How to tune a bass guitar by ear
Standard tuning for a four-string bass is E1–A1–D2–G2, from the lowest and thickest string to the highest.
Play the reference tone for the string you want to tune, then pluck the same string on your bass. Listen carefully to the difference between the two pitches and adjust the tuning machine until they match.
When the notes are close, you may hear a slow pulsing or “beating” between them. The slower the beating becomes, the closer you are to the reference pitch. When the pitches match, the beating largely disappears.
Tune one string at a time and check them all again when you are finished. Changing the tension of one string can slightly affect the others.
Standard bass guitar tunings
| Bass | Tuning | Lowest to highest |
|---|---|---|
| 4-string bass | Standard | E1 – A1 – D2 – G2 |
| 5-string bass | Low B | B0 – E1 – A1 – D2 – G2 |
| 5-string bass | High C | E1 – A1 – D2 – G2 – C3 |
| 6-string bass | Standard | B0 – E1 – A1 – D2 – G2 – C3 |
Standard bass frequencies
| Note | Frequency |
|---|---|
| E1 | 41.20 Hz |
| A1 | 55.00 Hz |
| D2 | 73.42 Hz |
| G2 | 98.00 Hz |
Why is the low E hard to hear on a phone?
The lowest notes of a bass guitar are difficult for small speakers to reproduce. The open E string is only about 41 Hz, and the low B of a five- or six-string bass is lower still.
If E1 or B0 sounds quieter through a phone or laptop, that does not necessarily mean the tuner is playing at the wrong level. Small speakers reproduce the higher harmonics of the note much more easily than the fundamental frequency.
TuneStrings therefore uses a reference tone designed to keep low bass notes audible on small speakers while preserving the correct pitch.
For the clearest result, use headphones or external speakers when tuning the lowest strings.
4-string bass tuning
The four-string electric bass is normally tuned E–A–D–G, the same interval relationship as the four lowest strings of a guitar but one octave lower.
Start with the thick E string and work toward the G string. You can select each reference tone separately in the tuner above.
5-string bass tuning
The most common five-string bass adds a low B0 below the standard E string, giving the tuning:
B0–E1–A1–D2–G2
Another configuration adds a high C3 instead:
E1–A1–D2–G2–C3
Both are available in the TuneStrings tuner.
6-string bass tuning
A standard six-string bass extends the four-string tuning in both directions:
B0–E1–A1–D2–G2–C3
This gives the instrument both the extended low range of a five-string Low B bass and an additional high C string.
Tips for more accurate tuning
Use a light, consistent attack when checking the pitch. A hard pluck can make the pitch begin slightly sharp before settling.
Let the string ring while comparing it with the reference tone rather than repeatedly striking it.
If possible, tune up to the desired pitch rather than approaching it from above. This helps keep tension stable around the tuning machine.
If an old string refuses to settle or produces an unclear pitch, the string itself may be part of the problem. Fresh strings generally produce stronger and more stable harmonics.
Frequently asked questions
What is standard bass guitar tuning?
A standard four-string bass is tuned E1–A1–D2–G2, from the lowest string to the highest.
What is the tuning of a 5-string bass?
The most common five-string tuning is B0–E1–A1–D2–G2. Some five-string instruments instead use a high C: E1–A1–D2–G2–C3.
What is the tuning of a 6-string bass?
Standard six-string bass tuning is B0–E1–A1–D2–G2–C3.
Can I tune a bass using my phone speaker?
Yes, although very low notes such as E1 and B0 can be difficult for small speakers to reproduce. Headphones or larger speakers make the fundamental pitch easier to hear.
What reference pitch does TuneStrings use?
The tuner defaults to A4 = 440 Hz. The reference pitch can be adjusted if you need another concert pitch.