5 String tuning - Newbie Question

[Baird]

Hey guys and gals,

I just picked up a MM Bongo 5 HH and have a tuning question. This is my first 5 string and it is currently tuned BEADG. As I am not going to be playing stuff like Korn or Lamb of God (more classic rock stuff, some blues and some lighter metal), so do I need a low B?

I was thinking of changing it to a more guitar-like EADGB as I also hack around on the guitar.

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[MingusBASS]

I play my Bongos in a blues/rock power trio. All of mine are strung up standard BEADG and I find that the B string can be very useful in any style of music. When used tastefully those lower notes can really give the song a nice punch. I also enjoy being able to play most songs in one position if I should choose. If you play with a singer/songwriter that changes keys on the fly, it can make that process easier.

 

[Chris C]

The vast majority of 5 strings are tuned BEADG. You don't really have to even use the low notes for the low B string to be useful. It allows you to hang around in the fifth position and just stay there pretty much the whole time for most songs. You have the range from low E on the fifth fret to high D# on the G string.

Some players tune a five to EADGC for an added high range. To me, that's not at all useful. I don't know that I've heard of tuning EADGB like a guitar. That would just throw your scale patterns off and be of little advantage in any other way (I play guitar too, and even at that, there is no advantage for me to tune that way). As far as I know, the only reason for tuning a guitar the way we do is to make barring easier (which isn't an issue on bass).

Whether you need a 5-string is up to you. I don't. But I still play them anyway. I'm just as comfortable on a 4-string though.

 

[Kirby]

Even if you are used to a 4 string try hitting some notes an octave lower on the B string, especially if they are held notes. It adds some interesting variation and some contrast depending on what your guitarist is playing. It can also add some interesting chord voicings. Experiment & have fun!

 

[brooklynfall]

Yeah, it's as much a tonal thing (fretting that low E instead of hitting it open, etc.) as it is a style thing (ie Korn, modern R&B/hip-hop etc.). Just a wider palette in many senses. Of course there are those who tune EADGC, EADGB, BDADG and many more. Fivers rule!

 

[PocketGroove82]

First things first man,
when a bass player adds a high string to a 5 string, we add a high C. Because we like tuning in 4ths, all across the board, because most of us start on a 4 string bass.
That being said, just because we use a low B doesn't mean that we play some god awful crap like korn's bass player. I swear, feldy/fieldy or whoever has no clue what the hell he's doing, so (PLEASE) put that garbage out of your mind.
When in fact...a low B is great for blues, and I'm sure it can't hurt for "lighter metal".
Classic rock was cut with 4strings...which you can easily pull off with a 5.

This is what I'm thinking...
It seems to me that metal guitar players tend to play the thickest chords possible and often use a low 7th string.
So as a bassist, it's our job to get "under" them and support the guitars while connecting rhythmically with the kick.
Do you intend on soloing on your bass like it's a guitar on classic rock covers, blues, and metal? Or do ya wanna play bass?

I'm sorry if I'm coming off rude, but when you switch instruments you must switch mindsets.

 

[ibanez2005]

I have to agree with Pocket there, on some songs i only play 1 note on the B string the whole song, and its the note at the very end of a song to give it that little extra something.

The 5 string is an animal, i personally think that putting a high C on is really taking away from what the bass is all about.

I guess what it comes down to is, what would be more useful to you, 5 extra lower notes or 5 higher notes?
I think bands like Korn have given instruments with an "extended range" a stigma, and it sucks cos 7 string guitars and 5 string basses are amazing.

 

[adouglas]

I'm about to order an 07 LE fretless 5, and I'm going to at least try an E-C tuning on it.

The rationale is that for fretless, most of the distinctive voice of the instrument is in the upper registers.

I think I read somewhere that some name players do this, or have done this. Tony Levin? Not sure. It'll be an interesting experiment, anyway.

But on my fretted, it's B-G all the way, for all the reasons already cited.

 

[Baird]

Do you intend on soloing on your bass like it's a guitar on classic rock covers, blues, and metal? Or do ya wanna play bass?

I'm sorry if I'm coming off rude, but when you switch instruments you must switch mindsets.

I have played bass for 20+ years and have always hacked around on guitar on the side. I am a bass player though.



I think the point Chris C made above about keeping the low B and using it to keep in and around the 5th position is a great point. Thanks!

 

[delberthot]

I tried using EADGC tuning for probably one whole gig before restringing it BEADG.

You don't have to use the B string to actually play low notes. I use mine a lot to play riffs hgher up the neck.

It is always good though to play the 5th note of War Pigs on the low D. Listen to it and you'll know what I mean.

Also, I play in a Black Sabbath tribute band and since the singer is getting on a bit we do "Paranoid" in D so the low D again comes in handy.

Aahh. satisfying.

Also, again, and so forth, the B string on a stingray is the best on the market. When I play mine, I laugh, purely because it is the ultimate sound that I have been looking for. Probably because I have went through around 30 basses to find what I have been looking for for the past 19 years.

I can confirm that I am not being paid by BP when I say that the SR5 is the best 5 string that I have ever played in my life. You can't get the grin off my face when I'm gigging. In fact, I'm laughing right now. Can't wait until the next gig.

 

[tkarter]

I tried using EADGC tuning for probably one whole gig before restringing it BEADG.

You don't have to use the B string to actually play low notes. I use mine a lot to play riffs hgher up the neck.

It is always good though to play the 5th note of War Pigs on the low D. Listen to it and you'll know what I mean.

Also, I play in a Black Sabbath tribute band and since the singer is getting on a bit we do "Paranoid" in D so the low D again comes in handy.

Aahh. satisfying.

Also, again, and so forth, the B string on a stingray is the best on the market. When I play mine, I laugh, purely because it is the ultimate sound that I have been looking for. Probably because I have went through around 30 basses to find what I have been looking for for the past 19 years.

I can confirm that I am not being paid by BP when I say that the SR5 is the best 5 string that I have ever played in my life. You can't get the grin off my face when I'm gigging. In fact, I'm laughing right now. Can't wait until the next gig.

That explains why I love my B string.

tk

 

[Double Agent]

If you intend to do soloing or chording with the higher notes, go EADGC...

Otherwise, there is much more to be gained from a low B. BTW, you'll notice that a lot of jazz, pop, acoustic folk, and country players use a 5 stringer with a low B. A low C or C# during a ballad can really drive the chorus home, not having to switch basses because a song is in drop D or some other tuning is great, and being able to play a low E at the 5th fret of the B could mean less moving around on the fretboard to play the same parts. I would go with the low B.

 

[cdb]

I am currently in a blues band, and I play a 5 string 'Ray... we do all styles of blues... delta, country, chicago .. and a lot of our songs are in D. I use that low D on the B string for a root and it just fills the sound out so much... I also find the fretted E on the B string to be more tonally consistent with other fretted notes... more clarity and punchier attack