How do you reference strings when not using notes?

[Vinny_G]

I use the headstock and bridge as the markers when teaching. As you play higher, you’re moving toward the bridge, and as you play lower, you’re going toward the headstock. It’s a bit more universal.

It's a very good idea, more visual and therefore more accessible for students.

 

[Guitalia]

Just follow the numbering used in string packaging.

On another subject, which is the front pickup and which the rear? And why? (Hint: any answer to the latter question will not bear close scrutiny.)

 

[bolophonic]

I just call them EADG, just the same way I call the guy from G’n’R “Slash, and the dude from the Police “Sting,” and if anyone decides to try to correct me based on some sort of personal hang up or to be pedantic, I would just remind them that they know exactly what I’m talking about and then continue with whatever I was saying.

 

[gln1955]

The skinniest string is always Howard. The rest I name depending on my mood.

 

[sikamikanico]

High (treble) and low (bass) seems most natural to me. I assume regular tuning, as I don’t play banjo or whatever

I also don’t play classical music, and 1 to 5 for treble to bass strings just seems wrong to me

 

[Vinny_G]

The skinniest string is always Howard. The rest I name depending on my mood.

Be careful when naming the biggest

 

[Koshchei]

I’m classically trained, so I end up explaining it a lot when someone attempts to correct me on it, as it’s not wrong. They're just not familiar with the history/lineage of the instrument.

Totally agreed, but it is a tangent that takes you out of "let's play music" mode and into "historical trivia". When I'm trying to explain a part (which I hate, unless I'm the arranger), the last thing I want is for them to change gears on me.

 

[SLO Surfer]

how do you reference a string w/o using a note reference?

I don’t. Too much room for miscommunication. Just point and say, “this fat one,” or, “that skinny one,” or, “the medium fat one.”

 

[Jon Moody]

Totally agreed, but it is a tangent that takes you out of "let's play music" mode and into "historical trivia". When I'm trying to explain a part (which I hate, unless I'm the arranger), the last thing I want is for them to change gears on me.

We’ll agree to disagree on this. The lineage of your instrument isn’t necessarily “trivia,” and it’s pretty easy to explain.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

I call the guy from G’n’R “Slash, and the dude from the Police “Sting,” and if anyone decides to try to correct me

This has actually happened to you?

 

[Nev375]

I use the Gabriel Iglesias method. For a 6 string bass is as follows. Thin, chunky, fat, fluffy, daaaamn and oh hell no!

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Fluffy plays bass?

Invalid Link Removed

 

[JimmyM]

I use a note reference. Why make things hard on yourself?

 

[sotua]

right or lefty, the strings will be in the same spatial relationship to your face or feet

unless you're Jimmy Haslip:

 

[red_rhino]

I voted Top string is closest to your face & Bottom string is closest to your feet, but keep in mind that I also have the trackpad on my laptop set to scroll using reverse motion.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

I also have the trackpad on my laptop set to scroll using reverse motion.

Are you a helicopter pilot?

 

[seanm]

I consider the E string 1 and the G string 4. I consider the G string top (it's the highest) and the E string bottom.

 

[red_rhino]

Are you a helicopter pilot?

No. (Shhh, don't tell my passengers.)

 

[InhumanResource]

With as many alternate tunings as there are out there, you can't really always use B-string for a 5-string, because it might be the center string, depending on their tuning.

So, how do you reference a string w/o using a note reference?

Dunno. I find alternate tunings pretty impractical for bass so it never occurred to me. I have tuned in fifths like a violin before, but it's still easiest to call out the strings by their open note.

 

[Ekulati]

Didn't vote cuz this is not up for interpretation. There's only one right way, stemming historically out of the earliest medieval stringed instruments. Highest in pitch is first string, which can also be referred to as top, because, well, if it's high, it's the top. Physical orientation does not matter. (Dons flame suit...)