C-Clef question

[Etienned]

I am currently learning Bach's prelude.
At a certain point, it uses the C-Clef, yet I am not sure which C is "defined" by it. On wiki, I read that its usually C4 which is out my bass tessiture (range?) if I'm not mistaken ( 17th fret on G string is C3, right ?).

Help would be appreciated

Here is the switching passage:

 

[BassChuck]

C clef 'points' to middle C. It is moveable and the point can be on any line, although that kind of useage is fairly obsolete. Alto Clef (used mostly by the viola) points to the middle line as middle C. Tenor Clef (used by a number of instrument, Bass, Cello, Trombone, Bassoon) points to the fourth line from the bottom. When DB reads in Tenor clef, it still sounds an octave lower than the written pitch.

 

[Etienned]

Although, I wish I was playing this on my db, I'm very far of being able to do so.

I'm on the electric bass for this piece. I understand that c-clef being movable but I'm not sure which octave I should play on / where I'm supposed to be on the fingerboard.

Middle C is C4 ?

 

[FretlessMainly]

That first B after the C clef is 16th fret G string. You'll need a 24-fretter for this piece.

 

[Varcolac]

Prelude in G?

Depends where you're playing the rest of it. You've got two options: either play it in the same octave as the original cello piece, or do what the bass usually does with written music and play it an octave lower than written.

If you're playing it all in the original octave, you'll be up in the rafters at the end of your fretboard. If you're playing it an octave lower, (starting the piece around the 3rd position on the E string) I've always played that part pedalling of the D on 7th fret of the G string. It's the same D as in the bar before the clef change.

 

[Clef_de_fa]

I have those suite for Cello ( written for cello not a version for any other instrument ) and the C is the 5th fret G string ( if you play it like you would normaly do on a bass if you want the cello rang it will be 17th fret G string or 12th fret C string )

 

[Etienned]

Thanks guys, it makes sense.
I'll work on that part now.

 

[Clef_de_fa]

I just checked my version and you are in C major ? a version for DB ? mine is in G major and it didn't use Tenor clef to do that part.

 

[Etienned]

Yes, it's in C major.
I'm aware that the common version is in G major, but this is the transcription that my teacher had when I asked him about this piece.

I won't complain, it's a fun ride.

 

[Alvaro Martín Gómez A.]

The version I studied at the university on double bass was also in C major.

 

[Alvaro Martín Gómez A.]

That first B after the C clef is 16th fret G string. You'll need a 24-fretter for this piece.

If the transcription is meant to be played on a bass guitar/double bass, the B after the C clef is the one on the G string, 4th fret or D string, 9th fret. The whole piece will sound one octave lower than written, of course. On the other hand, if the transcription shows actual pitches, you should play that B on the G string, 16th fret.

 

[Etienned]

I think my transcription is for cello. I'll have to lower the octave since I'd do not have the fa# and sol on my jazz bass.

Interestingly, it's making me consider an EADGB) tuning, as low B isn't really usefull to me and I'm curious about chords...

I tried playing bits of the prelude on the DB, too many positions changes for my skills, yet : )