I was just trying to learn “Dragonaut” by Sleep which is in C-standard tuning (C-F-A#-D#) - as far as I understand - but I noticed that my G string was too sloppy and it really bothered me. So I figured I could tune up all the way to come back full circle to D# again and, as expected, the string broke (I know it’s so silly ).
So I was wondering, what kind of strings would you recommend to play in that tuning without having that “sloppy” feeling? I saw someone online recommending a 50-70-85-105 gauge D’Addario set, and ohters saying to go to the flatwounds realm; what do you think?
you mean half-step away? Anyway, I am not familiar with BEAD tuning, will surely try it out. So, what you are saying, basically, is that with these heavier gauges I should be able to stop the “sloppy” feeling, right? Especially on the G string?
On a 5 string bass, standard tuning is BEADG. What BEAD tuning does on a 4 string bass is give you the lowest 4 strings. I’m not a fan of Drop D tuning (lowering just the E string two semitones). It messes up all of my shapes. I’d rather play one of my 5ers. You could easily play “Dragonaut” using standard tuning on a 5 string.
If you want to dedicate one of your basses to BEAD tuning (that’s just one more semitone down from C-F-A#-D#) using heavy gauge strings, you’ll almost certainly have to file the 4 nut slots down a bit to accommodate them.
So, basically you are telling me that I have to “sacrifice” my bass for the C-standard tuning? I would never be able to go back to the standard tuning if I file the 4 nut slots down…
Excellent reason to buy another bass. GAS is your friend! Maybe not your wallet’s, though.
That said, those EXL230’s could work without filling the nut slots. Not a lot of risk for less than $25. If they don’t work, buy a 5 string set with a .125 to .130 B string and use the heaviest 4 strings. Nut files are special. Or you can check with @Whying_Dutchman re adjustable nuts. He’s tried several. Just replace the nut with an adjustable one, then you could go back and forth with string swaps.
Sorry, but I am not getting this…you say that I don’t need to file the nut slots in case I buy a .125 to .130 5 string set and only use the heaviest 4 strings?
That’s not what I meant. Those EXL230’s are .055-.110. That’s just slightly thicker than the standard .045-.105 set most widely used on 4 string guitars. So, they may work without a nut change or filing.
Quick warning: You can’t play open string riffs like this!
The riff you want uses that open string to play the higher frets without jumping around back and forth, and it lets you let the open string ring and you can hit it quick and not have to worry about jumping back to those upper frets.
So, while usually you can make a single note line work by moving things up or down depending on what string/bass/tuning you’re using - when you’re trying to learn a band’s riffs (particularly if they’re drone-y metal riffs that use the open string a lot) you kinda have to tune like them or the line won’t sound right.
I’d recommend the suggestions above for a 105-55 set or a 110 - 55 or something in that ballpark.
You shouldn’t have to recut any nut slots that way.
However, if you want to go back to standard tuning, you’ll be putting a huge strain on the neck…
So, either way, to get those awesome low-tuned bands it helps to have a bass dedicated to the new tuning.
In the end, I bought the EXL230 D’Addario heavy-gauge set (0.055-0.110), and I came back to the forum because I noticed something while tuning back to standard.
My D and G string machine heads were getting harder and harder to turn as I approached their standard tuning notes (D and G). I stopped immediately, checked theD’Addario string tension chart, and saw that my G string was exerting about 60 lbs of tension. That seems like too much, doesn’t it? Am I about to break those strings?
I’m starting to think I might need a second bass just for alternate tunings. What do you think? Honestly, I’m confused now about whether I can safely go back to EADG or not, haha.
That’s what I did with one of mine; strung it BEAD using Ernie Ball specific strings for that set up. I opened the nut a touch which was super easy. I have gone two full steps on tuning without issue.
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can I ask which strings do you usually use when playing their stuff on a 4-string bass?
