Black Metal Tuning A-D-G-C

[SeansBassHabit]

Just joined a black metal band and I'm having to tune in A standard.

I've tried a low octave with heavy gauge strings (55.75.90.110) but it sounded too muddy.

Tuning an octave above seems to have worked however with the high tension which has occurred tuning an octave above I have switched to a much lighter gauge (40.60.80.100).

But the higher strings are still breaking under the high tension, could anyone advise me on what I could do to prevent strings from breaking?

Cheers

 

[mglinski]

Buy a 5 string set and use the B E A D strings to downtime to A. Should be no problem, with the possible exception of having to file the nut to allow for the larger diameter strings.

 

[mglinski]

Hate when my phone auto-corrects words. That would be down-tune.

 

[mbelue]

I like at least a .135 for an A. Not enough tension otherwise. If your going to play at any speed (black metal) it will give you more definition and harmonics.

 

[The_Janitor]

^what he said.

 

[bassresistance]

Tuning an octave above seems to have worked however with the high tension which has occurred tuning an octave above I have switched to a much lighter gauge (40.60.80.100).

Ouch! If I was tuning up to A I'd buy a 6-string set and use the 4 lightest strings.
Or tune down and get a heavy 5-string set (I agree with mbelue's recommendation of a .135) and use the 4 bottom strings.

 

[I am Soma]

I use 100's on a 4-string tuned that low and love it. It's def an acuquired sound and I do offset this by riding the mids and utilzing a EHX Steel Leather and EHX Micro-Pog which helps recapture the higher octave.

 

[Sahe_Bassist]

get a 5 string set, use the bottom 4. you will need a setup/adjustments to make your bass play correctly.

i do a similar thing, but i use a regular 130 B and tune to C standard (C F A# D#, a half step up from BEAD), on one of my 4 string basses.

the 135 B/thicker set will help keep your tension with the down tuned strings.

the suggestion for the top 4 of a EADGC or BEADGC set would also work.

 

[SeansBassHabit]

Thanks guys, appreciate the response

Look out for a band called Denigrata

 

[raventepes]

If you can manage it, I'd recommend just buying a 5-string. All in all, it'll be a LOT easier to get that tuning, due to the heavier strings needed and having to possibly file the nut, do a complete set up to compensate for the new strings. With the 5-string, you simply just need to tune. 5-strings are often used for a good reason in black metal.

 

[Thomas Kievit]

.145 for me

I like at least a .135 for an A. Not enough tension otherwise. If your going to play at any speed (black metal) it will give you more definition and harmonics.