Bass tuning

Standard 4-string (E-A-D-G)

Standard four-string bass tuning is E-A-D-G, the same notes as the four low strings of a guitar but an octave lower. Every string is a perfect fourth apart.

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

Strings and frequencies

How it sounds

It is the default tuning for the vast majority of electric bass music. Its all-fourths layout makes scales and arpeggios fall under the hand very regularly.

Styles and genres

Recommended string gauges

A 0.045-0.105 set is standard for a long-scale bass and gives balanced tension. For a looser feel there are 0.040-0.095 sets, and for more attack, 0.050-0.110.

Tuning tip

Tune with the bass in playing position, not flat on a table: neck tension changes with the angle, and a tuning done horizontally can go flat when you lift it up.