Standard Tuning
Tune your 4-string bass to Standard — E1, A1, D2, G2
About Standard Tuning
Standard bass tuning (E1-A1-D2-G2) is the foundation of bass guitar playing. The strings are tuned in perfect fourths, matching the lowest four strings of a guitar but sounding one octave lower. This tuning has been the default since Leo Fender introduced the Precision Bass in 1951, and virtually all bass instruction, tab books, and band charts assume standard tuning.
The perfect-fourth intervals between strings create a consistent, logical fretboard layout. Every scale pattern, arpeggio shape, and chord voicing repeats identically across all four strings — once you learn a pattern on one string pair, you know it everywhere. This consistency is a major advantage bass has over guitar, where the G-B interval breaks the pattern.
From James Jamerson's Motown lines to Jaco Pastorius's jazz fusion, from Flea's funk slap to Steve Harris's galloping metal — standard tuning handles every genre. Master standard tuning first, and alternate tunings become simple variations rather than new instruments to learn.
String Notes
4-String Bass
Recommended Strings
Light gauge (.045-.100) is popular for players who favor fingerstyle and want easier fretting. Medium gauge (.045-.105) provides more output and a tighter feel — the go-to for most rock and funk players. Roundwound strings give the brightest, most articulate tone. Flatwound strings produce a smooth, thumpy vintage sound preferred in jazz, R&B, and Motown-style playing.
How to Tune to Standard
- 1.Start with the A string (2nd string). Use a tuner to set it to A1 (55 Hz). This is your reference pitch — all other strings tune relative to it.
- 2.Tune the E string (lowest, 1st string) by fretting the E string at the 5th fret — it should match the open A string.
- 3.Tune the D string (3rd string) by fretting the A string at the 5th fret — it should match the open D string.
- 4.Tune the G string (highest, 4th string) by fretting the D string at the 5th fret — it should match the open G string.
- 5.Double-check by playing harmonics: the 5th-fret harmonic on any string should match the 7th-fret harmonic on the string above it. This harmonic method is more precise than fretted notes.
Techniques for Standard
Fingerstyle
The most versatile technique. Alternating index and middle fingers on the strings produces a warm, round tone suitable for any genre.
Slap and Pop
Thumb strikes the low strings (slap) while fingers snap the high strings (pop). The foundation of funk bass — standard tuning gives the best response for this technique.
Pick Playing
Using a pick produces a brighter, more aggressive attack. Essential for punk, metal, and any style requiring consistent volume and drive.
Walking Bass
Connecting chord tones with stepwise motion. A jazz and blues fundamental that maps beautifully onto standard tuning's fourth-based layout.
Other Bass Tunings
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 Standard
6-String · B0 - E1 - A1 - D2 - G2 - C3
6-String Drop A
6-String · A0 - E1 - A1 - D2 - G2 - C3