5-String Standard Tuning
Tune your 5-string bass to 5-String Standard — B0, E1, A1, D2, G2
About 5-String Standard Tuning
5-String Standard tuning (B0-E1-A1-D2-G2) adds a low B string below the standard four-string layout. This extends the bass range by five extra notes without requiring any alternate tuning — all standard fingering patterns and fretboard knowledge transfers directly from 4-string bass.
The 5-string bass became mainstream in the 1980s when players like Anthony Jackson and Jimmy Johnson championed the extended range. Today, it's the standard in gospel, contemporary worship, R&B, session work, and many jazz settings. The low B gives bassists access to notes that would otherwise require detuning, making it the most versatile bass configuration for working musicians.
The extra string adds width to the neck, which takes adjustment for players coming from 4-string bass. However, most players adapt within a few weeks. The trade-off — slightly wider string spacing or a wider neck — is worth it for the musical flexibility of those five extra low notes plus the ability to play in any key without retuning.
String Notes
5-String Bass
Recommended Strings
Standard 5-string sets are widely available from every major manufacturer. The low B string is typically .125 or .130. Lighter sets (.040-.125) suit fingerstyle players who want easier fretting. Heavier sets (.050-.135) provide more tension and a tighter B string. The B string quality varies significantly between brands — try a few to find one that speaks clearly on your instrument.
How to Tune to 5-String Standard
- 1.If upgrading from 4-string, the top four strings tune exactly like standard bass: E1-A1-D2-G2.
- 2.Tune the new low B string to B0 (30.87 Hz). Use a tuner — B0 is difficult to pitch accurately by ear.
- 3.Verify the B-to-E interval: fret the B string at the 5th fret — it should match the open E string. This is a perfect fourth, same as all other string pairs.
- 4.Check all four intervals (B-E, E-A, A-D, D-G) using the 5th-fret method. Each pair should be a clean perfect fourth.
- 5.The 5-string harmonic method also works: 5th-fret harmonic on any string matches the 7th-fret harmonic on the string above.
Techniques for 5-String Standard
Low B as Extension
Use the low B for notes below E — Eb, D, Db, C, and B. This eliminates the need for Drop D or other detuning for most musical situations.
Thumb Muting
Rest your thumb on the B string when playing on higher strings. This prevents the B from ringing sympathetically and muddying the sound.
Position Playing
The low B allows you to play in higher positions on a lower string instead of open position on a higher string. This often produces a warmer, more consistent tone.
Chordal Playing
The extra string enables wider voicings and true bass chords. Combined with the high G, you have access to rich harmonic textures.
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 Drop A
5-String · A0 - 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