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

[Markmann]

I like to slide in and out of notes quite a bit so I don't use open strings unless I need to. There are good reasons to use them:
1. When I need a long sustaining note.
2. When I need to sip on a beverage during a song.

 

[seanm]

I can't see any reason to avoid open strings if you know enough about your fretboard to play in all 12 or 15 keys.

The problem is when you practice/rehearse in one key all the time (using open strings)... then at the gig the singer decides to change key.

I am sure pros have no problem with this, but I am just a hack. This can completely throw me off. And I am usually pretty good at changing keys. I did a *lot* of open mics. Quite often, not only did I not know the song, I had to work out the key.

People who do open mics know you can quite often ask the singer "what key is this in" and they will say "key?".

 

[Donald Thompson]

The problem is when you practice/rehearse in one key all the time (using open strings)... then at the gig the singer decides to change key.

I am sure pros have no problem with this, but I am just a hack. This can completely throw me off. And I am usually pretty good at changing keys. I did a *lot* of open mics. Quite often, not only did I not know the song, I had to work out the key.

People who do open mics know you can quite often ask the singer "what key is this in" and they will say "key?".

Those singers are low IQ and should know what key they're singing in.

 

[micguy]

James Jamerson made liberal use of open strings. Once I'm better than him, I'll become a snob and start avoiding them. Should be any day now....

 

[micguy]

Personally I try to avoid G# regardless of where it is on the neck. Don't know why, I just don't like it. lol

Is it like the 13th floor?

 

[Bass Ape]

It also depends on what type of music we’re talking about.

There are plenty of rock/ metal songs that rely on open strings. IMHO, there is no right and wrong.

 

[sean_on_bass]

My buddy told me to stay away from open strings if possible. Why is this? Should I get in a habit of it.

If so, would I be better off to tune to Eb or does that make the positions awkward?

Thanks

You should strive to be able to play all open AND fretted notes. There will be musical material that will require you to play open strings. That low open E can't be played anywhere else on the neck.

 

[Deleted member 394181]

Sometimes I like the sound difference and use it to my advantage. No open strings, I think is limiting. If it sounds cool, go for it I say.

 

[Les Fret]

Short answer is no.