can single out overtones and frequency ranges by adjusting your right hand position.

[kr0n]

Pitch, or notes like C, D, F#, is a certain frequency of the sound wave. Frequency is measured in hertz, Hz. It means how many times the 'wave' goes through one cycle in one second. Sine wave is the purest form of wave and has no irregularities or timbre at all. It always the same.

Depending on the strings, your bass and amplification etc etc two same notes (such as A on the E string 5th fret and open A string) sound different due to timbre as said before.

Timbre is the overall tone of your sound that compasses the minute irregularities in the sound wave and the overtones that string produces aswell.

When people speak of tone, they mean timbre. Think of it as amplitude modulation, minute differences in the overall wave and the different amplitudes of overtones produced and incorporated in the final sound.

I think.