How do you reference strings when not using notes?

[Mark Ambler]

No.
The B string is top because it's closest to my face.
Not in reference to the pitch.
I don't care if it's not the way you think,that's the way the tuning is read.

Haha, my reply was actually in jest, but for arguments sake, if someone asks you to play your top string, you're going to play a low B? Hmm, anyway, who cares

I guess Jimmy Haslip has already been mentioned.

 

[Watchootognbout]

Haha, my reply was actually in jest, but for arguments sake, if someone asks you to play your top string, you're going to play a low B? Hmm, anyway, who cares

I guess Jimmy Haslip has already been mentioned.

Those in the know,would say "play the B string"
Those who don't, "the fattest string"
Since I'm right handed.

 

[Stevorebob]

Lots of funny.

I think there’s a utility with string numbers. It helps instructing beginners — “play a low E; that’s the fourth string, second fret in your drop-D tuning.” And it’s helpful assigning new packaged strings to their intended location regardless of the tuning.

It also provides TalkBass something to argue about.

 

[quickfix]

Top string is closest to your feet & Bottom string is closest to your face.
1st string is closest to your feet & 4th string is closer to your face.

Both are correct. And so...the poll is flawed as only one can be selected.

 

[Schlyder]

Food for thought...
View attachment 3541210

LOL

 

[Aidil]

I name them the same as the string makers do on the package depending on the number of strings in the set. 1st is the highest pitch string - so G or C is first. As numbers increase the strings get tuned lower.

1 2 3 4 5 6
C G D A E B
G D A E B
G D A E

Mine are:

So for me, 1st is always the furthest from my face.

 

[Ekulati]

This (long resolved) issue is so much simpler if people just use PITCH* as their sole criterion, rather than physical orientation. Highest pitch = number 1. Period.

*Except in the case of re-rentrant tunings, like ukulele. But we're obviously not there yet, if we can't even get the basics down.

 

[zontar]

When I taught, one of the first things I told new students was that up & down and high & low referred to pitch, not the construction or position.
So the lowest string was physically the highest, and going up the neck looked like going down the neck.