Which Tuning?

[SwamiRob]

I play everything from jazz to death metal. I already have two EADG basses, so I just want a different tuning on this one.

You'd get plenty of proper use with a low B in Jazz AND Metal

 

[Ric5]

Try DGCF ... If I played a 4 string bass then that would be my main tuning ... It gives you the low D and you only lose 2 high notes. Also then you can have a detuner on the low string to get a low C. You will want fairly thick strings for a DGCF tuning ... don't go less than .105.

 

[sean.1986]

I use Standard tuning. I don't like lowering the tuning because it makes the strings that bit slacker and I wouldn't want a higher pitch, I don't think.

 

[SwamiRob]

Depends what strings you use though doesn't it

 

[sean.1986]

I guess so. I'm sort of a beginner, though. Technically been playing 5 years but it was very on and off for the first four. Only replaced the strings on my bass the other day for the first time and my other bass which I've only had a couple of weeks still has the stock strings. I've not tried changing the tuning on that yet.

 

[Projectile]

Contrabass! Tenor and Piccolo are for pussies and guitards.

 

[Femto]

I tune DGCF and I use .110/.090/.075/.055 strings. The tension is fine and I find that the low D does come in useful.

 

[sean.1986]

The ones I just put on my P-Bass are Ernie Ball Super Slinkies, which are 45-100. Does anyone know if they cope well with lower tunings?

 

[SwamiRob]

I tune DGCF and I use .110/.090/.075/.055 strings. The tension is fine and I find that the low D does come in useful.

I'd imagine it is pretty useful considering Phil's in D standard too

 

[JustDavid]

With that I'd go BEAD. But the death metal might like CGCF; some folk like the speed of the dropped C.

 

[gnasher1993]

Get a new blank nut and tune up with sub contrabass strings:

C# F# B E
.195 .165 .135 .100

Thats gona be great for doubling drop tuned guitar riffs in your death metal.

 

[sean.1986]

Just tuned my Jazz Bass down to BEAD. It has the stock strings on and feels very slack and the strings keep smacking off the frets. Does that mean I would need a higher or lower gauge? :S

 

[JustDavid]

Higher tension, so higher gauge.

 

[sean.1986]

Oh yeah, kinda obvious when you think about it. Thicker strings = lower pitch. Duh! Thanks

 

[Femto]

I'd imagine it is pretty useful considering Phil's in D standard too

Yeah but even when jamming along with others or to recordings, I don't retune. I'm just used to everything being 2 frets up.

 

[SwamiRob]

Yeah I guess it helps if you wanna play along to any drop D metal and stuff, hate tuning down to D cos it makes the sound really un-balanced, tempted to get a 120 for when we record just for the couple of songs I'm gonna be in drop D for.