Wrong to play low B string notes sometimes?

[Groovin1122]

For example: When you normally would play the C on the A string would it be wrong to play the C on the low B because you can? Like in a blues, country, pop, rock, worship setting. Or if a song was written with EADG tuning in mind but you played that on a BEAD tuned bass using the B string would that be wrong/off?

I am more so trying to get at the use of the B string outside of songs written for/on a 5 string or BEAD tuning.

Thank you!

 

[Stevorebob]

Play it because it works, not because you can.

 

[CatOnTheBass]

Depends on the gig. Some band leaders will give you freedom to come up with your own variations of the bass line. Other band leaders will want you to play the part exactly as written.

When in doubt, I like to record the rehearsal and listen back, to hear if my musical ideas actually sound good in the context of the song.

 

[Gsnorgathon]

+1 on recording rehearsal. Whether you're in doubt or not!

 

[5StringBlues]

I play on the low B string all the time without playing anything below an E.


To me, this is why 5 string is the way to go.


Playing shuffles in C and F are much easier on the hand if I'm not in first or third position.

 

[Wasnex]

For example: When you normally would play the C on the A string would it be wrong to play the C on the low B because you can? Like in a blues, country, pop, rock, worship setting. Or if a song was written with EADG tuning in mind but you played that on a BEAD tuned bass using the B string would that be wrong/off?

I am more so trying to get at the use of the B string outside of songs written for/on a 5 string or BEAD tuning.

Thank you!

Sometimes it sounds out of place to drop notes down an octave, sometimes it doesn't. Learn to use taste and discretion.

My #1 bass since about 1995 has been a 6-string. I don't feel the need to use all six strings on every song.

 

[Jefenator]

It can be a good “taste” exercise to make it through a song without going below low E.
It is also cool to play E string notes on the B string above the 5th fret. Like having a 25.5” short scale handy - whole different timbre.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Probably better than playing them on the high-B.

 

[BassChuck]

You paid for the note, it's yours, play it if you want. (did you honestly think there are rules here?)

 

[AGCurry]

In classical music, you will find that the lowest notes for the double bass are often saved for a) the end of the piece, and/or b) long notes supporting soft passages played by other instruments. The E string gets the least action.

There must be a reason, and whatever the reason is, the approach works.

I think that
a) our minds anticipate resolution to that satisfying low note, and we want to keep the listener's anticipation going;
b) if you play low notes all the time, they aren't really low any more to the listener;
c) perception of pitch is more difficult in hearing low notes.

Notes below the low E should generally be roots, fourths, or fifths. That said, if I'm playing a walking line in C major, I will sometimes invert the 3rd and 5th using the E string.

 

[Les Fret]

There are no rules. It all depends on the context and how you place those low notes in relation to the rest of the line.

That and listen to Anthony Jackson.

 

[Reedt2000]

I play on the low B string all the time without playing anything below an E.

This ^

Another string expands your notes-per-position all over the neck. To me its always been more about that than the 5 notes you can't play on other strings. I usually only go that low if the guitars are drop tuned, or to end a song with that super-low root note.

 

[Cut the middle]

For example: When you normally would play the C on the A string would it be wrong to play the C on the low B because you can? Like in a blues, country, pop, rock, worship setting. Or if a song was written with EADG tuning in mind but you played that on a BEAD tuned bass using the B string would that be wrong/off?

I am more so trying to get at the use of the B string outside of songs written for/on a 5 string or BEAD tuning.

Thank you!

Bass is like BBQ. Low and slow baby!!

 

[J Posega]

Play what suits the song, not what suits your ego. If it's a low note, make it so. If it's a shredding, high up the neck solo, rip and tear. Don't do what "tradition" tells you--do what you feel that the song needs.

 

[JKos]

I thought the OP was asking about playing the note in the same octave, just on the B-string. Absolutely, go for it.

- John