Eb songs and 5 string bass

[groovepump]

If the rest of the band tunes to Eb (probably to give the singer a little more range) I would tune down also. For a few songs, transpose.

I used to transpose everything, but then I'm not on the same page as the guitars when we discuss something regarding chords or morphing into other intros, etc. I mean, it's not rocket science but I finally have decided to drop tune even on the 5 string so that I don't have to change my bass patterns between where the BAND plays the song, and the recorded version I practice to at home. The bass-lines are played the same. We don't have our own recorded practice tracks, so I use MP3 i rip from Youtube, etc.
Side note: The 5 string messes with the guitarists heads because they can't look at my hands and know what note I'm playing. The B looks like their E string, and this caused a few arguments along the way even though I was in-tune with the chord. They thought it "looked" like the wrong note. And when I used to transpose 1/2 step down on top of that, their heads would explode. It was entertaining for a while, but I don't have time to practice 2 basslines for all the songs (standard and drop tuned) so I bailed-out and tune down with them. One of the guitarist's head is still spinning . . .

 

[GBBSbassist]

I'm gonna tune my instrument to the same tuning that my band performs in.

 

[RGerhart]

If you're playing a lot of rock tunes or heavy type of music that uses a lot of open string riffing, then yes, tuning down a half step makes sense. I'm referring to the open-string riffing of bands like Deftones, Soundgarden, etc, where your playing up and down the string and pedaling on it. Otherwise, simply transposing is not that difficult.

 

[sethlow3]

Transpose for sure. If you start thinking of the patterns you get with the pinky more as the root and know your lower intervals well enough, it becomes more and more instinctual to switch keys without even thinking about it.

 

[juancaminos]

Lately it's been transpose.

 

[whero]

My experience with guitar players who tune to Eb is that they continue to refer to the music in terms of E tuning, e.g using a D chord shape and calling it a D, although pitch wise it's now Db.

^ This.

For me, I prefer to learn the song in standard tuning on the 5 string and play it that way. But if it's more of a "jam" where we're working things out on the fly I often ]retune, as I'll watch the guitarists' fretting hand to pick up chords and notes, and I find it easier to work on creating (or recreating) a bass line without having to remember everything I see the guitarist playing is "wrong".

 

[S-Bigbottom]

Side note: The 5 string messes with the guitarists heads because they can't look at my hands and know what note I'm playing. The B looks like their E string, and this caused a few arguments along the way even though I was in-tune with the chord. They thought it "looked" like the wrong note. And when I used to transpose 1/2 step down on top of that, their heads would explode. It was entertaining for a while, but I don't have time to practice 2 basslines for all the songs (standard and drop tuned) so I bailed-out and tune down with them. One of the guitarist's head is still spinning . . .

That is their problem, they need to step up their listening.
We do not look at the trombone or drums to find where to put our fingers, guitar dose not need to look at the bass.



oh, ya... I am 5 string transposed.

 

[LHbassist]

I've done that, but I'd rather play a four detuned to Eb. I played for a brief time in a Stevie Ray Vaughn tribute band. They tuned to Eb, as Stevie did. The fingering of all the parts on those recordings, works perfectly, IF you play a four tuned to Eb. It's pretty easy. Not so on a five, you'll need to work out the fingering, as it will not be a 'muscle memory' thing. If I'm playing a gig on a five- and someone calls say. "Pride And Joy" we just do it in E.
A side note- If I'm actually playing a gig where the band detunes- I will setup one of my basses to do that. The truss rod usually needs to be loosened a little to facilitate that. I also make sure the strings aren't too 'floppy' and recheck the intonation, as well.

 

[Jay2U]

Definitely tuning down. I like the feel of slightly lower tuned strings.

 

[Al Rivera]

I've been in a few bands where they tune down a half step,I usually tune my bass down a half step in these situations.
If it is just a one off,then I usually just transpose.

 

[mrcbass]

I've found that if the band is always tuned down, it just easier to tune down with them. I don't care for it - I need to adjust the setup when going back and forth (yes I do feel the difference with t he slight tension change), but for sake of communication it just makes sense. And if you happen to need open strings, you're SOL if you stay in normal tuning.

 

[2112]

I would just click on my Digitech Drop. Some songs are just easier to play with an open Eb rather than a fretted B.

 

[socialleper]

If someone was playing Eb it would be easier for me to play it on a 4 string and down tune. Half a step is nothing.

 

[Smooth Operator]

Im in a cover band that requires a 5 string bass where guitarist and keys player tune down to Eb for every song. I also tune my bass down for simplicity. Learn the songs in standard and tune down for gigs and practice. If its were just a few songs I would transpose. I've been playing 5string long enough that majority of songs wouldn't be an issue.

 

[Wasnex]

Just curious for you 5 string players. If the band is tuned to eb do you tune to eb as well or transpose everything down a string and up 4 frets?

If the band it tuned down a half step I would probably tune down. This would reduce confusion when working through and discussing the music.

I don't remember ever playing in a band that tuned down. I do remember transposing some songs. IMHO, transposing is a better option if it's a temporary change.

 

[Fynn]

Just curious for you 5 string players. If the band is tuned to eb do you tune to eb as well or transpose everything down a string and up 4 frets?

If the entirety of the songs is in Eb, then I would tune to Eb. If just a couple of songs are in Eb, then I would just use my D tuner.

 

[r_bnks]

Tune

 

[bassbrad]

Depending on the song I will transpose or even use a capo on riff oriented songs that use a lot of the open Eb. My only alt tuning basses are in drop D a fretted and fretless.

 

[mike buzzetti]

Id the guitar player / band is tuned down ! do it , makes communicating WAY easier . If not transpose , and YES tuned down I call the notes E vs Eb ! who cares if the band is in Eb ?? thats just OCD man ! lol

 

[beaglesandbass]

My band tunes to Eb. I tune to Eb regardless of which bass I use. Just makes more sense. When I played it a band that played in standard and I used a 5 string, if the fingering was important enough I would use the drop pedal.