Tuning Description

Drop G 5 String Bass is a profoundly low and heavy tuning designed to deliver maximum impact, reminiscent of the thunderous tones often found in 7-string or even 6-string guitar tunings. This setup is perfect for bassists who want to lay down a thick, resonant foundation for genres like metal, hard rock, progressive music, or any style requiring extreme low-end presence. The characteristic "drop" in the lowest string creates a powerful intervallic relationship with the string above it, facilitating powerful riffs and deep grooves.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for Drop G 5 String Bass are G0, D1, G1, C2, F2. Let's break down the intervals:

• String 5 (G0) to String 4 (D1): A perfect fifth (7 semitones). This wide interval creates a deep, resonant quality and is characteristic of "drop" tunings.
• String 4 (D1) to String 3 (G1): A perfect fourth (5 semitones).
• String 3 (G1) to String 2 (C2): A perfect fourth (5 semitones).
• String 2 (C2) to String 1 (F2): A perfect fourth (5 semitones).

This tuning features a low G0, followed by a series of perfect fourths after the initial perfect fifth. The repetition of G (G0 and G1) creates a strong octaval relationship, reinforcing the fundamental tone and allowing for powerful, open G power chords by simply hitting the lowest three strings. The overall range is significantly lower than standard bass tunings, providing a distinct sonic landscape for heavy music.

Chordal Opportunities and Playability

While bass tunings aren't primarily about open chords in the traditional sense, Drop G 5 String Bass offers some very effective shapes for power chords and riffing:

• Open G Power Chord: The lowest three strings (G0, D1, G1) sound an open G power chord (root-fifth-octave). This makes for incredibly easy and powerful chugging and low-end reinforcement.
• One-Finger Power Chords: The "drop" nature allows for incredibly easy one-finger power chords on the lowest two strings (G0 and D1). By fretting a note on the 5th string and then fretting the same fret on the 4th string, you immediately create a root-fifth power chord. For example, playing the 1st fret on String 5 (G#) and the 1st fret on String 4 (D#) would create a G#5 power chord. This simplifies fast, heavy riffing on the lowest strings.
• Root-Fifth-Octave Shapes: The G-D-G relationship on the lowest strings facilitates easy movable power chords in a root-fifth-octave structure. Fretting a note on String 5, the same fret on String 4 (for the fifth), and two frets higher on String 3 (for the octave) creates a powerful, movable three-note chord.

The overall setup encourages heavy, rhythmic playing and makes complex low-end riffs more accessible. The consistent interval of a perfect fourth on the higher strings maintains familiar fingering patterns for scales and arpeggios, while the dropped G string offers unique possibilities.

How to Tune

To achieve the Drop G 5 String Bass tuning, adjust your strings as follows:

• String 5 (Low G0): Tune down 6 semitones.
• String 4 (D1): Tune down 4 semitones.
• String 3 (G1): Tune down 4 semitones.
• String 2 (C2): Tune down 4 semitones.
• String 1 (F2): Tune down 4 semitones.

Important Note on String Gauge: Tuning down 4 or more semitones across multiple strings, and particularly 6 semitones for the lowest string, represents a significant reduction in string tension. For optimal playability, intonation, and to prevent string flop or buzzing, it is strongly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set specifically designed for very low tunings. This will help maintain proper string tension and feel.

Open String Notes

String 5: G0

String 4: D1

String 3: G1

String 2: C2

String 1: F2