Double Bass double bass tuned in fifths

[damonsmith]

I do however think that there is much to be gained by studying and playing in fourths, especially if there isn't a qualified teacher in your area who knows about playing in fifths. Learning about the bass in fourths from a good teacher and then later making the transition on his own would be my recomendation for the op. It's how I did it, it sounds like it's the way you're doing it. It's the way Red did it. And I'm pretty darn sure Joel Q went that route also.

I think in terms of the OP, this the sound advice, as I already said. We don't need to debate fifths, clearly they sound great and give a some different options.

Fifths are nothing to fear, but you will still get a better education in fourths.

 

[Stick_Player]

Well lets see, I make a living playing in fifths on a bass with a 43-1/2" string length. So I have to say 42" would be just fine too, thank you very much.

An endorsement coming from a bassist is far different than one coming from a fiddle-player.

And you can play Donna Lee with that whacky tuning?

By the way, I make a living playing in fourths on a bass with a 41.75" string length. I also play the Stick tuned in Reciprocal Fifths. Woo-Woo!!!

 

[neilG]

Hey, I don't mind all the smack talk about who plays better with whatever tuning, but TWO of you have said you made a living playing the bass! I wanna see tax returns.

 

[Chris Symer]

Hi Neal! Good to see you the other day!

Stick, are you telling me I'd make more $ playing Donna Lee? I'll get right on that, who'da thought......

 

[Stick_Player]

Hi Neal! Good to see you the other day!

Stick, are you telling me I'd make more $ playing Donna Lee? I'll get right on that, who'da thought......

I donno - maybe...

I wasn't being serious. I learned it on electric bass, using four-finger technique. I have no interest trying it on a double bass tuned in fifths. However, my son can play it on his fiddle tuned in fifths.