Tuning a bass guitar is an essential skill that every bass player should learn, regardless of their skill level.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of tuning your bass guitar, explain the different tuning methods, and offer some helpful tips to help you get the most out of your instrument.
Get to know your bass guitar
Before you start tuning your bass guitar, you need to know its parts and how they work.
Bass guitar’s body
The bass guitar’s body is the large, curvy part of the instrument you hold while playing. It’s typically made of wood and is designed to resonate and amplify the sound produced by the strings.
Bass guitar’s neck
The neck is usually made of wood and is home to the fretboard and tuning machines.
Bass guitar’s fretboard
The fretboard is the smooth, flat surface that runs down the length of the neck. It’s where you press down on the strings to produce different notes and sounds.
Bass guitar’s bridge
The bridge is part of the bass guitar that holds the strings in place and transfers the vibrations to the instrument’s body.
Bass guitar pickups
The pickups are small electronic devices underneath the strings that capture the vibrations and convert them into an electrical signal that can be amplified.
Bass guitar’s strings
The strings are the thin metal wires that run from the bridge to the tuning machines. They’re what produce the sound when you pluck or strum them.
If you want to know more, you can read our article about the origin of the bass guitar.
How to tune a bass guitar – the basics
Tuning a bass guitar is basically adjusting the tension of the strings so that they vibrate at the correct frequency to produce the desired notes.
You can do this using the tuning pegs on the headstock.
- Tighten the tuning pegs to raise the pitch if the strings sound flat.
- Loosen the tuning pegs to lower the pitch if the strings sound too sharp.
Standard bass guitar tuning
If you have a standard bass guitar with 4 strings, the standard tuning for your instrument is E-A-D-G.
It starts from the thickest string (the lowest note) to the thinnest string (the highest note). This is the same as the four lowest-pitched strings on a regular guitar, but with each string tuned one octave lower.
- The E string is 41.2 Hz
- The A string is 55.0 Hz
- The D string is 73.4 Hz
- The G string is 98.0 Hz
The 4-string bass guitar is often used in many different genres of music, such as rock, pop, funk, jazz, blues, and many more. Its simple design and tuning make it easy to play for beginners, but its versatility allows experienced players to explore new sounds and techniques.
Tuning for 5-string bass guitar
A bass guitar with 5 strings is an extended-range bass with one more string than a traditional 4-string bass guitar.
The five strings are typically tuned to B-E-A-D-G, with the lowest note on the lowest string (B) and the highest note on the highest string (G).
- The B string is 30.9 Hz
- The E string is 41.2 Hz
- The A string is 55.0 Hz
- The D string is 73.4 Hz
- The G string is 98.0 Hz
This tuning gives you an extended range of notes, allowing for deeper bass notes and higher-pitched melodies to be played. This tuning is commonly used in many genres of music, including rock, metal, funk, jazz, and more.
Tuning for 6-string bass guitar
A bass guitar with 6 strings has two additional strings compared to a standard 4-string bass guitar. The six strings are typically tuned to B-E-A-D-G-C, with the lowest note on the lowest string (B) and the highest note on the highest string (C).
- The B string is 30.9 Hz
- The E string is 41.2 Hz
- The A string is 55.0 Hz
- The D string is 73.4 Hz
- The G string is 98.0 Hz
- The C string is 130.8 Hz
6-string basses are used in various genres, including metal, fusion, jazz, and progressive rock. They require some adjustment to playing technique, especially if you are used to playing on a 4-string or 5-string bass. However, they can be a powerful tool for exploring new sounds and pushing the boundaries of bass playing.
Tuning for 8 and 12-string bass guitars
Tuning an eight or twelve-string bass guitar can be done in a similar way to tuning a standard four-string bass guitar, but with some additional considerations due to the extra strings.
The extra strings are usually tuned in pairs to a higher octave. The tuning process will involve tuning the four standard strings first and then tuning the additional pairs of strings to match them at a higher octave.
These types of bass guitars are less common than their four-string counterparts, but they are still used by some bass players in specific genres of music, such as metal, progressive rock, and jazz.
