Printable Version of Topic

Click here to view this topic in its original format

GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ Range Of The 6-string Bass

Posted by: thefireball Feb 16 2013, 07:23 PM

Hello. It's fireball (aka Brandon). I'm programming bass into my MIDI and I am wondering just how low can a 6-string bass go? For example, when a baritone or extended range guitar hits the low A, just below C3 (so I guess it's A2), is the bass guitar hitting the same note, or can it go an octave lower? Is it commonly done? I don't want to program my bass so low that it's in the sub-bass and not possible on the real bass guitar.

And out of curiosity, what do bassists tune their basses to?

Thanks - I learn from you.

Posted by: Sollesnes Feb 16 2013, 07:38 PM

This is something you can easily find on google.
Standard tuning for a 6 string is adding a low, and a high note (B0 E1 A1 D2 G2 C3), but there are many alternative tunings. In comparison, a drop A tuned 7 string guitar is A1 E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4.

Good luck

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Feb 16 2013, 07:51 PM

Yes this is correct- 6 string bassists usually have low B and C on top for extended range. I wouldn't go bellow that low B - for keeping it nice and natural sounding.

Posted by: thefireball Feb 16 2013, 08:24 PM

It's weird because when I preview the A2 in piano roll it is the low A on my Drop A 6-string. Something is throwing me off. I just checked all the octaves.