Fretting the fifth, or playing the open?

[Lobster11]

As I said in an earlier post, I generally only use an open string "if I mean it," as per Phil Lesh. Those of us who play 4-string basses (in standard tuning), though, have no choice but to use the open E, even when we don't really "mean it." And, if you're like me, you use that note a lot. Sometimes I think that this might be the single best reason to play a 5-string....

 

[Doner Designs]

If there's ever a reason to avoid the open strings, this is it. Key change - move up or down the neck the required number of frets, play the same as you had been. If you have been depending on the open string, any key change will make you have to figure out how to deal with it needing to be fretted all of a sudden.

Personally I have no other reason not to use an open string, and will use them as convenient.

Besides key changes, if you are trying to use a recorded backing track to learn a song it's sometimes hard to find a recording in the same key you intend to play it in.

 

[Bondobass]

This thread seems to have fifth fret majority, I like to explore open notes when I can and if they fit. This has given me more opportunity to work on my muting technique. Seems ending a note is easier by lifting off a fret(obviously) then it is to put a finger or palm on a fat, open, ringing string. But that ain't gonna stop me from trying it!

 

[Dug2]

For those of us with a zero fret.....i guess this really wont matter.

 

[Korladis]

I actually like that the open notes have a different tonality to them. Gives me the option for a slightly different timbre should I want it.

 

[1stnamebassist]

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.

Or install a zeroglide zerofret on your current bass if you like it. I just installed one on my Rick and the open strings sound like a fretted note. Easy to install too. Got one to install on my Pbass when time permits.

 

[Bass'd on a true story]

Or install a zeroglide zerofret on your current bass if you like it. I just installed one on my Rick and the open strings sound like a fretted note. Easy to install too. Got one to install on my Pbass when time permits.

I don't know why I never checked to see if a product like that exists. Thank you!!!

 

[joebar]

it depends-

sometimes its nice to give your fretting hand a rest and ride the open string .
if you want more thickness to a note, play the fretted one.
open strings are great for position changes too in between fretted notes.

 

[Jhengsman]

Because of the nature of my gig playing the same song with leaders singing in different keys and even last minute key changes at the last rehearsal I don't see myself as ready if I am playing with open strings. Even if I am asked to play a featured line I will change and simplify it to avoid open strings so I can shift if needed. What I big lesson learned from the Jaco instructional with Jerry Jemmott was noise control so secondarily because my picking hand muting technique is lacking compared to my fret hand muting I would in most cases it would be fretted by plan

 

[russosborne]

Thanks again, all.

That zero fret is very interesting, I have never heard of it before this thread.
Then again I don't get out much, especially musically.

Russ

 

[Bondobass]

So with a zero fret the open string tone is more like a fretted string tone? I guess if the string is just coming off the nut, it'll have more uncontrollable floppy ringing then one that is on a fret?..interesting indeed.

 

[1stnamebassist]

So with a zero fret the open string tone is more like a fretted string tone? I guess if the string is just coming off the nut, it'll have more uncontrollable floppy ringing then one that is on a fret?..interesting indeed.

Yes it sounds the same as a fretted note. Plus you don't have to worry about replacing or filing a nut. The zerofret should last a long time, plus its consistent in height for all strings. Zerofrets were quite common on less expensive basses as well as hofners in the 60's and 70's. Paul McCartney had one installed on his Ric also. I'm happy with it! Adds punch and definition to the low E also.

 

[tzohn]

I like open notes, I never avoid them. Take advantage of the long scale.