5 string tuning

[Johnny Lambert]

Maybe a silly question, but if my guitarist are tuning to CGCFAD, how should I tune my 5 string bass. Thanks again guys.

 

[michael_t]

if my guitarist are tuning to CGCFAD, how should I tune my 5 string bass.

BEADG.

 

[WaveyDavey]

Maybe a silly question, but if my guitarist are tuning to CGCFAD, how should I tune my 5 string bass. Thanks again guys.

Sounds like they’ve got the low-lows covered - try going in the other direction: EADGC

Seriously, though, there’s no right answer, other than whatever you feel works best for YOU. Lead, don’t follow.

 

[Dincrest]

I recall during the nu-metal era when bands tuned their guitars to drop-c (CGCFAD) the bassist would tune the low B down to a G for a GCGCF tuning. I think that's what Ryan Martinie did in Mudvayne.

 

[Riff Ranger]

Maybe a silly question, but if my guitarist are tuning to CGCFAD, how should I tune my 5 string bass. Thanks again guys.

I am my guitarist and I tune my 6-string guitar the same way yours does (CGCFAD aka Drop C). I tune my 5-string basses GCGCF, essentially Drop C on the usual four strings with an added G0 below that. Just to be clear, G0 on a bass guitar is more of a sound effect than a note, but I do like to “swim up” to that C1. And that, as others are also suggesting, is your answer: tune in the way that best matches what you need to do; there’s no “right” way to tune to “match” the guitar. I play a lot of open strings and unison riffs, so my tuning reflects that; but you might favor a different tuning for your style of music or style of playing.