5-String Bassist with Drop-C Guitarist Question!

[12AX7]

Hello,

I have a question about tuning a 5-string bass; I play in a band with two guitarists whose 6-string guitars are tuned to Drop C. Because of previous commitments, I had to keep my 5string in B standard and transpose all of my lines. I no longer have those commitments and would like to retune my bass so that I don't have to tranpose anything.

What is the best/easiest/recommended way to do this? For example, can I tune my lowest string up from B to C, and tune all of the other strings to match the guitarists? Or would this put too much tension on the neck? I guess my other option is to tune my E string down to C, but then I'm stuck with a whole extra low string that I will have to avoid most of the time, since our riffs have a lot of open C power chords.

Any advice? Thanks!!

 

[ThunderSix66]

When I play with guitarists that like to tune in drop C, I tune my 6 string to C-standard. I make the low-B a C, and just like that I tune every note up half a step (I don't like drop tunings but that's just my preference). This adds barely any more tension to your neck so don't worry.

 

[slapmutepop]

I have been in a few bands with this tuning.
I imagine if they are tuned to this you are playing something relatively heavy.

I used to do this with a 4 string and tuned (low to high) C G C F

I used to buy a set of heavy 4 strings (110 - 50) I would throw away the E string and use the other 3 for the G C F. I would then buy a single phat string approx a 125/130 for the low C.

The custom set ensure consistant tension which is handy for playing heavy music.

Mudvayne play in this tuning, and when Ryan uses a 5 string he adds a lower G below the Phat C, so it is tuned (low to high) G C G C F. Unsure what guage he uses but i read it in a Bass Mag once.

Hope my 5cents worth helped.