Tuning in fifths

basstrader · #1 02-09-2005, 10:13 AM

So, is anyone out there tuning their bass in fifths (like a cello) instead of fourths like a normal bass? such as C-G-D-A-E? It would seem to me that it would give you an ERB without all those extra strings. ;-)

How has the transition from fourths been?

Benjamin Strange · #2 02-09-2005, 10:19 AM

I've tuned in 5ths since 1998. The transition was pretty easy for me, since bass isn't my first instrument and still feels foreign to me.

I love 5ths. Chords ring out better, extended range, and you are forced to use your ears instead of watching the guitarist.

zongeek · #3 02-09-2005, 10:22 AM

let me give this a shot. if standard tunning is in fourths then "standard" fifths would be E-B-Gb-Db right? or am i off. thanks

basstrader · #4 02-09-2005, 11:04 AM

No I think it would be E-B-F#-C#

Seriously though, If I had a four, I'd want to go lower, like D or even C on the lowest string and go up from there. mine's a five so that's why I gave the example I did. Come to think of it I would probably start at A.

zongeek · #5 02-09-2005, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basstrader

No I think it would be E-B-F#-C#

Seriously though, If I had a four, I'd want to go lower, like D or even C on the lowest string and go up from there. mine's a five so that's why I gave the example I did. Come to think of it I would probably start at A.

i was looking at it and i thought, "wait a tic..." alrighty. makes sense. thanks for the help. yea tuning from d in fifths would cool. c seems a little to low though. anyway....

Benjamin Strange · #6 02-09-2005, 11:36 AM

C isn't too low provided you use an appropriate string gauge. My tuning is CGDA, which is cello tuning down one octave. It's a half step up from the low B on a five, and a whole step up on the high G. I have more range in 4 strings than dudes with a 5 tuned in fourths. You can also pick up cello books to sight read out of.

eots · #7 02-09-2005, 11:48 AM

Do you use a custom set of string guages for that? I'm thinking of 130/90/60/35 or something along those lines....

pointbass · #8 02-09-2005, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benjamin Strange

C isn't too low provided you use an appropriate string gauge. My tuning is CGDA, which is cello tuning down one octave. It's a half step up from the low B on a five, and a whole step up on the high G. I have more range in 4 strings than dudes with a 5 tuned in fourths. You can also pick up cello books to sight read out of.

Hey Ben, what was your main instrument of study? Bass was my primary, with a minor in cello. In spite of some pretty significant background in cello, I can not get used to 5ths on a bass ... yet I have no problem switching back and forth between upright & cello

Is CGDA your standard tuning? No problems with hand positioning? I guess I'm just too old and set in my ways to change, although the range does increase greatly. What's the length of your neck?

cybersnyder · #9 02-09-2005, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benjamin Strange

I've tuned in 5ths since 1998. The transition was pretty easy for me, since bass isn't my first instrument and still feels foreign to me.

I love 5ths. Chords ring out better, extended range, and you are forced to use your ears instead of watching the guitarist.

Are you formerly bass triaxis?

Benjamin Strange · #10 02-09-2005, 01:36 PM

Saxophone was my first instrument (first chair all the way through the Texas public school system, thank you very much). Anything with strings is still pretty akward for me, even after 13 years of playing bass.

I use some pretty heavy strings - 135, 105, 75, and 45. In CGDA tuning, that equates out to some pretty serious tension, even on a 34" scale neck.

And yes, I switched from BassTriaxis to my real name around a year ago.

infamousxtopher · #11 02-09-2005, 01:46 PM

i've tuned in fifths to play parts of hte bach cello suites before and i'm seriously considering switching over permantly i like the range, and i love hte chords

xyllion · #12 02-09-2005, 03:45 PM

What are typical chord shapes tuned in 5ths?

therealting · #13 02-09-2005, 04:22 PM

Typical major chord shapes:

0-0-2-3 (root)
4-5-5-7 (1st inversion)
7-9-10-10 (2nd inversion)

I have wanted to string a bass up in fifths for a while... but I've always wondered whether my hand could cope with the stretching.

Benjamin Strange · #14 02-09-2005, 05:24 PM

You don't have to do much stretching, except for certain intervals. I find that certain notes that were previously out of reach are now within reach, and vis versa.

The big advantage is that you can reach 10ths, which you can use for major and minor chord shapes, with the color tone up an octave from where it typically is. Chords ring out with much more clarity when you aren't relying on the next string up to generate the 3rd.

xyllion · #15 02-09-2005, 05:30 PM

Damn, now I need to think about retuning my 6-string. I hate you guys.

bryan bailey · #16 02-09-2005, 06:13 PM

I have big hands, so I can reach many things. That and I think in fourths.

timidbassist · #17 02-09-2005, 06:56 PM

ADADG now thats a cool tunning. I LOVE it. That low A for anyone that plays in Drop D is GREAT! Deffinitly not perfect fifth tunning but its an interesting tunning none the less.

quallabone · #18 02-09-2005, 06:58 PM

I've been in 5'ths on my fretted basses since 2002 and it has been fantastic. I tune the same as benjamin.

cybersnyder · #19 02-09-2005, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benjamin Strange

And yes, I switched from BassTriaxis to my real name around a year ago.

Cool. I sold you the Steinberger with the Trans Trem. Hope its still chugging along.

DougP · #20 02-09-2005, 07:50 PM

i just tried these tunings on my fretless. took me a few minutes to get used to it, but i was able to play a few songs. probably take a few months for this to feel natural to me though.

now i need another beater that i can leave tuned like this. that just jump from B to F# on the 2nd and 3rd strings is wild, it totally throws me off.