Half step down...tune down or learn the song 'wrong'?

[Clef_de_fa]

I fail to see how you could play the song wrong if you have all the right notes in the right octave ...

 

[Shardik]

I fail to see how you could play the song wrong if you have all the right notes in the right octave ...

That is almost like saying that you fail to see the difference between playing those notes on a bass guitar and playing them on a keyboard.

 

[Clef_de_fa]

That is almost like saying that you fail to see the difference between playing those notes on a bass guitar and playing them on a keyboard.

If the phrasing is the same and there is no use of a pick or a slap and on top of that you play it in the same octave as a bass guitar, it would totally work.

What I meant with my initial statement is : I'm sure many people may have recorded the same cover song note for note but played differently. Like one used a different tuning and open note, another one used standart tuning but had to use tapping in some part etc. None of them would be wrong if they did play it note for note either way and in the same octave as the original recorded song.

 

[Clef_de_fa]

I'll give them a go. I'm not familiar with the Korn tune...is it tuned below B? Are their Tool songs NOT in D minor? I'll give it a whirl when I get a chance.

they are all tuned in A standart and mostly x5 type of chord, I did two Korn covers on my YouTube channel

 

[Jay2U]

I never tune up, but tuning down isn't a problem at all. Sometimes I go as low as C# with a 0.105 set. My G&L L2000 has a very stable neck, so backbow isn't a real issue for a few songs in lower tuning. OP, if you hate detuning, you might consider a second bass in the alternative tuning. For the real subsonic work I've got my BEAD tuned bass.

 

[bigboy_78]

I’ve just started with a new band. First rehearsal they tell me they tune down ½ Step, I can tune down or just play ½ step lower. I’m happy to tune down, makes it easier when I’m following the guitarist. All good, then she proceeds to use a capo for every song. What was the point of tuning down?

 

[mmbongo]

I’ve just started with a new band. First rehearsal they tell me they tune down ½ Step, I can tune down or just play ½ step lower. I’m happy to tune down, makes it easier when I’m following the guitarist. All good, then she proceeds to use a capo for every song. What was the point of tuning down?

DOH!

To update, I haven't played with the band yet but I 've got my 5 string, and my downtuned 4 string ready to go. PLUS I ordered a Digitech Drop pedal

 

[Jhengsman]

I’ve just started with a new band. First rehearsal they tell me they tune down ½ Step, I can tune down or just play ½ step lower. I’m happy to tune down, makes it easier when I’m following the guitarist. All good, then she proceeds to use a capo for every song. What was the point of tuning down?

My guess, she is using tabs from a band which down tunes and capo'ing to her vocal range.

 

[okcrum]

Now I am confused. You can play any song in any key without any drop tunings on a 5 string bass.

I actually drop my 5 string 1/2 step for one particular gig, since the headliner has an album with bass lines recorded like that. I use a 4 as well, and just tune them both down and tweak relief before the shows.

 

[onda'bass]

I play 5 exclusively, drop tuning never bothers me. Know the changes and all is well in the world.

 

[jmverdugo]

I think you are over thinking a bit, just a bit. I would just learn it as the original and then transpose it to what your band is playing.

 

[okcrum]

I play 5 exclusively, drop tuning never bothers me. Know the changes and all is well in the world.

That's true, until the signature part requires a low Bb.

 

[sammyp]

I think learning the tunes 1/2 step in flat keys is a real bad idea. These guys have chosen to be an Eb band either for the sake of the vocals or they like the feel of the slack tuning.

You need to set up a bass just for this band and leave it in Eb. Play the tunes in the same key as the guitar players.

Especially if it's guitar rock .... Ie: Back in Black just will not rock with Ebs , Abs etc

My best advice! Two basses ... One in standard, one in Eb.