Bass Tuner
Tune a 4-string bass guitar to standard E A D G. The notes are one octave below the guitar's four lowest strings.
Uses your microphone. Audio stays on your device.
Standard bass tuning
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| E | E1 | 41.20 Hz |
| A | A1 | 55.00 Hz |
| D | D2 | 73.42 Hz |
| G | G2 | 98.00 Hz |
The low E vibrates at just 41.2 Hz. Laptop microphones struggle to pick up that low a note, so if the tuner cannot read it, play the 12th fret harmonic instead (touch the string lightly above the 12th fret and pluck). The harmonic sounds one octave higher and reads much more reliably.
5-string bass
A 5-string bass adds a low B (B0, 30.87 Hz) below the E. Most phone and laptop microphones cannot hear it directly, so tune the B with its 12th fret harmonic.
Electric bass tips
- Turn the bass volume up and play close to the microphone, or play through an amp.
- Let the note ring rather than plucking hard. A hard attack starts sharp.
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes on a bass guitar?
Standard tuning is E1, A1, D2, G2, from the thickest string (41.20 Hz) to the thinnest (98.00 Hz).
Why can't the tuner hear my low E?
Small microphones roll off very low notes. Play the 12th fret harmonic, which is an octave higher and easier to detect.