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I've got a BEAD bass...now what do I do with it?

ffutterman

ffutterman

Talentless Bass Enthusiast
May 7, 2010
1,006
130
Philadelphia
#1
I posted a couple pictures of it recently, but I just finished putting together my first (and likely only) BEAD bass. I did it mostly to give myself something to do and as kind of a joke - it's a fretless bass painted all black with DR Black Beauties, so it's the blackest bass you could possibly have.

Once I finished it, I started messing around with it and the B string is really throwing me for a loop. I know it's just one string of difference, but it seriously feels like I'm learning an entirely new instrument. Anyone have suggestions of good songs to learn to get used to the low string?
 
#2
ffutterman said:
I posted a couple pictures of it recently, but I just finished putting together my first (and likely only) BEAD bass. I did it mostly to give myself something to do and as kind of a joke - it's a fretless bass painted all black with DR Black Beauties, so it's the blackest bass you could possibly have.

Once I finished it, I started messing around with it and the B string is really throwing me for a loop. I know it's just one string of difference, but it seriously feels like I'm learning an entirely new instrument. Anyone have suggestions of good songs to learn to get used to the low string?
Click to expand...
What always helped me with the B-string it to think of it as a musical thumbrest. I always thought of my fivers as a 4 + 1 string bass, and never had a problem switching between 5 and 4 - the only thing that changed is where I anchored my thumb.
 
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#8
Gee, let me see, I have a new bass, what should I do with it? What I do with a new bass is, play it. When I purchased my first fretless, I started playing it right away. When I got my first 5 string, I didn't ask questions, I just started playing it and the same will happen if I ever purchase a six or seven string bass.
 
#9
Learn songs that use that low B. Many of newer bands are using it. I currently have Godsmack, Puddle of Mudd and Days of the New in my list that use that lower tuning. Plus, I use it for Pink Floyd and even Def Leppard.

Once you get used to it, and what you can do with it, it may just open a whole new world...
 
#12
Why would you bother with a conversion like this with no end goal?
Why would you bother with a conversion like this thinking it was fer the lulz going in?
I can understand boredom-driven projects...but I'm at a loss here. I'm sure you're not out a whole lotta dough on this but I tend to prefer boredom projects that don't require an investment, or at least an end-goal...

Play it. :)
Learn how to rethink your approach to basslines now that you can play in position a lot longer now.
Play it. :)
Utilize the new notes in your basslines, as a new dynamic element as you've effectively expanded the range of the instrument.
Have fun. :)
 
#15
I've got a BEAD bass...now what do I do with it?

You have to ask? Play it! Play it along with songs you know... pretty soon you'll figure out that it is a great tool to have in your arsenal. (Hint: Start with songs in D)

Mine...
DSC05026_zpsc077ef24.jpg
 
#17
It really will depend upon your style, goals, and how much you currently use the g string on your EADG, and how you will use the newly available lower notes. You will have to re-program your brain's perceptions of the note patterns, and where they start vertically on the neck. A good starting place is the song you already know, in their original key that used all four strings on the EADG. You will gradually get the picture of a more vertical travel, compared to a 5 string which becomes with practice playing across the neck more.
 
#18
Well, you have to sit down, learn that B string, and then start working it into all the songs you currently play. When you pick up a fiver you have the option of ignoring the B string at first and then occasionally using it for a lower fifth for notes on the E string or the occasional low note for variety or emphasis and then finally adopting it into your normal playing. But on a BEAD bass that leaves you with only three strings so you more or less have to jump right into using the B string. As someone suggested above you can move five frets up the neck to get your EADG bass back and then as you play consider how you might use those five notes that are below where you are playing. It will come to you with time. In the end you can always tune back to EADG or try a compromise like DGCF. So I don't think you need to look for new songs to play BEAD, you should look for new ways to approach the songs you currently play. On the other hand, if your bass is as black as you say then you must learn the theme song to the old Rowan "Mr. Bean" Atkinson TV series Black Adder:

The sound of hoof beats 'cross the glade!
Good folk, lock up your son and daughter.
Beware the deadly flashing blade
unless you want to end up shorter.

Black Adder, Black Adder!
He rides a pitch black steed.
Black Adder, Black Adder!
He's very bad indeed.

Black: his gloves of finest mole.
Black: his codpiece made of metal.
His horse is blacker than a vole;
his pot is blacker than his kettle.

Black Adder, Black Adder, with many a cunning plan.
Black Adder, Black Adder, you horrid little man.
 
#19
khutch said:
On the other hand, if your bass is as black as you say then you must learn the theme song to the old Rowan "Mr. Bean" Atkinson TV series Black Adder
Click to expand...

I feel guilty posting pics every which way (it's in 3 threads now), but the bass is indeed as black as I say:

AbyssFront_zps3709b456.jpg

AbyssBack_zpse153b2ec.jpg


By the way, thanks for all the suggestions! I think I'll take the approach of treating it like a lower-octave A string, but starting on B instead of A. That might make more sense to my addled, unmusical brain.
 

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