Bass tuner
Tune your bass guitar online with your microphone. It handles 4-string and 5-string bass, in standard E A D G, Drop D and half step down. Tap Use microphone, play one string at a time, and follow the meter.
Standard bass tuning
Standard bass tuning is E A D G, from the thickest string to the thinnest. It matches the bottom four strings of a guitar, one octave lower.
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 4th (thickest) | E1 | 41.20 Hz |
| 3rd | A1 | 55.00 Hz |
| 2nd | D2 | 73.42 Hz |
| 1st (thinnest) | G2 | 98.00 Hz |
Frequencies assume the standard reference pitch of A4 = 440 Hz.
How to tune a bass
- Tap Use microphone and allow access when your browser asks. If you use an audio interface, choose it as the input.
- Pluck the low E firmly and let it ring. Low notes take a moment to settle.
- Turn the tuner slowly in the direction shown until the note turns green.
- Repeat for A, D and G, then check all four again.
Bass tunings
Pick any of these from the tuning menu above the meter.
| Tuning | Notes | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | E A D G | E A D G, an octave below the bottom four strings of a guitar. |
| Drop D | D A D G | The low E drops to D for deeper riffs. Matches Drop D guitar. |
| Half step down | E♭ A♭ D♭ G♭ | Every string a semitone lower. Matches half step down guitar. |
| 5-string | B E A D G | Adds a low B below the E, for extra range. |
Gear that helps
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Bass tuner questions
What are the bass guitar string notes?
A 4-string bass is tuned E A D G, from the thickest string to the thinnest. That is the same as the bottom four strings of a guitar, one octave lower. A 5-string adds a low B.
Why does my phone struggle with the low E?
Phone and laptop microphones pick up very low notes weakly. Hold the device close to the bass, play firmly, and let the note ring. With an audio interface, choose it as the microphone for a clean signal.
Can I tune a 5-string bass?
Yes. Pick 5-string in the tuning menu to get the low B, which is about 31 Hz.
Does it work on my phone?
Yes. It works in Safari on iPhone and Chrome on Android, as well as desktop browsers. Hold the phone close to the instrument and allow microphone access when asked.
Why can't the tuner hear me?
Usually the browser hasn't been given access to the microphone, or it is listening to a different input. The tuner will tell you which, and how to fix it. Play one string at a time, close to the device.
Is my audio recorded?
No. The sound is analysed on your own device in real time. Nothing is recorded, stored or uploaded.