Double Bass Do you Use Alternate Tunings on a Double Bass?

[PBandJazzBass]

I feel like I want to experiment with A, D, G, C, low to high.

That’s something I’ve thought about trying as well. Maybe on a 5/8 or 1/2 size bass.

(Edit: I think Ron Carter has done some recording with this tuning.)

 

[Earl]

Wow, that sounds like it would leave the strings in a really floppy state...

So, no E string, the A string goes in the E position, then D, then G, then high C. I don't think it would be floppy at all.

 

[Francois Blais]

That’s something I’ve thought about trying as well. Maybe on a 5/8 or 1/2 size bass.

(Edit: I think Ron Carter has done some recording with this tuning.)

I think that was his piccolo bass period, and maybe Buster Williams too.

 

[james condino]

I would expect it impact the setup.

As long as the nut slots are well fit with no pinching or tension, that has not been my experience, but I tend to do it strung with big strings like a Spiro stark or mitts as a minimum. Steel core strings are much more forgiving of tuning changes than plastic core, and not much happens when you hit a dull thud dropped gut string (compared to Spiros). If you have a very fine setup with light strings, it may have more of an affect on your setup; not so much with big cables, high action, and very aggressive chaos on stage. I find the increased bloom and resonance from a Spiro stark dropped a whole step down to D intoxicating; 'gets me a whole new bass for the cost of a single string. Amplified dropped tunings with a lower octave pedal like a POG are even more fun.

People focus on the individual notes, but I find the character of the string is what is attractive. A skinny little string tuned to E is a completely different experience than a massive cable dropped down that rattles the room, yet still feels good underhand while the additional mass keeps the string sustaining. If you play traditional Irish music or are with guitar players who use dropped tunings, it opens up a lot of possibilities.

 

[CaseyVancouver]

I'm thinking @CaseyVancouver tunes this way for some instances... I seem to recall having that conversation a good while back.

Love 5ths tuning for classical! The low notes on my 7/8ths bass really are impressive in contrast to the same notes played by cello tutti.
I still prefer 4ths for jazz, and keep a bass for that sound.

 

[srbbass]

On my 3/4 Sulano with no extension (not pictured in my profile), I do like tuning the E string down to D (or lower) when appropriate for the piece of hand. I don't have too much trouble playing D-A-D-G. It all depends if it compromises too many licks on the E string...that's the tradeoff. With my Sloane tuners, it's exactly 4 1/4 turns for the whole step within a couple of cents of accuracy.

 

[groooooove]

i don't but like the idea. i just happen to need orchestra tuning these days.

high C solo tuning, three string tuning, Viennese, solo tuning, high solo tuning....

they are all interesting and all have their place. I particularly think high C solo tuning is very practical for playing cello solos at pitch.