Is downtuning a 5-string common for gospel? (with example)

[el_Bajo_Verde]

The first 35 seconds will give you an idea here

I've noticed that there seem to be some notes below my low B on this song. I have a 35" bass and some heavy-gauge strings, so I would have no problem tuning down...what is common for gospel bass? Tune only the lowest string a whole step down to A? Tune all five strings down a half step to flat tuning?

Especially that low note at 30 seconds or so...I am not home now so I can't try it out, and I can't tell if it's an A or a Bb

 

[nolaguy]

The first 35 seconds will give you an idea here

I've noticed that there seem to be some notes below my low B on this song. I have a 35" bass and some heavy-gauge strings, so I would have no problem tuning down...what is common for gospel bass? Tune only the lowest string a whole step down to A? Tune all five strings down a half step to flat tuning?

Especially that low note at 30 seconds or so...I am not home now so I can't try it out, and I can't tell if it's an A or a Bb

Gospel bassist stated in a Bass Player interview that he regularly detunes down to A natural.

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

Gospel bassist stated in a Bass Player interview that he regularly detunes down to A natural.

Sorry, I'm not familiar with this terminology...so does that mean he tunes to ADGCF, and uses 432 hz instead of 440?

 

[nolaguy]

Sorry, I'm not familiar with this terminology...so does that mean he tunes to ADGCF, and uses 432 hz instead of 440?

Yes.

 

[NigelD]

Tuning the bass down a 1/2 half step is pretty much the norm, as most songs are in flat keys.

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

Tuning the bass down a 1/2 half step is pretty much the norm, as most songs are in flat keys.

Indeed, I tuned down a whole step but it looks like a half step is sufficient, as I've need to hit the low Bb a few times

 

[davidhilton]

The first 35 seconds will give you an idea here

I've noticed that there seem to be some notes below my low B on this song. I have a 35" bass and some heavy-gauge strings, so I would have no problem tuning down...what is common for gospel bass? Tune only the lowest string a whole step down to A? Tune all five strings down a half step to flat tuning?

Especially that low note at 30 seconds or so...I am not home now so I can't try it out, and I can't tell if it's an A or a Bb

Yeah, it seems a lot of gospel bassists tune down a whole step. That low A sounds real phat!
www.basslessonslosangeles.com

 

[PhatBasstard]

I believe (premier gospel bassist) Andrew Gouche does this on his 6 (A, D, G, C, F, Bb).
Still A440 (standard pitch) AFAIK. 432 has nothing to do with it.

 

[Jensby design]

I've been playing bass in white people Church for some time now. It is common for song leaders to change the key of a song. I tune my 6-string (F#,B,E,A,D,G) so I can play the same line in any key. I also use a capo from time to time.

It would make sense that this would happen in other Churches as well. After awhile of playing tuned down it becomes part of your style.

 

[SAlcott]

5 string bass, Hipshot detuner on the B string gives you a low A.

The clip is in G, which makes the lowest note played C.

 

[Oscar Stern]

It is fairly common. I do tune my 5 String Electric Bass down a Half Step so that it's easier for me to sing the high notes w/o straining my voice.

 

[Geri O]

I play with a country music artist that requires us to tune down a 1/2 step. When I was hired, I inquired to the real need for tuning down. The bandleader explained that the boss will occasionally call a tune not normally on the set list or request a tune be played in a different key (sometimes up, sometimes down) and he wants everyone's key reference to be the same. Makes perfect sense to me and I've been here for 3 years now. And I really enjoy the gig!

All of my basses, 5-strings, have a Hipshot Xtender for when I want a low A. I used it mostly in church and most as an emphasis where it's needed. It's a little flabby when I use it while I'm tuned down, but it's usable if I'm careful to not hit it too hard.