The Bass in Fifths

[Jeff Moote]

We have a 5 string bass thread, so I thought I'd start this one. I'm currently still tuning in 4ths but I'm seriously considering the change depending on the outcome of some discussion with a few teachers.

To begin discussion:

• Do any of you currently tune in 5ths?
• Have any of you tried it and gone back? If so why - was it the left hand challenges, or was it lack of acceptance by your peers or teacher(s)?
• For those who are tuned in 5ths: What strings are you using? Who have you studied under - did you keep your teacher at the time, or did you find another (who was either more open minded or a 5ths player themselves)?
• For those who've never tried it: What are your thoughts? Have you heard someone tuned in 5ths perform live?

I'll be posting in this thread as I continue the path toward fifths (or turn back running at some point ). I've had email exchanges with a few players, and I'm constantly researching any info I can find in the way of who is using this tuning, how/why, what books are available, string choices, etc.