Fretting the fifth, or playing the open?

[mellowinman]

I generally like to play the fretted note, but there are times when it's an easier transition from the open string. So I might play the fretted note 90% of the time in a song, but go to that open note a bit too.

Of course, if you are using me as a technique guide, you are making a mistake.

 

[rogerb]

No rules I suppose, it just makes sense sometimes. I find sometimes ah-ha! they use the open not there. A simple example, back when learning the bass was 'Another One Bites the Dust', A-G-E-E-E etc... sure you can use the open A note but the 5th fret is what I use, but the part that goes C-C-C-C#-D-G-G, I use the open D! I can fret the D with the 3rd and then the G with the pinky, or do some sort of 3rd finger bar chawanga, but it comes out sounding better and cleaner for me with the open D. They don't sound that different, just more comfortable to play.

 

[tpaul]

I prefer a fretted note when possible/comfortable.

Bottom line, play it how you want, nobody is going to complain.

 

[Fergie Fulton]

First, I know someone is going to say play it how I want. Thanks, but looking for more. Consider this a bass theory question.

Working on a song (using tab, shoot me) and the tab shows to play the open D. Does the open string really sound different? I can't hear that sort of difference if there is one. Cheaper Yamaha, cheap practice amp at a pretty low volume, and very bad ears. The ears being the main cause.

Instinctively I am wanting to play the D on the A string fifth fret.

I know that tab isn't sheet music and is the interpretation of whoever did it (this is on Songster,btw). I am curious why he/she would have selected the open string D instead of the fretted. Part of my problem may come from having read somewhere way back when that open notes are to be avoided if possible. 25-30 years ago, so please don't ask for the source. One of the many books or videos I had is all I remember. And I could be remembering it out of context.

Thanks,
Russ

Hi Russ, a cool question, so consider this, someone has written this line down, so they will write it how they may feel they would play it, but you get no reasons to why they make the choices they do.
So in standard notation you get a note, not a fret position, it is up to your experience and skill level to make the choice for you, you work out your own fingerings to suit you.

So with tab do the same thing, read the note not the position and you decide how you play it. In both SN and Tab the focus should be the note, not where to play it...where to play it is instinctive and developed through experience.
That is the part you lose with TAB learning where to develop instincts, or be intuitive in what you decide to play.....as shown by your lack of it for needing to ask. Nothing wrong in asking, we all have done it, but you have to take on board what is being said and what is being asked of you, not only for the now, but for the future,

My advice...read the note, not the position, learn your options, and use them no matter how the info is relayed to you.

 

[Matt O]

+1 with it depends on tone, position, complexity, etc.

But, let's ask WWJJD?

I was surprised when I saw the first few seconds of this video. It makes total sense that JJ is playing open G and not 5th on the D, because he comes from the DB, where, based on my limited knowledge of DB, position and economy of motion are often the key deciding factors open v. fingered. Where BG only players often say they prefer fretted over open for tone reasons, making that the deciding factor. I think he's playing the C on 3rd A with his pinky or ring finger so that when he goes to low F, his hand doesn't move out of position. I'll bet most BG only players fret the G, like I always have, but have since switched since seeing this vid. I have been working more on economy and playing in position lately.

 

[lfmn16]

Consider this a bass theory question.

This has nothing to do with theory.

 

[CharlyG]

Generally, the lower (closer to nut) you play, the brighter the sound, more so with the open string.

Didn't read the responses yet, but an open string is a tad fuller and will sustain longer....in my experience. I prefer them for hold notes.

Back again after the read. the tone gets brighter the closer you play to the neck is completely opposite of what I hear. When I want mellow, I'm right at the neck, when I want bright close to the bridge. I am speaking of fretted motes so maybe I missed your point.

 

[Mushroo]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the D note can be played in three different places: the open D string, 5th fret of the A string, or 10th fret of the E string.

All three of these options are commonly used and accepted.

A skilled player will choose whichever fingering option sounds best for a particular song.

I'll give you a specific example: "With or Without You" by U2 is a very simple bass line, but it can be fingered in several different ways, each giving the song a slightly different sound and feel.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Didn't read the responses yet, but an open string is a tad fuller and will sustain longer....in my experience. I prefer them for hold notes.

Back again after the read. the tone gets brighter the closer you play to the neck is completely opposite of what I hear. When I want mellow, I'm right at the neck, when I want bright close to the bridge. I am speaking of fretted motes so maybe I missed your point.

At least for me, the longer the string, the brighter the tone (an A second fret G string will be brighter than D string 7th fret) - I always figured the longer string provided more harmonics).

 

[Joebone]

timbre is different - fretted on lower string will sound fatter. Is that what you want? It depends.

