5-String Drop A Tuning
Tune your 5-string bass to 5-String Drop A — A0, E1, A1, D2, G2
About 5-String Drop A Tuning
5-String Drop A tuning (A0-E1-A1-D2-G2) drops the low B of a standard 5-string bass down to A0 — one of the lowest tunings commonly used on bass guitar. The A0 at 27.5 Hz sits right at the threshold of human pitch perception, producing more of a physical rumble than a clearly pitched note.
This tuning gained popularity in djent and progressive metal, where bands like Periphery use it to achieve a crushing low end while maintaining standard tuning on the upper four strings. The dropped A enables one-finger power chords on the bottom two strings (just like Drop D on 4-string), combined with the familiar standard layout above.
Drop A is demanding on equipment. The A0 frequency requires a quality amplifier, cabinet, and PA system to reproduce clearly. In a live setting, many venues' sound systems struggle with sub-30 Hz content. Studio recording is where Drop A truly shines — modern production can capture and process those extreme low frequencies effectively.
String Notes
5-String Bass
Recommended Strings
The low A0 needs a very heavy string — .140 to .150 gauge minimum. Kalium and D'Addario make dedicated sets for this tuning. A tapered-core low string is almost mandatory for proper intonation and saddle contact. The upper four strings can remain standard gauge since they don't change pitch. Consider having the bass professionally set up for this tuning.
How to Tune to 5-String Drop A
- 1.Start from standard 5-string tuning (B-E-A-D-G). Only the lowest string changes.
- 2.Tune the low B string down from B0 to A0 (27.5 Hz). This is a whole step drop — significant at these frequencies.
- 3.Verify: fret the low A at the 7th fret — it should match the open E string.
- 4.The upper four strings remain at standard pitch: E1-A1-D2-G2.
- 5.Check that the low A sounds clear and defined, not muddy. If it's unclear, the string gauge may be too light — consider stepping up to a heavier low string.
Techniques for 5-String Drop A
Drop-Tuning Power Chords
Bar the bottom two strings at any fret for power fifths. Same technique as Drop D, just an octave lower.
Standard Upper Strings
All standard bass technique applies to the upper four strings. The Drop A only changes the lowest string.
EQ Management
High-pass filter at 35-40 Hz is essential. Without it, the sub-bass content overwhelms the mix and causes speaker stress.
Tight Muting
Unused strings must be carefully muted. At these frequencies, sympathetic vibration creates low-end mud very quickly.
Other Bass Tunings
Standard
4-String · E1 - A1 - D2 - G2
Drop D
4-String · D1 - A1 - D2 - G2
Half Step Down
4-String · D#1 - G#1 - C#2 - F#2
Full Step Down
4-String · D1 - G1 - C2 - F2
Drop C
4-String · C1 - G1 - C2 - F2
Drop B
4-String · B0 - F#1 - B1 - E2
DADG
4-String · D1 - A1 - D2 - G2
5-String Standard
5-String · B0 - E1 - A1 - D2 - G2
5-String Drop G
5-String · G0 - D1 - G1 - C2 - F2
6-String Standard
6-String · B0 - E1 - A1 - D2 - G2 - C3
6-String Drop A
6-String · A0 - E1 - A1 - D2 - G2 - C3