Never use my G string

[SimonK]

1 hour ago, ASW said:

I find it easier to use the notes on the G string if I'm reading music. I score out bass parts for the bands I'm in. None of them play particularly frequently, so it's so much easier and more time efficient for me to turn up to a rehearsal or gig and read the bass part rather than try to memorise a whole set again.

 

If there are notes G or above (i.e. the same octave as the G string) it's easier for me to play those notes on the G String rather than jump up to a different position in a split second. It was the same when I had a 6 string bass with the C string, although that string was needed far less frequently.  

 

Despite what I said earlier, I have to agree that I too am more likely to use the G string when reading music, especially sight reading, as the old classical guitarist in me instinctively plays the notes within reach if my brain is busy processing the music!

[Reggaebass]

1 hour ago, AinsleyWalker said:

Did you have to adjust the nut? I tried to restring a cheap Peavey I have lying around to BEAD and had to really work on the nut, file the grooves out a lot etc. 

hi Ainsley, yes I did slightly, I saw a tip to use an old roundwound string as a sort of file by sliding it up and down to widen the slot, it worked a treat and didn’t take much 

[Nail Soup]

On 12/01/2026 at 11:48, Stu-khag said:

I used to use it a lot as it was the only way I could hear myself by playing - funnily enough I saw a video of peter hook saying the same thing yesterday.

this is me playing for way too long solely on the G and D string

 

 

Great track, loved it! The high-string bassline worked perfectly. Band name is good too!

[Phil Starr]

How else would a covers band play Sweet Child Of Mine, Jean Genie, Video Killed The Radio Stars!!??

 

Seriously I've been through rehearsals without touching the G string and even the odd gig but there's an awful lot of times you need an octave in an arpeggio.

[Kev]

The only time I've ever felt I need a G is for an open string riff, otherwise 5 frets down the neck and you're there 😁

[Stub Mandrel]

16 minutes ago, Kev said:

The only time I've ever felt I need a G is for an open string riff, otherwise 5 frets down the neck and you're there 😁

 

How can you play Allright Now or Bad Case of Loving You without a g-string?

[Woodinblack]

1 hour ago, Stub Mandrel said:

 

How can you play Allright Now or Bad Case of Loving You without a g-string?

 

You could play Alright now up around the 25th fret on the D string?

 

[ASW]

On 15/01/2026 at 10:12, SimonK said:

 

Despite what I said earlier, I have to agree that I too am more likely to use the G string when reading music, especially sight reading, as the old classical guitarist in me instinctively plays the notes within reach if my brain is busy processing the music!

 

I play Classical guitar, so perhaps that's the same reason for me too.

 

I haven't played for a few years, but have just restrung my Ramirez with the intention of getting back into it. I'll have to get used to the treble clef again! 

[Kev]

1 hour ago, Stub Mandrel said:

 

How can you play Allright Now or Bad Case of Loving You without a g-string?

 

 

I'd hum loudly.

 

[Gizmo]

 

 

I think tony lost his original 3 string in a fire...still pretty funny ;)

[Baloney Balderdash]

I use all my strings.

 

And yes, I do very often use the G string too.

 

I am a very melodically founded bass player, that seldom just do root notes unison with the guitar.

 

Edited 1 hour ago by Baloney Balderdash