Drop C tuning on 4 string?

[JoshSmith]

This is what I'll be playing in (CGCF) and I got a new 4 string I've been reading that it's hard to tune to that on a 4 string. But I've seen so many bands play in drop C with bassists only using 4 strings in CGCF. I need clarifying. If anyone could help, thanks!

 

[Jim Carr]

Use the lower 4 strings of a 5-string BEADG set. Better get a great amp.
You may need to modify the nut.

 

[BenWhoPlaysBass]

Up your string gauge and set the action a bit higher. Also, might wanna tweak your intonation after tuning it.

 

[zachoff]

I have a bass setup for drop C & use the Circle K .118 balanced set. They're pretty much awesome.

 

[JoshSmith]

I have a bass setup for drop C & use the Circle K .118 balanced set. They're pretty much awesome.

What's your action setup like?

 

[kzr750r1]

I just had a situation using this tuning and it seemed a little lame to me for the Bass. Luckey the one pushing for this is not in the band any longer so going back to BEAD. Using a set of GHS 110 low string was working on a 34" scale. Not going to work so well on a 105 set.You will need to crank the bridge saddle back to intonate the low C or B regardless.

 

[JoshSmith]

I just had a situation using this tuning and it seemed a little lame to me for the Bass. Luckey the one pushing for this is not in the band any longer so going back to BEAD. Using a set of GHS 110 low string was working on a 34" scale. Not going to work so well on a 105 set.You will need to crank the bridge saddle back to intonate the low C or B regardless.

So get a .110 gauge?

 

[zachoff]

What's your action setup like?

On the higher side, but not high. Maybe 3/16" at it's highest point.

 

[D.M.N.]

I tune to C# sometimes, same as Geezer did, and it works fine for me. I don't even up string gauge, I just use the same Swing 66s as normal, they just have a bit more flop than usual (which can be handy if you like bending a lot).

 

[Wallace320]

I tune to C# sometimes, same as Geezer did, and it works fine for me. I don't even up string gauge, I just use the same Swing 66s as normal, they just have a bit more flop than usual (which can be handy if you like bending a lot).

Same for me

No problem at all even with 0.45-1.05 sets (Roto swing66) but a good help come from installin' Hipshot Bass extender

So I just tune the bass D, G, C, F and use the detuner to switch from D to lower C, with no tension loss

Just my €. 0,02

Cheers,
Wallace

 

[MDBass]

This is what I'll be playing in (CGCF) and I got a new 4 string I've been reading that it's hard to tune to that on a 4 string. But I've seen so many bands play in drop C with bassists only using 4 strings in CGCF. I need clarifying. If anyone could help, thanks!

110-50 gauge strings are heavy enough for drop C tuning; I've previously tuned Fender style basses to drop B and drop Bb using 110 DR strings without a problem, and no nut modification was necessary either.

You will need to set it up and intonate it properly for the new tuning and string gauges however; if you don't know how to do that well, take it to a skilled luthier or tech, shouldn't take too much more than $50 and a few days turnaround.

Cheers!

 

[khutch]

I don't tune in drop C, I tune in straight fifths, CGDA. It works great on a four string and I set it up the same way I would with the standard tuning. I use C strings in the range from 0.128 to 0.145 and since I tune in fifths I have to buy strings from places like BassStringsOnline or Circle K that sell individual strings. No issues here.

 

[El Raro]

No problem at all but you may want to use a thicker gauge set of strings and give it a bit of a setup to accomodate the tension.

I tune in Drop C just fine on my Fender Jazz using Ernie Ball Super Slinkies or DR Lo-Riders (both .110's). The only issue I had at first was a bit of fret buzz on the lower frets but nothing a quick setup didn't cure.

 

[Solarmist]

For DGCF I used (nickel or SS rounds) 50/70/90/110, but for low C I'd use a 115/120.
110 will work for low C, but it's real floppy.

 

[JoshSmith]

For DGCF I used (nickel or SS rounds) 50/70/90/110, but for low C I'd use a 115/120.

110 will work for low C, but it's real floppy.

Recommend any 115 and 120 strings?

 

[punisher911]

I have a Squier Classic Vibe 50s in Lake Placid Blue tuned to Drop C with a 5 string set of flatwounds minus the G string. I don't mind the higher tension. Also have a HotRails installed in it too. Great bass. Wish I played it more. My band isn't writing new material yet. We plan to do the Drop C stuff soon though.

 

[decentbassbreh]

it depends alot on how the bass is set up and string choice. Lots of bass players do it! take example august burns red or the devil wears prada.

 

[ThaCoast]

My epi goth thunderbird is strung with daddarios roundwounds .45-.105. It's tuned to DGCF but i do drop C occasionally as it suits my vocal range better. BUt i didnt have to modify anything as described ontop. Just get yourself a good pack of strings $ you don't have to get the 5 string bass pack. I use a distortion D.I so i have the benefit of external EQ and that dirt channel which gives out the high end while maintaining low end

 

[russpurdy]

I tune to D standard on a regular set and get along ok. I don't like a lot of tension on my strings though. When playing as a three piece if I pull a few notes just a hair out of tune with the guitar it sounds super fat in a very evil way. I read about that phenomenon with some grunge bands back in the 90's and it totally works. Try it with your regular strings (nothing to lose) and then go from there.

 

[SplinteredSkull]

I use Rotosound Drop Zones to have BEAD on my 35" length 4 string. Had it set up with those strings so its at "regular" tension. Can tune down to A and up to C no problem. Highly recommend those strings. Just get some strings that are .110-.130 and have a professional set up your bass and you'll be good.