Thoughts on EADGC tuning on 5 string instead/ BEADG

I think it's a lot better. I changed my tuning in 2005 to EADGC. Last year I got a six and I expanded on the higher tuning with a F string. My five is on to other things but that's a different story.

I found it opens a lot more doors musically speaking than the low B does.

In addition to having the standard bass range, more melodic and harmonic options are available.

The way I conceptualize it is by sitting at a piano, think about where most Bass lines, Chord voicing and Melodies sit on the keyboard. Then compare what options you'd have available if you had a low B (B0-B2)+(E1-G4) and compare that to what options you'd have if you had a high C (E1-G4)+(C3-C5).

Basically more music is available higher. All while still retaining the normal range of the instrument, it's a standard bass and tenor bass all rolled into one.

Another unintentional byproduct of tuning higher is that pitch shifters work better on higher notes than they do on lower ones. It more natural sounding for me to transpose down to get low B notes than it is for a standard tuned 5 to transpose up to get high c notes.

 

I have two Epiphone EBM5's one BEADG the other EADGC my preference is for the EADGC.

 

In theory the tension can be identical, no difference at all.

In practice however, not all manufacturer string sets are "balanced" from string to string. So you will have to check the tension chart for the specific string set.

 

It really depends on the range you want to play in and/or alternate fingerings they provide.

 

I found that when playing in a duo setting, with the E-C tuning (on a fretless) you can comp a lot better in jazz and bossa nova songs. You can play more chords as well as have more fun soloing.