does anyone else tune their low b up to d and leave everything else standard?

i prefer it normal.. I like the low 5th to be in its usual spot. i.e the low D to be on the same fret as the E string "G" 3rd.

 

I don't like Dead G tuning. something just inherently NOT RIGHT about it

 

well...
I'm having the same idea about a 5 strings in DEADG...

what gauge the low D string in this case would be to obtain the right tension?
120 will work?

 

why not just use the hipshot de-tuners and keep the b? It's more "linear" that way.

 

I agree. Tuning up a 5-er to 'D' seems like reinvention of the wheel. Why are you not leaving the B in nat. tuning?

 

For me anyways, the B-string is more than just 5 extra notes - it's another string lower that you can translate fingering patterns onto. So you can play the same lines that you might play on a 4-string, up a bit higher on the neck to get a different sound or feel. So for that reason, it makes more logical sense to me to leave it in the usual 5ths tuning (BEADG). If you're only using it for the extra low notes, and never really go below the D then why not just get a D-tuner for the E string on your 4-string? That would make more sense to me. And if you like the feel of a 5-string neck or whatever, then what's the problem with just fingering the 3rd fret for a low D?

On the other hand, I'm going to get a D-tuner on my B-string so I can easily drop it down to low A

 

For what it's worth.. I used to drop tune, but then found that I much preferred the consistent fingering patterns that "standard" tuning across the board offers. I have two fours that are both DGCF and I find it much easier to play than a drop tuned bass.

If you want a low D, and that's as low as you want to go... Instead of wasting the potential of the extra string for one step, why not give yourself more range the other way and go D-G-C-F-A# ?

 

i think if i tuned my B up to a D i get incredibly confused. i like to use the 5th fret and up on the B for certain songs cuz the string spacing is tighter and it's just easier to access the notes.

 

Doesn't string spacing usually get wider as you go up the fretboard?

 

not quite the same, but for songs where id got used to playing four -string dropped D i still use dropped d on my sixer.... the E dropped to d not the B tuned up

id just got too used to the intervals

cheers
Lucy

 

I tune my 5 string on a few particular tunes to D,D,A,D,A - you ask why the two low D's? Well ther is some cool stuff you can do with one hand playing two stings [notes] back and forth - like groovin on the same note; it is easier on two strings than one.

 

I AGREE...

 

can anyone please answer my question?

what gauge the low D string in this case would be to obtain the right tension?
120 will work?

 

I remember a few years back that Billy Sheehan's signature Rotosound pack came with a .110 as to facilitate tuning to the low D when he used his hipshot D tuner. I would imagine that anything in the .110 to .120 ish range would be cool. IMHO, I still think the hipshot would be the answer to all of your problems. You'd have an open D and an open E without having the headache of hunting down strings.

The one thing that popped into my head when you made this thread is that when you tune strings up generally (especially when you don't compensate your gauges) you put more pressure than normal on the neck. Since you're only applying pressure to one side of the neck, over time, it's possible you could cause your neck to twist unless you have some graphite stiffening rods or something. Anyhow, good luck with the science experiment!

 

For me, it's all about a four string with a Hipshot if you're only using the fifth string for a low D.

Planning on using a fiver with a high C and a Hipshot on the E for either DADGC or EADGC tunings.

 

You might find that to be a bit much. Right now I'm using Ernie Ball Power Slinkies for DGCF tuning. set is .110 - .90 - .75 - .55 and they feel purrrrrrfect.