How low

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I'd go with a 4 string tuned to D standard as a starting point. Your G string (previously A string) is the same note as the lowest note on the guitar, so if they're playing a lot of open string riffs off of G, then you'll have that available. With guitars that low it doesn't really make sense to try to go another octave down. The bass becomes more about a different timbre: punchier, brighter, more percussive.

 

[Lenny JG]

D'addario sucks. The wait time with kalium is the same as any other custom string company, and actually if you call skip the day you make your order, he'll make them faster. People just make orders w kalium and never called and when they do finally, the one dude is busy w a bunch of other custom orders and so they get upset. Yes he's uncommunicative, but the strings don't take long, like a month. Same turnaround as Newtone or Octave4plus, but the latter 2 will be completely communicative w you telling you things like when your strings are actually being produced, shipped, etc.. if that's your thing Newtone is very good so far and a little more customizable, though I still prefer kalium.

 

[Lenny JG]

Go tune a 6 string guitar, DOWN to G on the E string, then down to G on the A string, let me know how that works for you. (the E string will probably fall out of the saddle unless they're using the B string from a 7 string pack.. which would still be kind of floppy)

They're likely tuning the E string up to G, the A string down to G, both are G2. It's just an open tuning.

DGCFA# would put him in the ballpark while maintaining a bass tuned in 4ths.

But standard BEADG is absolutely doable.

A standard tuned 5 string is capable of going as low as B0, when you play the first "G" on bass going from low to high it's a G1. Where these guitars are likely tuned to G2

The numbers are in relation to octaves on a piano btw.

He just needs to be able to hear, or find out the chord progressions and transpose them to his instrument.

Actually they are likely tuned to G1. My guitarists in SHEER COLD tune to E1 and I tune to E0. Just because you dk how doesn't mean other don't, it means you don't have a reply for the thread, that's okay, you don't always have to reply to the thread.

 

[Rocket Queen]

Looking for a bit of advice. I just joined a new band and the guitars are tuned GGDGDB. I have a 5 string Fender Jazz but not sure what tuning to put it in or what gauge strings to use. Unfortunately the guitarist is not much help, just said to tune my bass to G..
I know my current strings are too thin as the 135 is very sloppy in G (from reading this forum seems like a Circle K 166 might be the way to go) but advise on tuning is also welcome? GDGDB?

I'd be inclined just to find a new band. You may have already spent more time agonizing about this (New strings? New bass?? New amp???) than these knuckleheads are worth. And with a start like this, are you sure things won't get even more nuts?

 

[Lenny JG]

I'd be inclined just to find a new band. You may have already spent more time agonizing about this (New strings? New bass?? New amp???) than these knuckleheads are worth. And with a start like this, are you sure things won't get even more nuts?

That's easier yeah, but actually the best gig I've had is my touring band A Perfect Being, they wanted me in G# out my own ampeg fridge rig. I literally bought strings to go down to G#, an svt4 pro, and an ampeg 8x10, just for the sound they wanted. Ive been with them for about 4 years and we do quite well, just getting back up and going from pandemic though.

The amount of gigs and studio sessions that has generated with other bands and artists for me is priceless.

 

[JimmyM]

That's easier yeah, but actually the best gig I've had is my touring band A Perfect Being, they wanted me in G# out my own ampeg fridge rig. I literally bought strings to go down to G#, an svt4 pro, and an ampeg 8x10, just for the sound they wanted. Ive been with them for about 4 years and we do quite well, just getting back up and going from pandemic though.

The amount of gigs and studio sessions that has generated with other bands and artists for me is priceless.

Always better to be known as a say yes kinda guy than a say no kinda guy.

 

[Matty Koff]

Actually they are likely tuned to G1. My guitarists in SHEER COLD tune to E1 and I tune to E0. Just because you dk how doesn't mean other don't, it means you don't have a reply for the thread, that's okay, you don't always have to reply to the thread.

I'm glad that's working out for you and all but frankly the OP hasn't clarified what octave the guitars are tuned to, or at least if he did I missed that post. "GGDGDB" at first glance to me stands out as being easily achievable at G2 on regular 6 string guitar. leaving two strings right where they are, tuning one down, and tuning 3 up.

I suppose you could break out a baritone and some thick strings and have a guitar tuned that G1. but you'd think the guitarist might say something other than "Just tune to G" which to the majority of bassists out there, the lowest one we have is G1 without downtuning and modification to our setups.

I still think BEADG or DGCFA# are both doable and allow for some comfort if the guitars are tuned to G2..

but this was the OP's first post and we haven't heard back so we may never know huh?

Also this is the only thing remotely close other than this thread for a google searching of "GGDGDB tuning".. for a "Lo-Jo" .011-.032

6-string "Lo-jo"-banjo string set - heavy gauge metal for GGDGBD tuning



Barely even two pages of search results. Now DGDGBD though, known as Open G, that has plenty of information and I'd still probably play in standard tuning.

And hey..banjos are tuned to GDGBD.. these guys could be bluegrass folks for all we know.

I know a guy who commented in this thread who recently acquired a banjo, or banjitar.. *cough*

 

[Lenny JG]

I'm glad that's working out for you and all but frankly the OP hasn't clarified what octave the guitars are tuned to, or at least if he did I missed that post. "GGDGDB" at first glance to me stands out as being easily achievable at G2 on regular 6 string guitar. leaving two strings right where they are, tuning one down, and tuning 3 up.

I suppose you could break out a baritone and some thick strings and have a guitar tuned that G1. but you'd think the guitarist might say something other than "Just tune to G" which to the majority of bassists out there, the lowest one we have is G1 without downtuning and modification to our setups.

I still think BEADG or DGCFA# are both doable and allow for some comfort if the guitars are tuned to G2..

but this was the OP's first post and we haven't heard back so we may never know huh?

Also this is the only thing remotely close other than this thread for a google searching of "GGDGDB tuning".. for a "Lo-Jo" .011-.032

6-string "Lo-jo"-banjo string set - heavy gauge metal for GGDGBD tuning



Barely even two pages of search results. Now DGDGBD though, known as Open G, that has plenty of information and I'd still probably play in standard tuning.

And hey..banjos are tuned to GDGBD.. these guys could be bluegrass folks for all we know.

I know a guy who commented in this thread who recently acquired a banjo, or banjitar.. *cough*

Yeah I play w multiple bands that play lower than G1 on guitar, only one guy uses a baritone; it's VERY common.

Also that was too long, I couldn't read it all; my bad. Hope your day gets better!

 

[Watchootognbout]

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