Bass Tuning Chart
Find string notes and frequencies for standard and alternate 4-, 5-, and 6-string bass tunings.
Standard bass string notes and frequencies
Read each tuning from the thickest, lowest-pitched string to the thinnest, highest-pitched string. Frequencies use equal temperament with A4 = 440 Hz.
4-String Bass
Low string to high string
5-String Bass
Low string to high string
6-String Bass
Low string to high string
Complete bass tuning chart
Compare standard, down-tuned, and drop tunings. Select a tuning name to load those exact targets in the free microphone tuner.
| Tuning | Bass | Notes (low to high) | Frequencies in Hz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 4-String | E1 · A1 · D2 · G2 | 41.20 · 55.00 · 73.42 · 98.00 |
| Drop D | 4-String | D1 · A1 · D2 · G2 | 36.71 · 55.00 · 73.42 · 98.00 |
| Half Step Down | 4-String | D#1 · G#1 · C#2 · F#2 | 38.89 · 51.91 · 69.30 · 92.50 |
| Full Step Down | 4-String | D1 · G1 · C2 · F2 | 36.71 · 49.00 · 65.41 · 87.31 |
| Drop C | 4-String | C1 · G1 · C2 · F2 | 32.70 · 49.00 · 65.41 · 87.31 |
| Drop B | 4-String | B0 · F#1 · B1 · E2 | 30.87 · 46.25 · 61.74 · 82.41 |
| DADG | 4-String | D1 · A1 · D2 · G2 | 36.71 · 55.00 · 73.42 · 98.00 |
| 5-String Standard | 5-String | B0 · E1 · A1 · D2 · G2 | 30.87 · 41.20 · 55.00 · 73.42 · 98.00 |
| 5-String Drop A | 5-String | A0 · E1 · A1 · D2 · G2 | 27.50 · 41.20 · 55.00 · 73.42 · 98.00 |
| 5-String Drop G | 5-String | G0 · D1 · G1 · C2 · F2 | 24.50 · 36.71 · 49.00 · 65.41 · 87.31 |
| 6-String Standard | 6-String | B0 · E1 · A1 · D2 · G2 · C3 | 30.87 · 41.20 · 55.00 · 73.42 · 98.00 · 130.81 |
| 6-String Drop A | 6-String | A0 · E1 · A1 · D2 · G2 · C3 | 27.50 · 41.20 · 55.00 · 73.42 · 98.00 · 130.81 |
How to use the bass tuning chart
- Choose the tuning and string count for your bass.
- Start with the thickest string, shown first in each chart row.
- Pluck the string cleanly and compare it with the target note in the online bass tuner.
- Turn the tuning peg slowly until the pitch indicator is centered.
- Repeat for every string, then check them all again because neck tension can shift slightly.
Choosing a bass tuning
Standard tuning keeps familiar scale and chord shapes and works across nearly every style.
Drop tunings lower the thickest string for added range and easier one-fret power shapes.
Very low tunings may need heavier strings and a setup to keep tension, intonation, and clarity under control.
Bass tuning chart questions
What are the notes for standard 4-string bass tuning?
Standard 4-string bass tuning is E1, A1, D2, and G2 from the thickest, lowest-pitched string to the thinnest, highest-pitched string. Those frequencies are approximately 41.20, 55.00, 73.42, and 98.00 Hz.
What are the notes for standard 5-string bass tuning?
Standard 5-string bass tuning is B0, E1, A1, D2, and G2 from lowest to highest. The added low B0 string has a fundamental frequency of approximately 30.87 Hz.
What are the notes for standard 6-string bass tuning?
Standard 6-string bass tuning is B0, E1, A1, D2, G2, and C3 from lowest to highest. It adds a low B below and a high C above standard 4-string bass tuning.
Is bass tuned an octave lower than guitar?
A standard 4-string bass uses the same E, A, D, and G note names as the lowest four strings of a guitar, but each bass string sounds one octave lower.
How do I tune a bass with this chart?
Choose a tuning, then pluck one open string at a time. Use the note or frequency in the chart as your target and turn the tuning peg until the tuner centers on that pitch. Start with the lowest string and work toward the highest.
Tune to any chart preset
Use microphone pitch detection for 4-, 5-, and 6-string bass.
Open the bass tuner