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Alternate lower tuning for 5 or 6 strings in metal

B

brandonkr

Aug 25, 2010
7
0
Durham, NC
www.facebook.com
#1
The band I play with now all tune to dropped C, and I've noticed many metal guitarist using 7 string guitars in dropped A tuning. I was wondering if any other metal genre bassists lowering the tuning on their 5 or 6 string bass to match the open strings of the guitarists, and (if they do) how it sounds that low? I'm considering a 6 string bass, and on my four stringers anything lower than dropped C really just sounds awful to me, so I'm wondering how a 5 or 6 string might effect that? Could one successfully tune to a low A or lower and still have it sound any kind of decent? I would assume the thicker neck, thicker strings and extended scale would help, but I'd like to hear some first hand accounts.

Also, does anybody produce strings meant to be tuned lower than a low B?
 
#2
I have helped guys do drop A, drop G, and even drop E. My personal bass is a 4 string tuned in standard E intervals, but an octave down. You could do B - an octave down - if you'd like.

You don't need a longer scale length, but it certainly doesn't hurt.

How low do you want to go?
 
#3
I think the low B is low enough. Though Meshuggah play down to F. That's Like B standard 5 strings, tuned half step down, then another low string added... Not sure how they get the bass to be so clear that low. Maybe he plays with an octave string for that F on the bass.
 
#4
Hi.

Even though I don't play metal as it's understood nowadays :), the 6er I mostly played in the last band I was in was strung F#BEADG.
Quite fine with a regular (tube) rig and 34" scale lenght.

As for the strings, Circle K comes to mind ;) if You're in their distribution region. Just click knuckle head's handle and go from there.
Warwick has the Black Label Dark Lord set (which I use as a base).

Regards
Sam
 
#5
somegeezer said:
I think the low B is low enough. Though Meshuggah play down to F. That's Like B standard 5 strings, tuned half step down, then another low string added... Not sure how they get the bass to be so clear that low. Maybe he plays with an octave string for that F on the bass.
Click to expand...

He plays in unison.
 
#6
knuckle_head said:
I have helped guys do drop A, drop G, and even drop E. My personal bass is a 4 string tuned in standard E intervals, but an octave down. You could do B - an octave down - if you'd like.

You don't need a longer scale length, but it certainly doesn't hurt.

How low do you want to go?
Click to expand...

Regarding this question,

I currently really like your .150 B-string. Could your .254 keep similar tension if tuned an octave lower?
 
#9
I heard a speculative rumor that the bassist from Meshuggah actually tunes to a guitars dropped C, but two octaves down.

In regards to knuckle_head's question, I guess I'd like to be able to hit a C. (that's almost an octave below the standard low B string) It'd be awesome to go down to A, but that seems like it would be too muddy regardless of scale or strings. Of course, I'll defer to any expert opinions. ;)
 
#10
brandonkr said:
I heard a speculative rumor that the bassist from Meshuggah actually tunes to a guitars dropped C, but two octaves down.

In regards to knuckle_head's question, I guess I'd like to be able to hit a C. (that's almost an octave below the standard low B string) It'd be awesome to go down to A, but that seems like it would be too muddy regardless of scale or strings. Of course, I'll defer to any expert opinions. ;)
Click to expand...

I can only speak to the F Dick hits with Meshuggah - I know that to be in unison with the guitars. He could go lower...

I can get you to C but I really am unclear which one you're trying to hit. Are you referring to the C above the low B on the bottom of a 5 string bass? Or is it the octave below that you want?

Will this be in standard intervals or drop C?
 

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