Full Step Down Tuning
Tune your 4-string bass to Full Step Down — D1, G1, C2, F2
About Full Step Down Tuning
Full Step Down tuning (D1-G1-C2-F2) lowers every string by a whole step. The bass sounds noticeably heavier and darker than standard, with a thick low end that defines hard rock and metal. Like half step down, all fingering patterns remain the same — just two frets lower in pitch.
This tuning became widespread in heavy music during the late 1990s and 2000s. Bands like Black Sabbath (on later albums), Mastodon, and Queens of the Stone Age use full step down tuning. It provides a significantly heavier sound than standard while keeping the fretboard layout familiar — no relearning required.
The reduced string tension is more noticeable than in half step down. Standard light gauge strings may feel too floppy, especially the lowest string. Most players in this tuning step up to medium or heavy gauge strings to maintain good tension and clear low-end definition.
String Notes
4-String Bass
Recommended Strings
Heavier strings are recommended for full step down tuning. The low D1 needs enough mass to vibrate clearly without buzzing — a .110 or .115 low string is standard. Medium-heavy sets like .050-.110 provide a good balance of playability and tension. If your strings feel too loose or the tone sounds muddy, go heavier.
How to Tune to Full Step Down
- 1.Lower every string by one whole step (two frets) from standard tuning.
- 2.Tune the E string down to D1 (36.71 Hz). This is the same pitch as the open D string in standard — but on the lowest string.
- 3.Tune the A string down to G1 (49 Hz). Verify using the 5th-fret method: fret the low D at the 5th fret to match the open G.
- 4.Tune the D string down to C2 (65.41 Hz) and the G string down to F2 (87.31 Hz).
- 5.Verify the intervals: each pair of adjacent strings should still be a perfect fourth apart. If anything sounds off, retune and check again.
Techniques for Full Step Down
Heavy Riffing
The lower pitch adds mass and weight to every riff. Power chords and palm-muted patterns sound especially aggressive.
Matching Guitar
Essential when the guitarist plays in D standard. The bass must match to keep riffs and chord progressions aligned.
Low D Pedal
The open low D is a powerful anchor note. Use it as a drone under chord changes for a heavy, driving feel.
Careful EQ
The lower frequencies need more careful amp and EQ settings. Cut some low-mids to maintain clarity and prevent muddiness.
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
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 Standard
6-String · B0 - E1 - A1 - D2 - G2 - C3
6-String Drop A
6-String · A0 - E1 - A1 - D2 - G2 - C3