tuning my 5 string up 1/2 step c-g#... anyone else?

[danharris]

So the guitarist is coming with metal tunes in drop c. E standard down a whole step to d. then that d down to c. cool for djenty bared power chords. there is a couple drop d tunes i use a 4 string for. but this new c standard might be my metal go to, why tune down when you can tune up? before this metal jamming i was running e-c for chords and stuff but this new c-g# is sweet .. lots of tension on the C , i lost the little truss rod cover ages ago so that an easy adjustment. Anyone else using this tuning?

 

[pluki7]

I did when I played with a guitarist who tuned down to C standard. Simple solution, indeed.
The increased tension actually helped me to pick lighter on the strings.

 

[kleinenenten]

I've debating doing this exact thing, but never quite got to it. Currently, I've got my old 4 string set up for C standard, and I'm debating doing a weird mix of something on a 5 string. There are some songs I want to learn in drop A# - which would mean I'd have to drop my C standard 4 string down another step on the C string. But I've debated getting another 5 string, dropping the low B to A#, then tuning the rest of the strings up a half step. This would give me drop A#, but with an extra high string. Weird concept, but would make learning some of my songs much easier. Maybe I'll give this a go with my standard-tuned 5 string soon, as I'm not playing much in standard tuning at the moment.

 

[danharris]

I did when I played with a guitarist who tuned down to C standard. Simple solution, indeed.
The increased tension actually helped me to pick lighter on the strings.

yes, that extra tension is appreciated on those fast low notes. your right about picking lighter too i dont have a pick but i know what you mean, a little goes a long way!

 

[danharris]

I've debating doing this exact thing, but never quite got to it. Currently, I've got my old 4 string set up for C standard, and I'm debating doing a weird mix of something on a 5 string. There are some songs I want to learn in drop A# - which would mean I'd have to drop my C standard 4 string down another step on the C string. But I've debated getting another 5 string, dropping the low B to A#, then tuning the rest of the strings up a half step. This would give me drop A#, but with an extra high string. Weird concept, but would make learning some of my songs much easier. Maybe I'll give this a go with my standard-tuned 5 string soon, as I'm not playing much in standard tuning at the moment.

ya i get it c standard droped to A#. i do have a fretless 5 string in Eb, so low b is a Bb/A, but i couldnt drop another whole step from there... it got likie a 140 on it but it just wont go lower.. it floppy like in about to change my strings....need a longer neck i guess

 

[kleinenenten]

ya i get it c standard droped to A#. i do have a fretless 5 string in Eb, so low b is a Bb/A, but i couldnt drop another whole step from there... it got likie a 140 on it but it just wont go lower.. it floppy like in about to change my strings....need a longer neck i guess

Probably just personal preference. I generally like more tension in my strings, and go up a gauge (or two!) depending on what my tuning for a specific bass is. My rule of thumb is that if I'm going to down tune a whole step or more, I need to go up at least a gauge. So I use regular D'Addario sets on my 5s tuned standard and a half step lower, have mediums on the 5 string tuned to A, and have heavies on the 4 string tuned to C. Keeps a decent amount of tension in my strings, and the lowest string is only a 135. I'm guessing you like more tension than me.

On this note, I just tried out the tuning I mentioned in my previous post, but on my 5 string tuned to A. So now I've got that "Drop A#" or whatever you want to call that happening. I'm enjoying it so far. Oddly enough, I didn't have to adjust anything so far. The intonation is still spot on. Didn't expect that, but won't argue. I may have to try this on my standard tuned bass, though, as the extra tension of tuning medium gauge strings up a half step I think may be a little much, even for someone who enjoys a bit of tension in the strings. We'll see. As an experiment, I'm pleasantly surprised so far!

 

[Les Fret]

Just do it. You might want to use one step lighter strings to compensate for the increased tension.

 

[SteveCS]

this new c-g# is sweet

I've not tried that, but being the tireless pedantic bore that I am, if the bass is tuned in 4ths is goes C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab. If you want G# on the top, the C is B#!!

No need to ask - I've already got my coat and I'm heading to the door with an increasing sense of being tracked by an angry mob with pitchforks!

 

[Metal Sombreros]

Tune the whole bass up a half step? Crazy.