Bass tuning

[neddy]

Question, is their really any advantage to tuning a bass to D Eb Ab Db Gb vs Standard tuning or any other bass tuning. Reason  gospel is written in a lot of flat's would it make playing easier?

Thoughts and opinions...

[tewest86]

That tuning doesn't make sense.  Bass is tuned in 4th.  Did you mean Bb Eb Ab Db Gb?  I tune flats because I want the low Bb note.  Most Gospel songs are in flat keys.  I know alot of guys are tuning to A D G C F now.  I believe Sharay tunes this way from the videos I've seen of him and also Daryl Freeman.

[phbrown]

I play standard tuning

B-E-A-D-G

The only advantages of tuning flat are

1. Low note (which a lot of people can't really hear)
2. ability to play flat harmonics
3. some riffs are easier if the key of the song is Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, or Gb


I switched back to standard tuning because a group I was playing with at the time tended not to play in flats so as my ability expanded it really doesn't matter my tuning except if I want to play certain notes like tewest said

[floaded27]

I tune standard. I seem to not have a problem with songs because of the key. But I think the advantage comes purely from your style of play. If you use a lot of open strings, harmonics, etc, then for flat keys you get a benefit of tuning flat. I've heard of some folks carrying 2 basses, one tuned flat and one tuned standard, so regardless of the key, they're ready with the suitable tuning.

Its all a preference. Examine how you play, explore it if you think it may make a difference. If it does, no big deal. If it doesnt, no big deal. Its all about what you want and what works for you. Just dont get into the school of thinking that "it has to be done this way or this way is better because ***insert popular well know bass player here*** does it this way"

[MykeMyke]

I play standard tuning

B-E-A-D-G

The only advantages of tuning flat are

1. Low note (which a lot of people can't really hear)
2. ability to play flat harmonics
3. some riffs are easier if the key of the song is Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, or Gb


I switched back to standard tuning because a group I was playing with at the time tended not to play in flats so as my ability expanded it really doesn't matter my tuning except if I want to play certain notes like tewest said

to that #1 if a lot of people can't hear it they sure can feel that low b-flat lol

[DWBass]

Standard 4 and 5 string tuning for me as well. I just don't have a need to detune. The need has never come up in any of my musical situations. It does have it's advantages depending on your situation. Was going to sub once for a guy who plays rock style and he kept insisting that I downtune. I told him I play a 5 string and he still kept insisting. I ended up cancelling.

[phbrown]

to that #1 if a lot of people can't hear it they sure can feel that low b-flat lol

LOL, that is true!

[dafunky1]

I played with my bass detuned to Bb over the last 3 months and don't particularly like the hassle of re-learning my keyboard.

I'm going back to standard tuning this Sunday!!

[floaded27]

For folks that insist on tuning flat being "better" or "necessary" what happens when that song starting in a flat key modulates, especially early on in the song?