Dumb tuning question

[ScreamingHead69]

I made the leap to playing 5-string bass not too long ago, and yesterday for the first time I jamed with a guitar player playing in drop D tuning. I was just playing the low notes on my B string, but does anybody out there tune down their E string in that situation? It worked out fine they was I was playing, but having a three step separation between two strings could also open up some cool possibilities.

 

[sile2001]

Hmm...I haven't ever tried that, but then I don't ever play much that's in drop D. Honestly, I see more of a purpose for alternate tunings on guitar (where you are mostly playing more than 1 string at a time) than I do for bass (where you are frequently just playing one string at a time). But hey...there's (almost) never anything wrong with experimenting!

 

[Farview]

Yes, some guys do. Mainly because open D sounds different than the 5th string 3rd fret. Some guys also tune the B down to an A in that situation.

 

[Nateman01]

That sounds cool. I tune down sometimes to play drop D but i only play a 4 string. I bet you could get some interesting groves going like that

 

[ScreamingHead69]

It would definitly make for some intersting scale variations, especially since we're starting to do some more longform Buried Inside/Neurosis surper heavy and complex type stuff.

 

[flamin-gitaur]

I have written a couple of songs using that kind of tuning. (Drop the E to D). In fact I got that idea from a bass player I use to play with years ago. It takes a little getting used to at first, but once you get comfortable, it opens a whole new door of possibilities. Definitley cool!