Bass tuning: 4-string, 5-string and Drop D
Standard bass tuning is E A D G, one octave below the bottom four strings of a guitar. Choose your bass, then tap a string to hear its target note.
4-string (E A D G)
String 4 is the thickest. The notes are the same as the bottom four strings of a guitar, one octave lower.
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| String 4 | E1 | 41.20 Hz |
| String 3 | A1 | 55.00 Hz |
| String 2 | D2 | 73.42 Hz |
| String 1 | G2 | 98.00 Hz |
5-string (B E A D G)
A 5-string bass adds a low B below the E string.
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| String 5 | B0 | 30.87 Hz |
| String 4 | E1 | 41.20 Hz |
| String 3 | A1 | 55.00 Hz |
| String 2 | D2 | 73.42 Hz |
| String 1 | G2 | 98.00 Hz |
Drop D (D A D G)
From standard tuning, lower the E string a whole step to D.
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| String 4 | D1 | 36.71 Hz |
| String 3 | A1 | 55.00 Hz |
| String 2 | D2 | 73.42 Hz |
| String 1 | G2 | 98.00 Hz |
1. Pluck firmly, over the neck
Use the fleshy part of your finger near the neck pickup. It gives the microphone a stronger fundamental than a pick near the bridge.
2. Mute what you are not tuning
Rest your other hand lightly on the strings you aren’t tuning so they don’t ring along.
3. Read after the attack
The first instant of a pluck is sharp. Let the note settle for a moment before you turn the peg.
Measured, not claimed
From low B up to D, our benchmark measured a median error under 2 cents on every bass string. The G string (8.46 cents) is the one we are still improving. The full results and method are on the accuracy page.
What are the notes of standard bass tuning?
On a 4-string bass, from the thickest string: E1, A1, D2 and G2. A 5-string bass adds B0 below the E.
Why can’t I hear the low notes properly?
Most phone and laptop speakers can’t play the fundamental of a low E (41.2 Hz) or low B (30.9 Hz). You mostly hear the overtones, which still sound like the right note. Headphones help.
Why does my tuner jump around on the low strings?
A phone microphone picks up very little of a bass string’s fundamental, so a tuner has to work it out from the overtones. Pluck firmly with your finger over the neck pickup, mute the other strings, and read the note once the attack has passed.
Can I tune a bass with harmonics?
Yes. The 12th-fret harmonic sounds one octave above the open string, so a tuner shows the same note name one octave up. It rings longer and is often easier to read on the lowest strings.