Question about downtuning

[dvs20]

so I got a gig with a good working band, they are in d standard to drop c, I have a digitech drop pedal it works ok, but I'm wondering would it be easier to set up a 4 or 5 string, string tension is key, I don't like floppy strings?

 

[Dave W]

I know I'd much rather set up a bass than use a pedal.

 

[dvs20]

I know I'd much rather set up a bass than use a pedal.

I agree that's why I'm asking. I'd prefer to not file a nut down so I can change it back if I wanted

 

[Killed_by_Death]

if you've got a 5-string, you won't need to down-tune

 

[Dave W]

if you've got a 5-string, you won't need to down-tune

* Depending on the style of music being played

 

[lz4005]

. I'd prefer to not file a nut down so I can change it back if I wanted

That's not how nuts work.

 

[dvs20]

I'm playing a lot of E standard drop D in D drop C , And it's Metallica, Kyuss, Volbeat stuff like that.... I'm sure it can be played on the 5er in standard but I'm not that good

 

[Herrick]

I'd try to make it all work on a 5-string even if I had to simply or modify the bass lines. I hate tuning down or having to own multiple basses for different tunings.

 

[jhb138]

My current band plays in D standard. Switching from medium gauge to heavy gauge strings took care of the floppiness for me.

 

[KORNSKYDIVER]

I recommend going slightly thicker on the strings, perhaps .50 .70 .90 .110. Should solve any tensions issues.

 

[madmaskbass]

I have found that with a little bit of extra thought that converting songs to 5 string is the way to go. I like to play a 5 string with the B string at A just because I love that setup and it really works for so many songs. Unless they are very fast or technical lines then tuning variations may be needed to make the line be played smoothly

 

[beaglesandbass]

so I got a gig with a good working band, they are in d standard to drop c, I have a digitech drop pedal it works ok, but I'm wondering would it be easier to set up a 4 or 5 string, string tension is key, I don't like floppy strings?

if you're looking for ease, then it would be easiest to tune to drop d then use the drop pedal to drop everything one whole step.

but it's all personal preference. i play a 5 string bass at gigs, but depending on the song i will use the drop pedal or occasionally just tune the E string to a D.

 

[AshInAmsterdam]

I just installed a Hipshot D'Tuner (BT7) on my Standard Precision. Pricey at €127, but it's saved me having to tune up and down every other song we do, and holds tune perfectly, whereas in Drop-C my C would drift over a number of minutes.

We play in D / Drop-C, and I'm using D'Addario Chromes 50-105, which have plenty of tension at that tuning. In Drop-C the C string becomes quite loose, which with my preferred low action causes some trouble with the frets, but it doesn't affect the sound once it's coming through the amp. It feels real nice to play.

My band's guitarist also uses fairly standard 10-52 strings, which I use on my guitars for E tuning, and he will drop as low as B / Drop-A with them without a problem, though his guitar is 25 ½" Fender scale which adds some tension.

As for 5-string bass.... sure it solves the problem in that it provides the notes you need, but it requires different shapes, and I'm more comfortable being able to play around the open, 3rd and 5th frets, as I would playing guitar in drop tuning. I also never played a 5-string that felt comfortable to play in any case.

 

[Nephilymbass]

so I got a gig with a good working band, they are in d standard to drop c, I have a digitech drop pedal it works ok, but I'm wondering would it be easier to set up a 4 or 5 string, string tension is key, I don't like floppy strings?

Played in another band "Memphis Witch" on the side for a little while. Guitar players played in drop C. I had a 5 string setup C standard. But I like that tuning relationship. In my longtime band Nephilym the main guitar tuning is drop B and I play in B standard.

 

[Sid the Kid]

Going from a .105 E to a .115 D would most likely not require you to file the nut of your instrument. Try hex core strings like GHS Boomers or DR LoRiders if your goal is high string tension.

 

[FerK]

I got bored of switching between basses, tunning up and down, etc, and I made the switch from 4-string to 5-string about a year, year and a half ago. I'm now selling all but one of my 4-strings, getting an additional 5-string, and at the moment it feels like I'll never look back.

 

[Reedt2000]

I tracked a whole album fir a friend of mine who tuned to C standard. I play a five string but this was a heavy doom-rock project so a lot of the riffs played off of the open c tuned string. I didn't want to re-adjust the set up on my bass which played and sounded great so I put a capo on the 1st fret! It worked just fine, I had to tune mire frequently than normal but otherwise no problem at all.

 

[Bodeanly]

I'd prefer to not file a nut down so I can change it back if I wanted

I have a few nuts filed for B-E-A-D and have absolutely zero issues when I throw on a standard set of strings. B-E-A-D will change your freakin life.

 

[HiEnd Basses]

The drop pedal will work, BUT, if the C tuning is strange (not in 4ths) it won't work. I played with a guy who insisted on C G C G. I hate drop tuning with a passion.

 

[Berniez40]

Love me some DDT Bass Strings. I use an alternate tuning as my standard, and they have proven to be a G*dsend. People always ask if I play metal because of my tuning, but it actually started on the upright for me, where Scordatura (alt tuning) is more common than most people realize. I started doing it on my electrics as well, just to avoid confusion when I switch between the two. -DR's DDT Strings all the way baby! Try a set. They come in all different gauges as well. I think you'll dig 'em. I know I do.