Bass guitars might have fewer strings than their guitar cousins, but tuning them properly is just as important—maybe even more so, since bass notes are foundational to any musical arrangement. Whether you’re new to bass or switching from guitar, this guide will make the process straightforward.
Bass guitars typically have thicker strings and are tuned an octave lower than a standard guitar’s bottom four strings. This creates deeper, more powerful tones but also means you need a tuner that can accurately detect low frequencies. A basic guitar tuner might struggle with the lowest bass note, so a dedicated bass tuner or high-quality chromatic tuner is ideal.
Standard 4-string bass tuning is E-A-D-G, from lowest to highest. If you have a 5-string bass, add a low B string at the beginning. A 6-string bass adds both a low B and a high C string.
4-string: E-A-D-G 5-string: B-E-A-D-G 6-string: B-E-A-D-G-C
This is important: Use a bass-specific tuner or a high-quality chromatic tuner. Generic guitar tuners sometimes struggle with the low frequencies of bass strings, especially the low E or B string. Here’s what works:
Step 1: Clip on your tuner. Attach it to your bass headstock or use an app on your phone.
Step 2: Start with the low E string. This is your thickest string. Pluck it and adjust the tuning machine (the peg) until the tuner shows E.
Step 3: Tune the A string. Move to the next string and adjust until you hit A.
Step 4: Tune the D string. The third string should be tuned to D.
Step 5: Tune the G string. The thinnest string on a 4-string bass is G.
Step 6: Check everything again. Do a second pass to make sure all strings are still in tune.
While less common than guitar tuning by ear (those low frequencies are hard to judge), you can tune a bass by ear using the 5th fret method:
For a 5-string bass, fret the B string at the 5th fret to tune the E string. This method works but requires a good ear for bass frequencies.
New strings need breaking in. Fresh bass strings stretch and can go out of tune quickly for several days. Tune, play, and retune frequently until they stabilize.
Be gentle with tuning machines. Bass strings have high tension. Turn the machines smoothly and deliberately to avoid breaking strings.
Tune up, not down. Just like with guitar, if you overshoot and go sharp, come back down and approach from below. This helps the string hold tension.
Check before every session. Make tuning a non-negotiable part of your warm-up routine.
As you get more comfortable, you might explore alternate tunings:
Drop D tuning: D-A-D-G (lower the E string to D). This is popular in rock and metal.
Drop C tuning: C-G-C-F (tune even lower). Common in heavy metal.
Drop B tuning: B-F#-B-E (extremely low). Used in extreme metal genres.
Half-step down: D#-G#-C#-F#. Gives a darker tone while staying close to standard.
Always use a tuner when switching to alternate tunings—your ear alone won’t be reliable for such dramatic changes.
Can’t hold a steady note? Your tuner might be struggling with the frequency. Try a bass-specific tuner or move to a quieter environment.
Tuning machines keep slipping? The machines might need tightening, or your strings might be damaged. Have a tech check it out.
Strings keep breaking? You might be tuning machines too aggressively. Turn them slowly and steadily.
Tuning regularly is the fastest way to develop sensitivity to pitch. After a few weeks of consistent tuning, you’ll start hearing when strings are slightly off. This skill is invaluable for live playing when you need to quickly adjust on the fly.
Pick a reliable tuner, commit to tuning before every practice session, and within a short time it will become automatic. A well-tuned bass is the foundation for everything you’ll play, so this basic skill pays dividends immediately. Your bandmates will thank you for showing up in tune!
