Not sure where to put this question/thought. So, when looking at sheet music and tabs, I see that in some cases if the note calls for a D, I would play it on the D string. However, on a different song, the D is tabed on the 5th fret of the A string. The tone sounds the same. How do you make the decision if I am looking at the sheet notes, not the tabs.
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If you’re looking just at notes, then you get to make the decision of open D vs. 5th fret on A (or similar for other notes).
While the two are the same note in the same octave, there is a slight tonal difference between the two due to the thickness of the string. So that’s something people take into account. And there are people who will always prefer a fretted not over an open string. But probably a bigger thing people take into account is what notes are around that in the song and what makes sense for your fingers.
Even on a song where you’re looking at the tabs if the fretting/fingering doesn’t work for you but another one with the same notes feels better, go with what feels better for you.
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Choosing to play a given note on a particular string depends on its context within the line, i.e., where on the fretboard allows you the most economy of motion?
In other words, always seek the easiest way to fret a note given those notes that came before it and those that follow it. After thinking/playing this way a while, it becomes second nature.
One other thing: tabs often don’t have much logic behind them. For example, if you find that playing an open string for a note is vastly better/easier/faster for you instead of fretting a note on the fifth fret, go for it. You have an equal chance at being right as the guy who created the tab.
Bottom line: As long as you can play the notes in time and in tune, you’re golden. 
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Agree with @MikeC . There’s a persistent ethos that playing 5th fret is somehow superior to playing the open string and often this is reflected in tabs even when it makes no sense. Ignore this and play whatever makes the most sense.
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I would add that, yes, there are slight tonal differences but personally I go more for convenience.
- Open strings can be convenient as, well, no fretting!
- I will often use the fret if that’s the position I’m already playing in or about to play in.
- I often find it easier to mute a fretted note (by just lifting my fretting finger) than an open string requiring you to mute with the plucking hand or touching with the fretting hand. The latter rather reduces the convenience of not fretting an open string.
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Thanks, that makes sense. I learned music in my teens and twenties. I play the Trumpet and decided to take on the bass after retirement. To me, Tabs are confusing; I rather read the notes. So, I am was on the right track thinking this was Josh’s way of making us learn a particular line, but I like that it’s not set in stone and you have flexibility in how it’s played. Thanks,
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I used to play a little classical guitar and quite often in the notation (not tab) it would give recommended strings and fingerings. So a number next to the note in a circle is a string recommendation and a bare number next to a note is the suggested fretting finger to use…I don’t always agree!
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Oh, since you’re a trumpeter this string/fret vs. another for the same note on the bass is really the same as different valve combos for the same note on your trumpet. You can play a G with no valves or with first and third.
The notes are the important bit, the fret choices are just what gets you the notes.
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I wonder if that comes over from upright where there’s a lot more difference between open and stopped notes.
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Upright bass players routinely play open strings whenever it serves the fluidity of a line.
For example, James Jamerson played jazz on an upright long before he began playing a bass guitar in classic Motown tracks. As such, he carried over his use of playing open strings (as well as his use of a single plucking finger).
Duck Dunn also played open strings on his iconic blues and R&B lines.
These are only two examples of extremely notable players who played open strings quite a lot, but the entire list is innumerable.
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which, btw, may not always be what is the closest. i have been learning a couple songs where i was grabbing notes that were the closest to where my hand was positioned. then i noticed that the bassist herself tends to slide up and down the same string for notes rather than crossing strings a lot. it made it easier to play for me, sounds cool and it’s a whole lot of fun to play.
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Sometimes playing an open string can give your fretting hand a little more time to shift to a new position.
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Now I see a difference here. Conceptually, there may be some similarities. However, practically, as a trumpet player, I would not change the valves pressing combinations. For example, when playing a G, it provides no advantage playing an open G or with 1-3 valves combination. In fact, if you tune the first valve for an F, then the G with 1-3 comes out a bit flat. However, with the bass, there seems to be many practical approaches to playing fretted vs open. I like it. It seems to provide lots of flexibility. Thanks for the feedback.
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Sometimes playing an open string sounds better too. Depends on the vibe of the song. If it’s a driving, pedaling or chugging bassline you definitely want to consider open strings.
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I’m speaking a bit outside of my range of first-hand practical experience, but I did read that for fretless instruments, playing the open string gives a reference point for intonation of the fingered notes.
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Ngl, I prefer the timbre of that D being played on the A string… buuuuut the next note is always the first consideration for me. In this example (not a great one with an open string), but if the next note is an A on that D string, I’m playing that D on the fifth fret of A, then I’m already in position to play the A on D.
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Is it the timbre, or is the A string simply slightly louder (as is common unless a setup is perfect)?
Pretty sure it’s the timbre. That thicker, fuller sound is just more pleasing to my ear. It’s still very secondary to where the next note is though.
Skill issue as the kids say. The timbre of open strings on upright bass/violin family instruments makes it sound like an accent when you go from a note stopped by a finger to the nut. You also lose vibrato for an open string if you’re playing a style that uses it. Playing an open string should be a decision based on the sound you want, not your ability to intonate.
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