Sustain is different - open note can ring out and on. Is that what you want? It depends.

Control over release is different - can use left-hand muting on fretted note. I usually prefer that capability.

Ghost notes - way easier on the fret.

Control over tone and expression is different - with left hand can dig in, add vibrato, pull a bit, whatever. But you may not need that.

Technical/execution issues for a given pattern. It depends.

Yes, it depends. Generally I go for the fretted option, except when playing fretless so as to use the open strings to guide intonation.

 

[Wolfenstein666]

I play in a thrash band, so a lot of our stuff requires quick and precise fretting. In the context of open string or 5th fret it really boils down to a utility aspect for me. Which is easier to hit on the way to the next note that will sound cleanest? It really depends on the situation for me.

 

[Bass'd on a true story]

I hate the way that open strings sound. Eventually I will buy a Sandberg bass, with a zero fret, and never have to hear it again.

 

[catcauphonic]

First of all, we probably have the same Yamaha and a similar cheap practice amp. Secondly, I can easily hear a difference between an open and the same note fretted at the 5th, and my ear skills are normally very weak thus far.

I usually prefer the deeper, rounder, and thumpier sound of the fretted notes over the open strings, and usually gravitate towards playing them. However, I will mix it up in some songs depending on what's being played around me in the band setting ... sometimes the open note sounds higher and will cut thru a bit better, sometimes all the thump I can muster is what I'm after. Try it!

 

[rtav]

For me, it depends (mostly) on where I am in the line/fill - so my choice to use an open stringed note as opposed to a fretted note is almost always "travel" driven.

For example, in Dream Theater's "Dance of Eternity," one of the most knuckle-twisting sections is a place where I play (moving "up" in octaves until the Bb then going to the mid-high Bb back down to the mid Eb) Eb-A-Ab-D-Bb-F#-D-Eb as 8th notes then after a couple of riffs it does a similar thing a half step up, then a couple of the riffs repeat then another similar thing. I've made some shortcuts by hitting open notes when I can (there are a few "D" notes I can hit with the open string in the middle of madness to buy a moment to get n position for the next weird pattern), although I know Myung plays the notes closed and his patterns are precise and lovely, I'm not John Myung, and I have to get it done.

So an open note can buy time for a left-hand finger repositioning, especially in a fast or difficult line without dropping or otherwise compromising the note.

CAVEAT EMPTOR!!!! Just be sure you MUTE WELL!!!!! (FretWraps can be your friend - I use them for this very section to keep the open D overtones from ringing through and slopping up the riff).

But maybe I wanna slop it up - I also use open strings for "background" or root note sustain of the key/chord. For example, I may hit an open E and then play a riff over it, using E as a drone, or D, or whatever.

I also often incorporate open strings while chording to create shortcuts an interesting tonal variations (especially on the upper neck).

I use open strings for emphasis when doubling or even tripling a note.

I do it when my fingering hand needs a quick break to shake out a cramp.

Generally, I try to play closed notes to keep the sound consistent across all of my playing, but there are notable exceptions (and more have been and could be cited) for using open strings on the bass guitar.

 

[Fergie Fulton]

I hate the way that open strings sound. Eventually I well buy a Sandberg bass, with a zero fret, and never have to hear it again.

LOL..

 

[Afandrewflanagan]

On guitar I'll always try to play the fifth - 99/100 I'll play the fifth. However, on bass, I prefer to play the fifth but not always. I prefer playing the fifth because it means I can mute the other strings if I hit them as well by accident (especially when I'm jumping around and not being overly careful)

 

[christianbassguitar]

My personal preference is to play the fretted note as well. It just gives me more control on how the note would sound like. I also consider the note after that "D". Knowing what the next note would be allows me to position myself a lot better on the fret board so I don't have to stretch/strain my fingers/wrist too much just to play the next note. Hope it make sense.....

 

[Billybladez66]

Depends on the vibe of the song or passage. You should be able to feel song per song which one sounds best in the style your playing in. Also economy of motion for what and why you are playing it. Seems like all the advice is on these lines already. Go for broke and do which one you prefer and/or yields the best result at that time.

 

[bloobass]

Unless it's a riff or a line that demands the note be played open on an open string, I fret it. I got into the habit when I started subbing for different male and female singers. A lot of time playing the same songs in different keys, if I'm fretting everything, it's just a matter of shifting my hand position.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

The is definitely a tone difference between the open that the fretted 5th. You also have less control with the open. It requires plucking hand damping.
As to the tab, I often see fingerings on tabs that are insane. Which way I would play it would depend on the leading and following notes. For example, the riff in Long Haired Country Boy is much easier if you play the open A.