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Should you "try" to stay away from open strings?

#101
I've only just spotted this topic. It has never occurred to that people really play to 'rules'? Surely it depends on the context, the song and the sound? I can think of a few nice bass lines that can't be played without an open string. Making use of the open string sound, rather than a fretted note to improve what you're playing surely must be the sign of a better player. As an example - how about the Fleetwood Mac song so beloved of car racing /Grand Prix TV programmes - play it without open strings and it sounds very odd! No open strings is as daft as saying no Bb's - you play them when they are appropriate!
 
#106
wideyes said:
Zombie thread alert! Zombie thread alert! For new viewers, I suggest you read it from start to finish. And then let it be (like Sir Paul so often did).
Click to expand...

Brand new, actually my first post...but I sort of liked this thread.

I look at using open strings like a form of adaptation to a given instrument and situation. If I'm playing a jam on a poorly maintained loaner axe with dead spots and toasted frets, I'll tend toward the low neck positions and rely heavily on open strings wherever I can. Or hand me an instrument that sings without a fight, and the only open string I may use all night will be...B.

That said, I've done the same lines both closed and (partially) open on gigs just to stay out of auto-pilot mode. Worst thing any of us can do is become complacent!
 
#107
Topics like this are timeless and always worthy of discussion, even in zombie threads.

The answer is "it depends." What does it depend on? Lots of things. For example, I find open notes much more palatable on flats than rounds. On some basses, the open notes sound completely foreign to the bass, especially the D and G strings.

Context is key. I will hit an open note using rounds if there's no better way to play something. I will hit an open note more regularly if the open note doesn't sound too different from the fretted notes. Otherwise I stick to fretted notes.
 
#108
The older I've gotten, the more I like the sound of
lower notes played higher up on the neck. For instance,
I feel like the "C" on the third fret of the "A" string sounds
quite weak. I prefer to play "C" further up the neck on
the "E" string. It sounds fatter to me and a bit punchier.
(Especially on funky Tower of Power type songs).
Watching Verdine White on a Earth, Wind and Fire
show, I noticed he played quite a lot of open string notes.
I was really surprised because on the albums they don't
sound like open string notes. Perhaps it helps him when
he's dancing around like a madman on stage, Or maybe
it's because he started as a classically trained upright
acoustic bassist. Upright guys seem to play more
open string notes.
 
#109
As a student, instructors teach us not to use open strings because it does give us a better understanding of the fingerboard and also strengthens our pinky. I rarely use open strings other than E, but are glad they are there when I need to adjust the PA, control the lights or take a drink.
I agree a fretted note up the neck beats a 1st position note in tone for me and my setup.
 
#111
troy mcclure said:
As a student, instructors teach us not to use open strings because it does give us a better understanding of the fingerboard and also strengthens our pinky. I rarely use open strings other than E, but are glad they are there when I need to adjust the PA, control the lights or take a drink.
I agree a fretted note up the neck beats a 1st position note in tone for me and my setup.
Click to expand...

They often sound different. Use the one that fits your playing and the song. Learn both methods.
 
#112
Lots of responses to this thread but here's my little bit..

Open strings provide more versatility than just sticking to fretted notes.

If you ignore working out how to use open strings effectively you will limit choices within your playing.

It is difficult to learn good control and execution of open notes within lines but they have plenty of good uses...
 
#113
Non intentionally I tended to not use open strings simply because I got into the pattern thing. I then started to play upright about 6 months ago and it is incredibly difficult to play an upright without using open strings. I then transferred this technique onto the electric and it has opened new doors for me because I am now focusing so much on the actual notes I am playing and not so much on the patterns. So in short I think open strings are very useful and should not be avoided.
 
#116
mambo4 said:
The advantage:
Once you get aways from open strings, you begin to see each pattern you play as a "closed position" 4 fret span. This helps you learn the moveable 'box' shapes of scales and patterns without being dependant on open strings for specific notes. This helps you understand some of the abstract patterns that music takes. It also helps you play many patterns without much left hand movement. It also makes control of the notes under your left hand more consistent. So it has its pluses.

the disadvantage:
The patterns in music go way beyond 4 fret "boxes", and ultimately you want to understand the way the scales/arpeggios fall on your entire neck, and be able to choose where you play freely.
Open notes also have a timbre that is different than fretted notes.

In the end, know both and use what your ear tells you is best.
Click to expand...

+1. IMO, IME it's not both but 3 'patterns' or methods to learn. In one possible context, from the second fret up, the classic 'boxes' apply, as stated above. If you start on the first fret, the 'box' involves open strings and therefore alters your left hand fingering slightly, to accommodate the open strings. If you start with an open string those patterns are different yet again. Learning all three will let you start anywhere. (By start I mean the first note in a scale, etc..) I prefer not to use open strings, but I don't necessarily avoid them. Look at it like a challenge, to get the best sound you can and maybe try to make it sound like you're not using an open string.
 

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