Bass Guitar Tuning Chart
4-string bass · standard E–A–D–G plus the common alternates · tap a string for its reference pitch
How to play
- Bass strings are numbered from the thinnest: G is the 1st string, E is the 4th. This chart lists them low to high, so the bottom of the list is the thin G string.
- A bass is tuned exactly like the lowest four strings of a guitar, one octave down. Every interval is a perfect 4th, which is why the fret method below uses fret 5 for every single pair — there is no odd one out the way there is on a guitar.
- Both 5-string layouts are included. Low-B is by far the more common; high-C is the soloist’s choice.
- Tap a string card to hear a clean, steady reference tone; match your string to it by ear until the beating stops. Cards read 6th (thickest, lowest) on the left to 1st (thinnest, highest) on the right.
- Pick a tuning at the top. Notes that differ from standard are marked in green with how far they move.
- Play all sounds the whole tuning from low to high. Tune the low string first, then work up.
- Drop D lowers only the 6th string for heavy riffs; Open tunings make the open strings a chord for slide playing. Vol sets volume. Keyboard: Tab + Enter/Space.
- No tuner? Use the fret method at the bottom: tune your lowest string, then fret it where shown and match the next open string to that pitch. Tap a step to hear the target note.
Tune by ear — the fret method
Get one string in tune (use the reference tones above), then match each next string to a fretted note on the one below it. Tap a step to hear the two pitches in unison.
Watch the yellow fret! One pair uses a different fret than the others — in standard tuning that’s the 3rd string at fret 4 (because B is only a major 3rd above G).
The tool is interactive, meaning that you can use it by clicking the buttons shown on your screen or using keys on your computer keyboard. It’s a quick and accurate way of setting up your bass guitar with confidence. Simply click on the button of the tuning you want to try out then listen to reference tone played on each string. There are also tabs in the interface so you can jump between both alternate and standard tunings.
First up, grab the segmented button group on top and pick your chosen tuning. The default setting is Standard tuning, which match the lowest four strings of a guitar. For the fifth string (if you have one) select the Low B or High C option to add that extra string to the chart. You could drop down a semi-tone if you’re singing along to match the key or a full tone for more intense riffing. The chart will automatically update so you can see what notes each string now represents and where they differs from standard pitch.
How to Use the Bass Tuning Tool
After choosing your tuning, glance down at middle where it says String Cards. Here you’ll see each card is one string with its number and note name printed on it. Tap on one and you will hear a clean reference tone for that specific string. Tune by ear with this tone. Listen carefully til the beating fades out as you match pitch of your bass string. Or you can click Play all to hear every string played from low to high. This can help you check your overall tuning before playing.
The fret method shows you how to tune using frets if no reference tone is handy. You’ll know what fret to play on your string to match its open note with the following string’s open note. The tool display it as an easy-to-hear tap of desired note on each step. The fifth fret are used for most string pairs, and the tool highlights the outlier (in yellow) for you. Because the open third string interval is a major third, rather than a perfect fourth, it uses the fourth fret in standard tuning.
The slider on the right in the control section allow you to adjust the master volume for any reference tone produced by the widget. Leave this set at something that’s comfortabley for where you are working. You can toggle help panel to review instructions on how to use the fret method and string numbering. The fullscreen button allows you to open the widget to fill more of the screen. If you’re looking at the page from a monitor close to where you’ve got the bass stood then this is handy.
If you want to navigate using your keyboard, there’s an interface to work with. Simply press the Tab key to highlight buttons (and also to jump from string to string). Once a button is highlighted, press Space or Enter to select it. This means that you can stay close to your fret board and check pitches. You can follow where you are in the menu using the focus indicators.
If you’re familiar with any other guitar, try out various tunings to see how it alters the layout of strings on the instrument. If for example you’re trying to learn some songs in non-standard tunings then this could of being very handy. You can switch between tunings to compare how note positions and interval sizes changes. As you select a new tuning, the fret method steps automatically adjust to show the new tuning. So you know that instructions will always cover the right pitch range.
Check your tuning using the reference tones. When practicing, it’s very tempting to get out of tune easily. Make sure you regularly use the chart to re-check every string for correct intonation. The tones are clear and solid so you can easily hear when a string is slightly out. Be careful to take your time on each string to make sure you’re precise.
For Bassists of any ability, this is a very useful tool that makes it easy to tune their instrument. It offers both audible and visual signs of standard and alternative tunings. Use it in confidence knowing you’re keeping your bass sounding at its best. Simply choose the tuning required then listen to the reference notes. Then adjust your strings and play away.