How do you reference strings when not using notes?

[Vinny_G]

This need to name strings or keys of an instrument to communicate with other musicians has existed for centuries. We can reinvent anything if we wish (I don't mind) but there is a method that already exists. For stringed instruments, it is a numbering from the thinnest to the thickest, and for keyboards the keys are classified in groups of octaves (C3, F1, G4, etc).

 

[dalkowski]

my hair hurts.

 

[superheavyfunk]

The standard on all stringed instruments (afaik) is that the string closest to the floor is #1

 

[Vinny_G]

The standard on all stringed instruments (afaik) is that the string closest to the floor is #1

Not exactly, because of (see post #38)

 

[Dirk Diggler]

Low to High makes sense to me.
Dirk

 

[Chrisk-K]

The standard on all stringed instruments (afaik) is that the string closest to the floor is #1

Which string on the violin or double bass is the closest to the floor?

 

[JZQuantum]

Thinniest string is the first string, fattest string is the last string. Doesn't matter if lefty or righty bass player.

 

[cheapbasslovin]

Poorly and in a way that is sure to create more confusion than it clears.

 

[BwanaDust]

Can't see any reason not to reference strings as notes.

 

[superheavyfunk]

Which string on the violin or double bass is the closest to the floor?

Depends on which side you land on when you fall over

 

[RumbleMan3]

How about "thinnest string", "thickest string" or "second thickest string?"

Seriously why confuse things? If you cant say "the E string" or "the D string", then just say the thickest, second thickest string, etc.

Case Closed.

 

[Stevorebob]

I refer to strings by their notes. But numbered reference is 1-5 (or 1-4 or 1-6 or whatever) highest pitch to lowest pitch, regardless of the instrument regardless of the tuning. Just the way it is.

 

[Mushroo]

Can't see any reason not to reference strings as notes.

Alternate tunings. At least once a week we have a thread where someone gets bent out of shape about a guitarist who uses an alternate tuning or capo.

 

[Vinny_G]

Can't see any reason not to reference strings as notes.

Play me an open D when you're in Drop D

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Imagine what it's like for the thousands of lefty players using a righty instrument that's still strung righty.

 

[6Bass101]

I assumed the OP was referring to situations where someone is talking about a technical problem with their bass. In a playing situation, I can't recall ever referring to a string with another musician. That would be like telling a keyboardist to play the 47th key.

Fair enough. Though some folks did mention method books.
I've played with guitarists that insist on basically speaking in tab. I imagine if those guys which fret corresponded to which key, they would tell the keyboardist to play the 47th key. Lol! They would have to since they don't know what note they are playing.

 

[Vinny_G]

How about "thinnest string", "thickest string" or "second thickest string?"

Seriously why confuse things? If you cant say "the E string" or "the D string", then just say the thickest, second thickest string, etc.

Case Closed.

That's what musicians do since the medieval period

 

[MOEBASSPLAYER]

i didn't realize there are 95 lefty bass players who play right-handed basses upside-down.

(at least at the time of this posting)

 

[hennessybass]

I know 1-4 is something I'm supposed to do an know, but I generally reference strings by E-A-D-G.

Play me an open D when you're in Drop D

Play me an open D on your E string??

 

[Ric5]

Some bass sets like d'addario come like that and la bella's have dice beads to avoid confusion.View attachment 3541061

I tend to think of it as 12345 and not 54321