Bass tuning

5-string standard (B-E-A-D-G)

The standard five-string bass adds a B string below the E, giving B-E-A-D-G. It extends the low range by five semitones without losing the all-fourths tuning or any of the usual strings.

The tuner opens already preconfigured; you only need to allow microphone access.

Strings and frequencies

How it sounds

It is the standard choice when you need notes below the low E: gospel, modern worship, metal, fusion and much of current pop. The B string opens a whole new register under the hand.

Styles and genres

Recommended string gauges

The key is a B with enough mass: a 0.045-0.130 set is the usual starting point. A B that is too thin sounds loose and undefined, the most common problem on five-strings.

Tuning tip

If the B sounds diffuse, try playing it closer to the bridge and with less force: the B needs a different attack from the rest for the note to define rather than smear.