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Should I learn on an EADG bass before stringing BEAD?
- Thread starter RemoteOutpost
- Start date
As I mentioned back in post #2, calling that note 'C' would be the correct terminology for most classical and jazz musicians, and for circumstances when you are playing with concert-pitch instruments.
On the other hand, if you are playing with like-minded rock or metal guitarists, then it would be very common and perfectly appropriate to call that note 'F.'
Versatile multi-genre bassists typically have both of these skills.
Yeah, I can imagine that being annoying. The lion's share of budget/starter big box 5 strings are narrow string spacing (Ibanez and budget Music Man 5s is what I've seen a lot of at Guitar Centers in recent years).. Since you're just getting started and you'll likely get about 2 years of playing under your belt before getting yourself a more "intermediate" instrument, it might be worth it to just take the risk on a beginner 5 string with the more standard 4 spacing ( 19 mm at the bridge) even if you can't try it out in the store beforehand. A GC can likely order from a wider array of options than what's on their floor. It's worth cruising their used section too. This [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] has a 19mm spacing for instance.
That makes my head hurt!
'like-minded rock or metal guitarists' - they're more likely to just say "the song starts here" and point at a fret.
I don't know a single decent metal guitarist that would call it F, maybe in rock that might fly but in my experience not metal.
Keep in mind that you are judging the tone based on the particular bass you are using, with the particular strings, pickups, etc. that it has, through whatever amp you are using. There are lots of ways to change your tone, and I would put tuning BEAD down near the bottom of the list.
Also keep in mind that you are judging the tone (presumably) based on how it sounds while you're playing alone. Eventually you will be playing in a band, and what tone sounds good in the mix of a band is often very different than what sounds good to you when playing alone.
Since you have a teacher, hopefully you will be learning to play standard notation and not be relying on tab. It just doesn't matter how your bass is tuned if you know the notes and where they are. For tab or instructional materials that focus on fretting position, you'll have to make the conversion to your tuning, but you can because you'll know the notes and where they are. You'll be forced to know your entire fretboard inside out. Not a bad thing.
NEVER trust tabs on the interwebz.
Practice your listening skills and picking up songs from the recordings. Use tab only as a secondary resource.
Sit down and learn anything. The more you do it the easier and more instinctive it becomes.
Practice your listening skills and picking up songs from the recordings. Use tab only as a secondary resource.
Sit down and learn anything. The more you do it the easier and more instinctive it becomes.
There is no right answer that fits all. Lot's of good posts already. I'd just add that noodling on a 5'er a few times in a store is not nearly enough time to get comfortable. When I did that, I felt the same way as you. But I bought one anyway, and after a few weeks, I was hooked, and never looked back, after playing a 4 (eadg) for decades. However, I kept a 4 banger, and still break it out every couple of weeks, just to stay comfortable with it. I almost never gig with it though, as I now find it limiting. Never tried a 4 w/BEAD, so can't comment, other than to say I DO use the G on my 5'ers. 19MM spacing on a 5 works fine for me....YMMV.
You could learn any tuning... It's not really any different than learning to play on a 5 string.
It will be easier to go ahead and learn it now than trying to unlearn the EADG later. Yes "unlearn" because your brain will get very used to that top string being E.
Learn what you plan to play.
What happens when you have to use somebody's EADG 4 string? Stick with standard and plan for a 5'ver unless you really have small hands then do the BEAG.
take what you've got to the lesson and make a plan for learning (more). you and your teacher can go over the issue in more detail.
in general, my slant: if you're dead-set on the BEAD tuning: learn what that is = how to play it.
If it were me, I'd stick with standard tuning and find a five string that was comfortable down the road. Tastes change and though you may like stuff played on BEAD 4-strings right now who knows what you'll like in ten years. If you're thinking long term, best to stick with the standards - they've been long established for a reason, no need to make things harder from the beginning.
I see you have a lot of questions all over the fora... one tip for you => Stop worrying so much and start practicing, all your questions will be answered by the time that comes by....
IMHO the tuning doesn't matter as long it is in fourths... the patterns stay the same.
I just have a lot of questions... I like asking them here... isn't what what the forum is for? By the way I practice plenty, thank you.
I suppose so. I've just never thought of it as being anything more than losing those notes. I guess it works differently for each of us.
Ahhhhhh, and that explains why I didn't see it as more than losing the top five on the G string. I've been avoiding open strings like the plague since '91 when I got my first fiver. No particular reason other than using the neck real estate differently.
Getting Passive/aggressive here???? Feel free to ask as many questions as you want.... but be aware questions induce answers.... not only the one you want to hear...
Now reread my answer and learn....: The first part is to comfort you. The second part is my answer.
