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I use different basses
- Thread starter Randy Tupper
- Start date
I play in churches, where we do everything is every friggin' key (different singers). I do have basses tuned in E standard, D standard, and B standard (AKA BEAD), but I don't chase different keys with a different bass - i have to be able to play the whole set on one bass. All those keys and tunings is part of keeping things challenging, thereby building "mental plasticity" as they say.
Definitely an issue for guitars sounding a specific way (ie, open chords ring out a bit differently than bar chords)
I’d challenge anyone to tell the difference between a 1/2 step downtuned E string and an Eb played on the B string though. I always got a chuckle out of my lead guitar player who insisted that all guitars must be tuned the same... he really had no concept of how the bass is different.
Its not about the sound, its more about stuff like doubling riffs that bounce off or drone low open strings.
For heavier stuff, palm muting open notes while adding licks above it can be pretty tricky depending on how the riffs are written.
This is exactly how I look at playing in standard while the band is down-tuned. I transpose everything a whole step, tenor sax players do it, why not me?
It's easier to have conversations with the guitar players that way, when you're both thinking in the same key.
When I played in a band where they used drop tuned guitars about a third of the time, I just transposed. But if they were drop tuned all the time, it'd be easier to follow suit.
Kudos to the op for using standard tuning to accommodate guests.
Yup. I play a six because not only do I not like open strings, I don't like moving my left hand up and down the neck very much. It's nice having two octaves under your fingers in one position.
The one tuned to Eb is still tuned to 440 Hz.
Get one of these:
Our guitarist/fiddler uses one for his electric (non-acoustic) fiddle. He claims that there are certain keys that are simply difficult to play a fiddle, so he uses this gadget. Works in real time. I cannot tell when he is using it and when he is not.
All my basses are tuned down a whole step and have been since the 80s, no matter what the band tunes to. I find a capo is handy for the odd song that requires open strings.
I understand having a second bass when playing at sessions. Nobody ever wants to sit in using my bass, even when I helpfully offer to attach the capo for them.
It always amazes me how experienced players can be so dependent on the dots.
I understand having a second bass when playing at sessions. Nobody ever wants to sit in using my bass, even when I helpfully offer to attach the capo for them.
It always amazes me how experienced players can be so dependent on the dots.
Learn something new every day! That makes perfect sense!
I just know what hey something is in for me....but if cats are calling things on the fly...I can see where that would be useful!
Cheers!
LOL
I’m not lazy, but if I don’t tune down to Eb, my guitarist won’t be able to follow my fingers.
LOL
I’m not lazy, but if I don’t tune down to Eb, my guitarist won’t be able to follow my fingers.
To each their own lol! I just play the 4th fret on the B String..