How to tune a bass guitar with an electronic tuner
Tuning a bass guitar with an electric tuner is the quickest, easiest, and probably the most accurate way to do it.
How the electronic tuners work
There are different electronic tuners, ranging from simple clip-on tuners to more advanced pedal tuners with additional features. But they all work in a similar way- detect the pitch of the sound waves produced by the strings when they are plucked.
The tuner has a built-in microphone or vibration sensor that detects the sound waves or vibrations produced by the bass guitar strings. Then compares the pitch frequency to the desired tuning for each string.
If the string is not in tune, the tuner displays an indicator to show whether the string is too low or too high in pitch. Then you can adjust the tuning pegs until the tuner indicates it is in tune.
Read more about the different types and categories of tuners.
Step-by-step on how to tune a bass guitar with an electronic tuner
Now that you understand what electronic tuners are, you can get down to tuning your instrument.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Clip the tuner onto the headstock of your bass guitar. Make sure it is securely attached and in a position where it can pick up the vibrations from the strings.
- Turn on the tuner and select the bass guitar mode. Some tuners have different modes for different instruments, so select the mode for bass guitar.
- Play the open string you want to tune. For example, if you want to tune the E string, play the open E string.
- Watch the tuner’s display. It will show you the note the string is currently tuned to and whether it is too low or too high.
- Adjust the tuning pegs to bring the string into tune. If the display shows that the note is too low, turn the tuning peg for that string clockwise to tighten the string and raise the pitch. If the display shows that the note is too high, turn the tuning peg counterclockwise to loosen the string and lower the pitch.
- Keep playing the string and making small adjustments until the tuner shows the note is in tune.
- Repeat the process for each string, starting with the thickest (lowest) string and working your way to the thinnest (highest) string.
- Once you have tuned all the strings, play some chords or scales to check the tuning and make any necessary adjustments.
How to tune a bass guitar by ear
Tuning a bass guitar by ear is an essential and very helpful skill that you should learn. This will assure you that at any moment, regardless of the circumstances, you can tune your instrument, even if you do not have an electronic tuner. Also, you will train your ear, which will help you create outstanding music.
Tune your bass guitar to another instrument
You can use another instrument for tuning your bass. Just be sure that the instrument you will use for reference is in tune.
- Start by tuning the lowest string (the E string) to the correct pitch. Play the reference pitch and then pluck the string on your bass. Adjust the tuning peg until the note matches the reference pitch.
- Once the E string is in tune, use it as a reference pitch to tune the following string, which is the A string. Press down on the 5th fret of the E string and pluck it, then pluck the open A string at the same time. Adjust the tuning peg on the A string until the two notes sound identical.
- Use the A string as a reference pitch to tune the D string. Press down on the fifth fret of the A string and pluck it, then pluck the open D string at the same time. Adjust the tuning peg on the D string until the two sound the same.
- Then use the D string as a reference pitch to tune the G string. Press down on the fifth fret of the D string and pluck it, then pluck the open G string at the same time. Use the tuning peg to adjust the G string until the two sounds match.
- Check your tuning by playing some chords and scales to make sure everything sounds in tune. Make any necessary adjustments until your bass guitar is properly tuned.
Tuning a bass guitar with harmonic
Tuning a bass guitar using harmonics is a technique that involves lightly touching the string at specific points along its length to produce a harmonic tone and then adjusting the tuning until the harmonic tone matches a reference pitch.
You will use the harmonics on the 5th and 7th frets for tuning your bass. Follow these steps:
- Play the 7th fret harmonic on the A string, then play the 5th fret harmonic on the E string. The two should ring at the same time. Adjust the tuning peg on the A string until the two pitches match.
- Play the 7th fret harmonic on the D string, then play the 5th fret harmonic on the A string. Listen carefully and adjust the tuning peg on the D string until the two sounds match.
- Play the 7th fret harmonic on the G string, then play the 5th fret harmonic on the D string. Adjust the tuning peg on the G string until the two harmonics match.
- Check your tuning and make necessary adjustments until your bass guitar is tuned correctly.
