New band asking for C tuning : best strategy ?

#21
The first thing I would do is to weigh the merits of the situation to decide if it's worth my while.

If the music is riff based, you probably want to match the guitar. Some riffs can be really dependent on the open strings for playability. Also matched tuning can facilitate learning lines. For example a guitarist may demonstrate the fingering so you know how to play a line. Seems a lot of guitar players watch the bassists hands, and if the bass is not tuned the way the guitarist expect it throws the off :bawl:. Another factor, if the bass is tuned different than the guitar, it can impact how well the sound of these two instruments integrates.

For the record I am a long-term 6-string bassist, but I don't typically play styles where alternate tunings are common. Years ago when my #1 was still my Ric 4001, I occasionally used drop D for a song or two.
 
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#24
A *lot* of guitar players seem to want to insist that bass players use their tuning. I would absolutely do this on a 5, and that’s like drop B, you’d have to tune *up* to drop C.

Playing using a 4 I’d only do if I were using the lowest four strings from a 5-string set. That means a new setup, including filing the nut for thicker strings. Not the end of the world, but why not just use an 5-string bass?

I’d avoid tuning an E string down to C. Lots of people say they do it. I would hate the feel and the complete garbage tone I’d be forced to accept.
 
#26
For CFA#D# I would use something like a .115 set, even .50-.110 would work if you have a light touch.
If it's the Drop C, or CGCF that will be a problem, there is simply no way to make the strings sound even across the board, the higher 3 strings will always be too bright in comparison and it's super jarring. If you already have a Drop pedal I would recommend using DADG and going down a full step with the pedal.

Drop tunings are just a pain in the ass really.
 
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#27
C standard, either a 4 or a 5 will do (I don't imagine you'll be using that high Ab string much).
A standard 5 string set should do just fine (given that most have a lower than necessary tension B string).
 
#28
turf3 said:
"C Standard"?

You mean C F Bb Eb G C? That's pretty weird. I sure wouldn't call it "Standard" for guitar tuning.
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The intervals between strings are the same as “standard” standard, which we detuned types refer to as “E-Standard;” ergo BEAD = B-Standard. The “standard” designation differentiates from a Drop tuning, where the lowest string is typically tuned an additional whole step down from whatever tuning the rest of the strings get; Drop-D = DADG, Drop-C = CGCF. Then of course there are open tunings where every open string corresponds to a note in a chord; you almost never see these used on bass, but it could conceivably make sense if your parts had to match the guitar parts closely. If you’re confused, that’s because it’s confusing, but I’m here to help 😉

In answer to the original question, I would only recommend a 5-string tuned BEADG if you intend to play in other projects using the same instrument. Doom typically riffs off that lowest note and having an open string for that makes life much easier. Unless you can convince this bunch to tune to B-Standard 😆 I suggest a dedicated 4-string tuned CFA#D#.
 
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#30
turf3 said:
"C Standard"?

You mean C F Bb Eb G C? That's pretty weird. I sure wouldn't call it "Standard" for guitar tuning.
Click to expand...

In my experience, this is common shorthand terminology among rock/metal musicians who use a lot of lowered tunings, and it is used primarily to distinguish "standard" lower tunings (all strings detuned by the same amount) from "drop" tunings (low string is detuned a full step compared to the other strings). So "D Standard" refers to standard guitar/bass tuning with all strings detuned one step, "C Standard" refers to standard guitar/bass tuning with all strings lowered by two steps, etc.

Edit: Looks like someone already beat me to it!
 
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#32
JohnathonPDX , Thanks for making me smile. I was thinking the same thing.

If it was me, I'd have to use a 4 string setup specifically in C. Keep standard EADG basses for other bands at home. Not a fan of 5 strings. Just a personal preference.
 
#34
I just used one of my cheaper 4 string basses and filed the nut to accept BEAD on the 4 string body and adjusted the truss rod...worked quite well actually. But after a while got tired of the C tuning and moved on to another band. (Nut replaced easily too)
 
#35
Get a 5-string bass - put on a light 5-string set and tune up 1/2 a step (so you'll have same open strings as the guitar). You can even tune the highest string another 1/2 step down to completely match 5 strings of the guitarist. ;)
 
#36
Congrats on a new band opportunity! Sounds like fun! :)

I would tune my bass to match the guitarist. In my experience a drop box will make the bass sound a bit weird. Also, for this genre you might be playing a lot of open botton string (in this case the low C)? If so it will save energy and sound a lot better if you have the option to play that bottom C as an open string.

A 5 string in standard tuning could ofc work as well and has the important benefit of having that bass be ready for other gigs. I have two set of basses for two different bands with different tunings...
 
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