That would be a low D which requires a 5 string or a 4 string tuned to BEAD
Or just tuned to DADG. And then there are also mechanical solutions that let you tune the lowest string from E to D “on the fly”.
Joe,
Thank you as well.
By your graphics, you show me that note placement (on the staff) correlates to Fret/octave. But why show a “D” two spaces below the staff when my 4 stringer CAN’T reach that pitch? I realize that a “D” is a “D”. But an open “D” (while the same note) sounds different than a “D” on the 19th fret of the “G” string.
Tthank you Pam. that’s what I was also thinking.
That’s because they are not the “same” D
The notation two below the staff is D2, while the one high up on the G string is D5 (here, the number refers to which octave they belong to - I think it comes from the piano; in this system A4 is the note which has a frequency of 440 Hz).
Anyway… many songs require you to play that low D (D2) and, yes, you are right, it is not available on your 4-string in standard tuning. Therefore, you can either ignore this and play it an octave up (i.e., on the fifth fret of the A string) or tune your “E-string” to D. The former approach can sound OK, but probably doesn’t in most cases. Thus, tuning from E to D is the only option… but, of course, then you need to remember that you have to fret anything else you play on that string differently than you normally would, i.e., a G is now on the 5th fret and so on…
I have personally not dabbled with this so-called drop-D tuning (I have a five-string ), but I know a lot of other BassBuzzers use alternate tunings all the time. If nothing else, it is good brain gymnastics, I guess
Thank you again Joe and you as well Pam. You’ve answered my question. I wasn’t aware of the D-1, D-5 thing. Makes sense to me. I am now no longer confused. THANK YOU!!!
This is one of the reasons I play 5 string. That B string comes in handy when I need it.
It’s in Drop D tuning. Tune your E string down to D and you can play it
A lot of music in certain styles is in drop D.
Yup
So, Sam @Trib: if you want someone to get notified about a reply when not directly answering one of their posts, you need to use the handles (like I just did)!
Also: @PamPurrs is indeed Pam, but I am not a Joe I know, it is confusing, but my first name includes the r and the g
And, finally, before @eric.kiser finds out: why don’t you go over to the Introduce Yourself thread and, uhm, introduce yourself!?!
I hope you saw my tongue being firmly planted in my cheek when I wrote that, Eric!?
You are, in many ways, the calm center in this - more often than not - whirlwind of a forum with its participants pulling each others’ legs and perpetually straying from the original topic of a thread! You are often the one pulling us back on track, bringing order to the chaos, and reminding people of some basic rules of the game in here! And a big thanks for that!!!
Actually, while I am at it (and this is way overdue anyway): you are also the one who finds ways to answer in a kind and curious fashion to posts that make absolutely no sense at all! And… you are the king of the likes - always a smile and a heart for everyone!!
Oh yes. It actually made me laugh out loud.
Thanks Joerg. I appreciate it. But… Um… You’ve gone off topic.
In all seriousness, Thank you. It’s always nice to hear your efforts are appreciated.
Not only that, but I probably also “buried” this praise in here, seeing that the average Buzzer is unlikely to venture into a thread with that topic
Hey Joerg,
Thanks for looking out. But i think I will stick by the standard EADG. I’m a bit “Old School” and a firm believer that “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Thank you again.
I see a 5 string in your future
Only if you want it… Embrace the “B”…the B is calling …really low so maybe you can’t hear it…till you get a 5 string.
Morning Pam, If I do, (get a 5-string) you’ll be the first to know.
Well, it’s no secret around here that I am a big fan of the fiver I’ve been playing on 5 string almost from the day I started learning bass.
I’ve been on a 4 stringer since day one. W/tape wound strings.