How to tune a bass guitar with a Smartphone app
Using a smartphone app to tune your bass guitar is a good option for beginners or anyone who doesn’t have a lot of experience with tuning by ear. Just be sure to use a reliable app, and remember that tuning with a smartphone is unreliable because the microphone is not designed for professional sound reading but for conversations.
Smartphone tuning apps work similarly to electronic tuners – the app picks up the pitch of your bass through your smartphone’s microphone and reads whether it’s high or low.
These are the steps to use it:
- Download a reliable tuning app on your smartphone. Some popular options include Guitar Tuna, Guitar Tuner Pro, and Fender Guitar Tune.
- Open the app and select the bass guitar option.
- Play each string one by one and follow the instructions on the app. Most tuning apps will display the note being played and indicate whether it’s too high, too low, or in tune.
- Adjust the tuning pegs on your bass guitar to match the desired pitch indicated on the app.
- Repeat the process for each string until your bass guitar is properly tuned.
- Check your tuning by playing some chords and scales.
How to tune a bass guitar with an Alternate tunings
Altered tunings can be used to achieve different sounds and textures. Here are a few common altered tunings for bass guitar:
Drop D Tuning for bass guitar
In drop D tuning, the low E string is tuned down one whole step to D, while the other strings remain in standard tuning. This tuning is commonly used in rock, metal, and punk music and can create a heavy and powerful sound.
Half Step Down Tuning for bass guitar
In half step down tuning, all strings are tuned down one half step from standard tuning (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb). This tuning is often used in blues, funk, and jazz music and can create a deeper and warmer sound.
Whole Step Down Tuning for bass guitar
In whole step down tuning, all strings are tuned down two half steps from standard tuning (D-G-C-F). This tuning is commonly used in alternative and heavy rock music and can create a darker and heavier sound.
Drop C Tuning for bass guitar
In drop C tuning, the low E string is tuned down two whole steps to C, while the other strings stays in standard tuning. It is commonly used in metal and hardcore music and can create a deep and powerful sound.
Open G Tuning for bass guitar
In open G tuning, the strings are tuned to G, D, G (an octave higher), and Bb. This tuning is used in blues and slide guitar music and can create a rich and resonant sound.
How often should you tune your bass guitar?
Bass guitars have been proven to hold their tuning longer than other guitars. Still, it is recommended that you check the tuning each time before playing. These quick checks will keep your bass and strings in good shape for longer.
Tips to keep your bass guitar in tune
Here are some tips to help you keep your bass guitar in tune longer:
Stretch your strings
When you first put new strings on your bass guitar, they need time to settle and stretch out. Play each string and gently pull on it to stretch it out. Retune and repeat the process until the strings hold their tuning.
Use high-quality strings
High-quality strings tend to stay in tune longer and require less tuning. Invest in good quality strings and change them regularly to maintain optimal tuning.
Change your strings regularly
Changing your bass guitar strings regularly is essential for maintaining the best sound quality, intonation, and playability of your bass guitar. It’s recommended to change strings every few months, depending on how often you play and the type of strings you use.
Use good-quality tuning pegs
Poor-quality tuning pegs can cause your bass guitar to go out of tune quickly. Upgrade to high-quality tuning pegs to ensure they hold their tuning longer.
Keep your bass guitar in a stable environment
Extreme temperatures and humidity can cause your bass guitar to go out of tune quickly. Store your bass guitar in a stable environment with moderate temperature and humidity levels.
Use a lubricant on the nut and bridge
Friction at the nut and bridge can cause strings to go out of tune quickly. Use a lubricant, such as graphite or a specialized nut lubricant, to reduce friction and keep your bass guitar in tune longer.
Tune your bass guitar regularly
Check your bass guitar’s tuning regularly and make small adjustments as needed. This will help prevent significant tuning issues and keep your bass guitar in tune longer.
Conclusion:
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician, tuning your instrument can significantly improve your sound quality and overall playing experience. There are many methods you can use to tune your bass guitar.
It’s important to experiment and find the one that works best for you. If you want to know how to tune your electric guitar or want to know more about the different ways to tune an acoustic guitar, make sure to check our guides for these!
