6-String Standard Tuning
Tune your 6-string bass to 6-String Standard — B0, E1, A1, D2, G2, C3
About 6-String Standard Tuning
6-String Standard tuning (B0-E1-A1-D2-G2-C3) adds both a low B string and a high C string to the standard 4-string layout. This gives the bass a massive range — from B0 (30.87 Hz) to the upper reaches of the C string, covering over four octaves. The 6-string bass is the ultimate instrument for solo bass, complex arrangements, and players who want maximum versatility.
Anthony Jackson is credited with conceiving the modern 6-string bass in the 1970s, and luthier Ken Smith built one of the first production models. John Patitucci, Matthew Garrison, and Steve Bailey are among the virtuosos who showcased the instrument's full potential. In contemporary music, the 6-string bass is standard in progressive genres and session work.
The high C string opens up melodic playing in the upper register — bass solos, chord melody arrangements, and accompaniment patterns that would be impossible on a 4 or 5 string. Combined with the low B, the 6-string bass can function as a complete harmonic instrument, handling both bass lines and chord comping simultaneously.
String Notes
6-String Bass
Recommended Strings
Standard 6-string bass sets are available from most major brands. The high C string is typically .032 or .030, and the low B is .125 or .130. String tension balance is important on 6-string — uneven tension across the neck can cause playability issues. D'Addario, Elixir, and DR make well-balanced 6-string sets. Consider trying a few brands to find the best balance for your instrument.
How to Tune to 6-String Standard
- 1.The middle four strings tune exactly like standard 4-string bass: E1-A1-D2-G2.
- 2.Tune the low B string to B0 (30.87 Hz). Same as 5-string standard — use a tuner for accuracy.
- 3.Tune the high C string to C3 (130.81 Hz). Fret the G string at the 5th fret to verify — it should match the open C string.
- 4.Check all five intervals using the 5th-fret method: B-E, E-A, A-D, D-G, G-C. Each should be a perfect fourth.
- 5.Pay special attention to the high C string intonation. Being the thinnest string, small tuning errors are more audible in the upper register.
Techniques for 6-String Standard
Chord Melody
The full range allows bass players to play melody on the C string while comping chords on the middle strings and anchoring with the B string.
Tapping
Two-handed tapping across all six strings creates piano-like textures. The extended range makes complex tapping arrangements practical.
Solo Bass
The 6-string can function as a complete solo instrument. The low B handles bass duties while the upper strings carry melody and harmony.
Thumb Position
Resting the thumb on the B string or pickup provides a stable anchor. Many 6-string players use a floating thumb technique, moving the resting thumb to mute unused lower strings.
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 A
5-String · A0 - E1 - A1 - D2 - G2
5-String Drop G
5-String · G0 - D1 - G1 - C2 - F2
6-String Drop A
6-String · A0 - E1 - A1 - D2 - G2 - C3