why do basses have a high C and guitars have a high B?

[Matt R Miller]

I was just wondering why the two are tuned differently.

[Baofu]

Chords, I believe. Someone with more theory knowledge will know, but when you form barre chords, if you tuned with a high C, would mess it up seriously.

[jenderfazz]

Easier to hit the open chords.

[3 crotch grabs]

it makes all the chords a hell of a lot easier,not just the open.

[JimK]

The high "C" string on the 6-string bass keeps the bass in fourths...therefore, all the patterns remain constant.

Not sure about the guitar's "B"...the OPEN chord angle sounds good to me.

[kirbywrx]

Because basses are retarted.

Thats quoting every guitarist i have raised this discussion with.

[Baofu]

Actually, as a guitarist and bassist, I would have to concur with my filthy unwashed brethren in this case, kirby.

[Freaky Fender]

I think it has something to do with the consistancy of the treble clef, but the open chord debate sounds more agreeable.

[3 crotch grabs]

nothing to do with the treble clef, just retune a guitar to straight fourths, and try playing a bar chord.... not too easy.

[Benjamin Strange]

If you tuned the B to a C, then your high E would be an F. F vs. your low E would be pretty ugly.

[Richard Lindsey]

Who says the high string on a bass has to be a C? I've tuned my high string on my 6s to B for years (and I know I'm not the only one). Of course, I started as a guitar player, so there you go....