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How to detune? With the strings?

Slaphound

Slaphound

Jun 16, 2003
2,988
1,235
59
Staten Island, NY
#1
If I want to detune to D, do I need to change my strings to a heaver gauge or do I need to by a low b set of strings?

I need to learn OH Darlin' by the Beatles and then I need to learn it in G. Its done in A by the band.

I was considering learning the patterns as they are and then de tuning to D, G, C, F.
 
#2
you should be fine tuning down a little, like to D without having to change things like string gauge or adjust the trussrod. if tuning all the strings down feels too floppy, you could just tune the e string to d (very commonly done)- you shouldn't have much trouble compensating for those two frets if you think about it when you practice. hope that helps!

andy
 
#5
If you want to tune so that D is your open note you should get a bit thicker set of strings. A whole step is alot on a 34" scale. The difference is more than 8 pounds of string tension.

La Bella and others make an even tension set with a .110 on bottom, and others make a detuned set that have a .115 for the D - one of these two gauges would serve you well IMO.
 
#8
meev992 said:
AWWWWWYEEEEAAAAAA :cool:

Love your avatar, btw:D
Click to expand...

Thanks! I just changed it though, like this one better.

Anyway to the OP, sorry for my semi-meaningless hijack. But seriously, the simple answer would be, detune your bass with your favorite strings. If the tension change is too much (too loose), look at thicker gauges, or maybe different brands. Its entirely up to you, plus since every bass reacts different to detuning, so... Experiment!
 
#10
I personally like tuning down my standard guage strings. Yeah it makes them floppy, but I think it makes the bass more fluid to play and gets a warmer sound. I especially like it for slapping, my thumb bounces off the low string better and comes back in for another swing faster than when the strings are tuned tight.

(I downtune a full step, then drop the lowest string again, I think its CGCF? Whatever Ryan Martinie uses.)
 

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