B string on a 4 string

[TamaBrett]

Hi everyone,

Tell this is a stupid idea ...

I'm playing in a new band and the guitarist uses D tuning (all strings down 2 semitones). Some of our songs have Eb (and Ab) arrrggg. The band is suggesting I get a 5 string, but I'm not too keen on spending the money and my girlfriend plays an Ibanez 5 string (it's been a fun source of teasing and rivalry between us).

What about putting a B string in the E string position and moving the rest up one spot?
ie B, E, A, D
I never use the G string. Maybe the nut wouldn't fit.

Also thinking about tuning in Eb or D but I need thicker strings, I don't like the loose strings with Eb.

Any thoughts appreciated

Brett

 

[derg]

that's done all the time - especially if you don't use the G string's upper frets. just have a new nut put on and set for the larger gauges.

 

[lug]

that's done all the time -

There have even been a few basses sold in the configuration.

 

[Longhair]

The nut will have to be filed a bit to allow for the strings to sit properly.

 

[FunkMetalBass]

I'd hate to be the anal-retentive "search before posting" guy, but this question is asked almost weekly and searching "BEAD" will bring up many similar threads with string suggestions, tips, and all that fun stuff.

That being said, the P-bass I'm refinishing will be set up BEAD as well. It's the way all 4-string basses should come, IMO.

 

[TamaBrett]

Thanks for the replies. I'm not sure if I can put my bass out of action for even a day - I'll have to think about it.

I'd hate to be the anal-retentive "search before posting" guy, but this question is asked almost weekly and searching "BEAD" will bring up many similar threads with string suggestions, tips, and all that fun stuff.

I appreciate that it's annoying seeing the same questions repeatedly, but search only works if you know what you're looking for. I searched for "B String" and went through pages of search results without finding anything. It never occurred to me to search for BEAD as I'm not familiar with any alternate tuning and writing tunings like that is new to me.

 

[redhed]

The nut will have to be filed a bit to allow for the strings to sit properly.

Do this!!

 

[FunkMetalBass]

Thanks for the replies. I'm not sure if I can put my bass out of action for even a day - I'll have to think about it.



I appreciate that it's annoying seeing the same questions repeatedly, but search only works if you know what you're looking for. I searched for "B String" and went through pages of search results without finding anything. It never occurred to me to search for BEAD as I'm not familiar with any alternate tuning and writing tunings like that is new to me.

It's true. It's one of the pitfalls of the search tools - you have to know how to search. I thought about that shortly after posting, so you're forgiven. I still recommend you do the search - there are plenty of good string recommendations and easy instructions to file a nut to accommodate the thicker strings in many of the threads.

Good luck, good sir. I hope BEAD suits you well.