5 String Bass Tuning

I'm looking at getting a 5 string bass, but just had a question or two about the different tunings for them..

I've noticed a few bands that I listen to, that use a 5 string bass, use the tuning A# F A# D# G#
Why would they take the EADG strings up a half step?
Wouldn't the strings break, if they're a particularly high tension/weak brand?

Don't know...Really...But i've never actually seen it.

You can up tune your bass.. it's not like the strings will snap as soon as you pass standard tuning. I actually used to have my bass tuned to EAEA where the D and G strings are 2 semitones higher. My bass was not set up for this and had the cheapest strings on it.

I've never seen a band up tune a 5 string frankly.. a capo just seems so much smarter.

Most of the guitar pro tabs for In Flames songs are tuned to A# F A# D#
Even though the bassist uses a 5 string, most of the tabs are for a 4 string..
Same goes for Breaking Benjamin tabs..

Fuzzydice45 wrote:Most of the guitar pro tabs for In Flames songs are tuned to A# F A# D#
Even though the bassist uses a 5 string, most of the tabs are for a 4 string..
Same goes for Breaking Benjamin tabs..

There you have it, the problems with tabs....

Noob question: is "Open A# Tuning" just every string a half step down?

Fuzzydice45 wrote:Most of the guitar pro tabs for In Flames songs are tuned to A# F A# D#
Even though the bassist uses a 5 string, most of the tabs are for a 4 string..
Same goes for Breaking Benjamin tabs..

If the tab is for 4strings then the tuning is for 4 too.You cannot adjust it to a 5 string.

Cliff em' all wrote:If the tab is for 4strings then the tuning is for 4 too.You cannot adjust it to a 5 string.

I think what most of the tab makers do is use whatever the BEAD strings are tuned for and leave out the G.
So if a song is supposed to be played on a 5 string bass tuned to BEADG, the person that makes the tab would just tab it out the same, but for a 4 string bass tuned to BEAD.

The reason why the tabs are for a 4 string bass tuned to A# F A# D# is because its really supposed to be played on a 5 string bass.

I've got it now, if anyone cares

For drop C its _CGCF
You just play it like a 4 string, you can have the low B tuned to G if you want the extra low end.

For A# its just every string a half step down.
Bb Eb Ab Db Gb or A# D# G# C# F#