E-A-D-G-C

[Bryan R. Tyler]

yaayy my first post... apart from that i play metal and i dunno how many of you have this kind of string setup but i tune in C D A D G ... i dont like the lower B much i feel u cannot really make out the notes after C anyways so i just tuned it up to C

That's not exactly similar to tuning E-C That can't be an easy way to tune, with the E being detune a whole step and the B being tuned up a half-step- you're giving up all the repeatable fingering patterns tuning in all fourths allows you. You may want to look at upgrading your amp if you're having a problem hearing the low B- it's a note that's quite easily and distinctly reproduced and heard, but some amps/cabs aren't well-equipped to handle it.

 

[mutedeity]

we are BASS players. we may need to solo, but we don't play high notes.

Thanks for telling us your limitations, but I will play the way I see fit. I tune my 5 string EADGC. By the way low B is CONTRAbass.

 

[NoobBassist]

with the E being detune a whole step and the B being tuned up a half-step- you're giving up all the repeatable fingering patterns tuning in all fourths allows you.

yeah i agree with you dude... it was a little puzzling at first but it becomes easy.. as a metal player lots of songs are in drop D that was the reason for tuning down E to D and another reason for tuning up B to C... i use a fender rumble 110/115 combo with schecter elite 5 (awesome bass but real ugly) i think years of toil that my ears have taken might be the reason for not hearing notes below low C

 

[IconBasser]

I can't stand playing anything but an E-C strung bass! soloing is HEAVENLY and the chords are to die for. That, and it's loads easier to play cuz of the lighter strings.

ALL HAIL THE E-C

 

[Tired_Thumb]

Utilizing a high C string is great if you play bass as the lead voice of an ensemble (think Wayman Tisdale *gasp*), among other mentioned uses. Tuning B-G works much better for me in an ensemble setting, but I love the C so much, I finally purchased a 6 string.

 

[funbass]

Someone said heavenly chords. Now I want to try it. What size string for the C?

 

[Bryan R. Tyler]

Cs are most commonly found in .28 or .30, but other sizes are available.

 

[rarefish]

I have my fiver strung up EADGC and I prefer it much more that way! As mentioned, the harmonics are a joy and there is much more opportunity for chordal work. That and I find that the high C suits my bass' tone much better, which is always good

(oh, and by the way, I found no need to get a need nut, it works very well with the regular nut)

But yeah, I say go for it! Got nothing to lose from trying it after all

 

[bradjonesbass]

I'm going to tune my next 5 E-C and keep the current 5 tuned B-G. I've got a fretless 6 on layaway, and I'm hoping I adjust to the 6-string neck. If I decide I don't like it (I got a GREAT price on it), I'll just sell it for a 5-string fretless and tune E-C. For gospel and R&B, the low B is practically a necessity anymore, but for most other things the high C would be more useful.

 

[stingray56funk]

I play with E-C on my custom 5 string jazz body. I love the tone that comes with chords and solos from having the C. It really made me focus on my slapping and where I am positioned with my fretting hand.

I don't use the high C live much because none of the current gigs I play require any solos or chordal bass stuff...unfortunately. I really strung up my custom 5 because I don't use a Low B...I just don't like the sound...so having the high C was a good direction for me to go. My custom 5 is my primary instrument...but I am really a 4 string guy tuned E-G.

Long live the E-C!!!

 

[ErikP.Bass]

Lots of great points, it's great to hear everyone's experiences.

I guess as long as we feel like this :

when we do this :

hopefully people will do this :

 

[YCBass]

Now I have a 5 tuned B-G... and I sold my 6 to get it, at the time I felt the high C wasn't a "bass" thing but now I miss it... the chords, solos, etc. and it was one of the clearest sounding basses I've heard - Carvin LB76.

I still don't think that a high C is useable for me in a band situation but I would like either a 5 tuned E-C or a 6 again... for solo/instrumental work.