Are you a bass player looking to expand your tonal range and explore uncharted musical territories? Venturing beyond standard bass guitar tuning can unlock a world of sonic possibilities. Among the most intriguing alternate tunings are piccolo and tenor bass tunings. These approaches transform your four-string into a versatile instrument capable of both deep resonance and bright, guitar-like melodies. Let’s delve into the specifics of the Piccolo Bass Guitar and its close relative, the tenor bass.
What Exactly is a Piccolo Bass Guitar?
The piccolo bass guitar is essentially a bass guitar tuned an octave higher than standard bass tuning (E1-A1-D2-G2). To put it in familiar terms, it mirrors the tuning of the four lowest strings of a standard six-string guitar (E2-A2-D3-G3). This upward shift in pitch dramatically alters the instrument’s voice. A piccolo bass guitar doesn’t simply sound like a higher-pitched regular bass; it takes on a unique character, often described as brighter and more articulate, approaching the tonal range of a guitar but retaining a distinct bass essence.
Tenor Bass Guitar: Another Path to Higher Tones
Alongside the piccolo bass, the tenor bass guitar stands out as another popular up-tuning. Tenor bass tuning is in A standard (A1-D2-G2-C3), mirroring the top four strings of a six-string bass in standard B tuning. Prominent players like Stanley Clarke and Victor Wooten have championed the tenor bass, showcasing its expressive capabilities and versatility across genres. The tenor bass occupies a sonic space between the standard bass and the piccolo bass, offering a higher register than standard while maintaining a warmer, rounder tone compared to the brighter piccolo.
Piccolo Bass and Tenor Bass: Hybrid Instruments
While the names “piccolo bass” and “tenor bass” might seem like oxymorons, they are well-established terms in the bass community. Rather than focusing on the “bass” designation in a strictly low-frequency sense, consider these instruments as hybrids. They blend the foundational aspects of a bass guitar with tonal characteristics reminiscent of a tenor guitar or even a piccolo instrument in the brass family in the case of the piccolo bass.
Approaching a piccolo or tenor bass guitar requires a shift in mindset. These are not simply standard basses tuned higher; they are unique instruments that encourage a hybrid playing style, drawing inspiration from both bass and guitar techniques. A piccolo bass doesn’t replicate the sound of a four-string guitar, and a tenor bass doesn’t become a baritone guitar substitute. Instead, they offer their own distinct sonic identities, opening up fresh avenues for creative bass playing and expanding the overall tonal palette of the bass guitar.
Experimenting with piccolo bass guitar tuning or tenor bass tuning can inject new life into your playing and spark innovative musical ideas. Whether you are drawn to the brilliant, soaring tones of the piccolo bass or the versatile, mid-range voice of the tenor bass, exploring these alternate tunings can be a rewarding journey for any bassist seeking sonic expansion.
