Fifths tuning

Fifths tuning is a non-standard tuning for the double bass, used primarily in classical and jazz music. In this tuning, the double bass is tuned like a cello but an octave lower (C-G-D-A low to high).

Although fifths tuning was once the most common double bass tuning in France in the 19th centuryFact|date=November 2007, standard fourths tuning (E-A-D-G) has since become the most used tuning for the instrument. Fifths has recently been repopularised by a handful of bassists, most notably American Red Mitchell and Canadian Joel Quarrington. Other players who use the tuning include [http://www.dennismasuzzo.com Dennis Masuzzo] , [http://www.silviodallatorre.com Silvio Dalla Torre] , and [http://www.larryholloway.com/ Larry Holloway] . Although still relatively uncommon (most fifths players are in Canada), its popularity is ever increasing.

Its advocatesFact|date=November 2007 say the advantages of fifths tuning are:
*Increased resonance, volume and quality of sound (the strings have more common overtones, causing the strings to vibrate sympathetically).
*Superior intonation with the rest of the string section due to the uniform tuning (for classical players).
*Best method of obtaining a low C, without an extension or a fifth string.
*Mostly used by jazz players for the major tenth which can be played easily without a position shift.

ee also

*Double bass
*Joel Quarrington
*Red Mitchell
*Circle of fifths