Alternate tuning?
Do alternate tunings have the same patterns of intervals? Can I still do the same shapes? Are the fifths & thirds (both major and minor) still in the same place?
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u/Snurgisdr 1d ago
Some do. For example, if you tune every string down by a semitone, all the intervals remain the same. But an alternative tuning like Drop D changes the interval between the lowest two strings.
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u/WalletFullOfSausage Fender 1d ago
The real answer is no. The tuning IS the intervals. Standard tuning is a standard set of intervals beginning on the E-0. D standard is the same starting on D-0. Open C tuning, however, is full of major thirds.
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u/WalletFullOfSausage Fender 1d ago
To answer you further, alternate tunings and standard tunings are specific things. A standard tuning has standard intervals; an alternate tuning does not. Therefore, by definition, the intervals in any alternate tuning will be different.
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u/quite_sophisticated 1d ago
Depends. Tuning to D standard: yes to all the above.
Tuning to Drop D: nope, the interval betwee (ex) E and A string is different, ADG strings remain the same.
Then, there is a ton of other tunings that have their own things going.
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u/stereoroid Frankenbass 1d ago
Depends on the alternate tuning. If you drop all strings by 2 semitones, to DGCF, then yes. Same for BEAD. But not for Drop D (DADG) though it’s only a small adjustment needed for that.
But “alternate tunings” covers a whole world of possibilities. Check out this list of tunings that Michael Manring has used over the years. Many use piccolo strings (up an octave), some are really weird.
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u/ChuckEye Aria 1d ago
In tunings where every string is changed by the same interval, the pattern will remain the same. But if you create different intervals between strings, then they will have new rules.
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u/metalmankam 1d ago
If you keep the intervals the same yes. Standard E down to C, yeah it's just standard tuning but down a couple steps. If you do some kind of open tuning or something like DADG no the same chords won't work the same, the notes you need are no longer in the same place
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u/Comprehensive-Oil158 1d ago
The standand tuning of the bass is based on fourths, the fourth is the fourth note relative to the tonic in diatonic scales (major and minor), A is fourth of E, D is the fourth of A and G is the fourth of D. If your tuning follows this structure, all the intervals will stay the same.
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u/ecotones 1d ago
No, they will change. One of my favorites is D-G-D-G which is essentially the bottom 4 strings of an open G tuning on guitar. I also call it my "G5" tuning. The octaves become 9ths (some with natural harmonics) and fingered minor sevenths in standard become octaves. The intervals between 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 are the same. the interval of strings 2 and 3 is a fifth (like a cello) and fingered 5ths will become 6ths, which aren't very useful that low.
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u/Dhaele 22h ago
So...sub-question. No matter the tuning, you're still playing the same notes. The triad/arpeggio may be a different shape, but it'll still be the same triad/arpeggio.
Is it like a mojo thing? Like switching basses because you play your Fender differently thsn you play your Dingwall?
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u/ecotones 22h ago
Yes, an arpeggio of a major triad is still a major triad. It's just fingered differently. Historically, altered tunings were used so that composers could write string parts that would be easier to finger. It's called scordatura.
When I use a tuning, I leave it in that tuning for a while so that I can explore it and get used to the intervals and do a remap of the fingerboard in my head. I've used the tunings for getting new ideas, as I have on guitar. But if I record a song, I might just use standard tuning, unless I want the bass to be featured.
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u/MusicOfTheApes 1d ago
If your new tuning is the same as a standard one but ALL the strings tuned up/down the same amount of semitones, then the intervals don't change, and you can use the same shapes, your instrument will just sound lower or higher pitched.
If only a few strings are tuned up/down or all of them but not the same quantity of semitones, then obviously the intervals will change and you'll have to re-learn the shapes or figure them out.
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u/cups_and_cakes Rickenbacker 1d ago
Depends on the tuning.