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[BigHig]

CGDA is working for me. Tuning in fifths will feel natural to anyone who has played violin, viola, cello, mandolin, mandola, octave mandolin, etc. You end up using each finger for it's own note in the diatonic scale, and the patterns work across all of the strings.

If you're worried about tuning way down to a C, hold the bass out away from your body and play the low C. It feels loose and looks sloppy. But hold the bass against your chest and play it and you'll feel this powerful low vibration coming from the string. This feels very natural, in a way that electric instruments don't. But, you'll need a good, clean amp that can amplify the lows. See my other posting about the Acoustic Image Contra. It sounds  really wonderful .

Down around 30Hz, the lowest notes take more time to develop tone, so keep the fast licks for the upper strings.

I can testify that holding the strings down sharply above the nut adds significant volume and sustain to the C and G strings (in CGDA tuning). I have ordered a string retainer bar to help with this.

Regarding tuning the high G up to an A: I've already broken 3 high strings and have started detuning when not in use. If this doesn't work, I'll search for a bulk source of strings.

Where did you order your string tree from?

[Jack K]

There is a thread about this under the Technical Topics heading, titled String Retainer. Don't remember where I got it, but I bought a black Floyd Rose retainer for a few bucks and used some old shrink wrap to make two spacers.

The additional volume and sustain for the low C  (CGDA tuning) is quite dramatic. But you pay for it whenever you tune your bass because the rubber strings do not easily move under the retainer. Tuning does take a little extra time. If you are experimenting with alternate strings know that I'm using the original rubber strings.

[Woodman13]

I've been using completely random tunings.  Sometimes I have no idea what the strings are tuned to although they are probably close to something in the range of C to G. I just tune em til they sound good.

It is kinda fun to play along like this as it helps tune your ear and you can discover some interesting sounds you might not find otherwise.

It also helps not look at your fret hand and to play entirely by ear.


Google alternate tunings for guitar and you will be surprised how many well know artists use a similar technique.