Tuning of bass strings

[kkurenaii]

hi, im new here, and im need of some advice. i just got my bass guitar, and there's something i would like to know.

isit normal for the bass strings to hit against the fretboard when the bass guitar is in drop d tuning while playing? i have some simple songs which i used them for practising, however with the strings hitting against the fretboard in drop d tuning.

my concern is, isit poosible to achieve a versatile way of switching bewteen normal tuning and drop d? i have no problems with my normal tuning, any ways to act remove my current problem or minimise it as much as possible? if so, any good places to intro for setting the strings? many thanks in advance.

 

[alanchia]

strings hitting fretboard? you mean more than 1 string are hitting the fretboard? Or it's a typo, which only the E-string hits the fretboard when you drop-tune it to D?

 

[kkurenaii]

only the e string, sorry that i didn't state it clearly. i knw its sort of like unaviodable, but is there anyway to act minimise the problem? i cant use my normal strength to strum(im using my fingers) when it happens, and i often missed the notes due to this.

 

[b33r]

it happens because when you downtune, there is less tension on the string, so naturally it'll start clanking against your frets. the only way to avoid it is to raise your action, but that's no fun. you just have to adjust to playing in drop-d.

if you want to switch from normal tuning to drop-d instantly, check out the Hipshot Bass Xtender. costs a fair bit though, and in my experience, can be quite frustrating to setup.

 

[alanchia]

wow, strumming bass!! that's interesting!

 

[Morlock]

thats why I bought a five string...

 

[kkurenaii]

thanks for all the kind reply. i got my squier bass not long ago, so i dun think atm i would be getting other bass guitar. anyway, any ways to adjust to the drop d problems? like strumm with lesser strength, or sort of like pluck the strings out instead of just normal strumming etc? once again, thanks for the kind replies

 

[MEATBALLS]

no no, you don't strum a bass. lol.

 

[alanchia]

thread starter, do you have anyone to guide you on bass playing? else why do you strum instead of plucking or picking? are you intending to play chordal tones with each strum like a guitar?

 

[kkurenaii]

LOL. im sorry, i literally used my fingers to pluck em. im new to playing bass, but nt to the extent that i even used e wrng way to play it. i apologise again or using the wrng wrd.

when in drop d, does plcuking the first string with lesser force helps? ive tried playing them at the second pickup, it is much better. but i would like to hear more advice. dun get e wrng idea, i use plucking when im playing my bass guitar, i just used the wrng word. sorry guys

@alanchia: im gald that u are the first one to reply, but do cut some sacarsm mate. i used the wrng wrd, but u dun have to sound so sacarstic. if you could, advice me on what i needed help, thanks.

 

[dumbcube]

I dun think he was being sarcastic la. alan's a helpful guy.

but it would be interesting if u did manage to strum the bass in drop D like a guitar without being muddy. that would have gotten us all interested.

 

[b33r]

lol anything can sound sarcastic over the internet.

just pluck softer. no two ways around it.

 

[Indigo_blues]

if you are a beginner, in my opinion, you do not need to drop the D.

Learn to play the basics first before altering the tuning of your strings.

Learn to play higher up the neck if you need to reach those notes.

If you really need lower notes, then get a 5 string bass.

 

[alanchia]

sorry for my remarks which sounds sarcastic to you. i have to apologize because you felt offended. i didnt mean any harm, because the concept of strumming on bass really has raised many interests.

any how, glad that the 'strumming' is now clarified.

also, be it 5 strings (low B) or 4 strings (drop D), you will typically use lesser strength on the low string since the tension is much lower. had these problem on me before too, just need practise to get it right.

not only the right hand fingers (or politically correct - the plucking fingers) needed to be trained for the low tension string, even the left hand fingers (or should I say fretting fingers) also need to adjust to the lower tension as some bassist will tend to use more strength than needed and cause the low tension string to bend unintentionally (ie slide and bend out of the fretboard) and thus changing the pitch accidentally.

anyway, have fun bassing. and do drop by this forum if you need help in future.

 

[trowaclown]

2 ways to help:

1. Change the guage of your strings/switch string brands to one with higher tension. With a higher guage/tension, the strings are all tighter, so you can counter the loss of tension when you drop tune. Note that all other strings will feel tigher as well, which might help since you're strumming, if I understand you right.

2. Play closer to the bridge. You will notice that the strings are tighter towards the bridge, so playing closer to the bridge gets you more tension, allowing you to use more strength. The tone becomes more nasally though, which might/might not be what you want/need.

 

[alanchia]

higher gauge string will also mean the nut needs to be regrooved in order for the new string to be seated correctly. and no turning back (to lower gauge string) unless you replace the whole nut.

 

[kkurenaii]

any kind souls to shed some light? thanks

 

[alanchia]

any kind souls to shed some light? thanks

i think we've shared many pros/cons and advise. which of the post you need more elaboration on?

 

[kkurenaii]

EDIT: sorry. i didn't realise the newer replies. all of em have been of great help, and i knw that the basics arent sth to get screwed up on the first place. i just wana knw since its sth i have tried out b4.



thanks for all the replies. i've gained some new knowledge which i find em v precious. once again, thanks for all the replies, including alan's. i appreciate it alot.