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I Am Lost With This One
- Thread starter bluewine
- Start date
I haven't found a bass (4,5,6 whatever) where a fretted note sounds the same as an open string.
Also, to my ears, the "timbre" of the string changes noticeably when changing tuning.
I disagree. Some music relies heavily on riffs where the open string note repeats in between upper register notes.
Depending on the tempo, this stuff can be impossible to play without an open string. It may also not be very healthy for your wrist. Even if with these two factors left out, the "right sound" is as important as the "right notes".
To my ears, the same note sounds very different depending on where it's played on the fretboard. (12th fret E string vs 7th fret A string vs 2nd fret D string). This is even more important when talking about octaves.
An important factor in making a part/line work is choosing the right register/octave and position to play it in.
So it's not just about being able to simply play the note/pitch.
I think its great that you know what you want and wont take something else. Ive seen alot of guys "compromise" by joining a band and they just quit within a month or two. Youre doing a service to yourself and being a good dude to the bands by not accepting something less than what you want.
often times we don't get the things we want tho'....the narrower our focus,the more likely we are to be disappointed.....there are fewer places to play,fewer people willing to go hear live music,outside of big name arena shows,and like it or not it's young folks who spend their dollars in clubs.....sometimes you have to make the best of what's available
in any of these you seem to be the main one making a big deal about your age, just like you're making a big deal out of the tuning thing... neither one is. the idea that you're playing for 40 yrs now and alt tuning is a big deal to you should be a big deal to people to actual people that you have actual real life interactions with though.
It's only been normal for the last 40 - 50 years... like others have said, they probably mean tuning down a half step. Makes it a lot easier to play with keyboard and horn players - they love the flat keys. If you're worried about playing flat keys in standard tuning, you need to practice more.
I should do that, I just have been lazy about it. I would think my *gear list alone would apeal to some bands.
I have been going to a lot of web site of bands I like and letting them know what I am about, that I am available and if an opening comes up as well as sub work.
* BTW, I am seriously close to trading my GK 1001rb up to the Fussion model. That's a good move right?
Did this in a cover band once, basically learned the songs in standard tuning, then at practice/before practice would tune to e-flat, and play the songs in the same positions I learned them in. Just makes it easier on the vocals for longer sets.
My teacher has suggested to me that I should try to avoid playing notes on the D and G strings, below the 5th fret... his theory being those notes just don't carry the "weight" a bass guitar should have. He does however, use open notes on both strings.
I have to agree, use the right note/string, for the right sound.
Fishheadjoe
Have you played the Fusion?
Does it's tone sound better to your ears than the 1001rb?
If it sounds better to you, then it's a worthwhile trade.
Every cover band I've been in and any other cover band I talk to does this. It's a little easier for an entire night of singing vocally, and it makes it easier so you aren't tuning all over the place with songs. Why would it even be an issue? I've started to notice that with everything, you seem to find something to be bothered with. I'm going to have to guess that's contributing to your lack of finding a proper band.
I never thought about my playing but I have to agree with your teacher. I try to avoid those strings as well for the same reason but i do use them for runs and fills and times they "fit" the song.
yeah, for me it depends on the tone I get. For example sometime I would play "Day Tripper" with open E and open A. But if I get some sort of weird sustain,I will play the E and the A closed. It's a little funkier that way anyway.
- Jun 3, 2009
- 3,330
- 398
- Disclosures
- Bassgearu, Music Industry Consulting and Sales. Tech 21, NBE Corp, Sonosphere.
Many of the bands you know and love play detuned 1/2 step. The Smithereens have pretty much always played live that way. Listen carefully, and you will hear it in many of your favorite bands live gigs.
I do it usually. Easier to sing, strings have a little more "action". Makes playing live better and in some ways less stressing.
I do it usually. Easier to sing, strings have a little more "action". Makes playing live better and in some ways less stressing.
No doubt about it, I have noticed it myself. Here's a list, ad to if you like;
Bald heads (on guys with the wrong shaped head)
Cargo Shorts
Over sized T shirts
Performing with running shoes on.
Performing with hiking boots on
Bands with no mission statement
Bigots
I actually like the drop tuning thing.
Hey Blue - I too am a 50's bass player, I posted on Craigslist a few times with good results. One band I'm with now (60's-80's rock, ages 30-me) and another jazz/blues group that I'm auditioning with next week.
