How to Tune a Bass Guitar
Tuning a bass guitar is a fairly straightforward process, and it’s one that you should do every time you pick up your instrument. Nothing makes playing the bass less fun than using an instrument that’s out of tune.
Tuning is a process where you change the tension of the strings in order to have them produce the correct note. Typically you start the tuning process by tuning up the lowest (thickest) string. Using our bass tuner app (especially in Auto mode) you can tell easily how far from the correct tune you are. If your note is flat (the pitch being played is lower than the correct note), then you have to add tension to the string by tightening the tuning machine on the instrument’s headstock. The opposite is true if your note is sharp, where the note is higher than needed. In this case, you decrease the tension until it’s just right.
Most bass guitars are set up for ‘standard’ tuning. Alternate tunings can be used as your playing skills and understanding of music theory progresses. However, ‘standard’ tuning is the most common way to tune and one you’ll hear being used in most songs.
Tuning your bass to E A D G
When looking at a 4-string bass from low to high, you’ll be tuning to these notes:
• Fourth (thickest) string: E
• Third string: A
• Second string: D
• First string (thinnest): G
Our online bass tuner is just one part of what you’ll get when you download GuitarTuna – you’ll also find an easy-to-use metronome to keep time as you practice. With an incredible bass tuner and other additional features, why wait? Download the GuitarTuna app today and get your instrument in tune.