What are the notes of 5-string bass tuning?

From the thickest string to the thinnest: B0 (5th), E1 (4th), A1 (3rd), D2 (2nd), G2 (1st). At A = 440 Hz that is B0 30.87 Hz, E1 41.20 Hz, A1 55.00 Hz, D2 73.42 Hz, G2 98.00 Hz.

How do I tune to 5-string bass tuning from standard?

Fit the extra low string, the 5th, and tune it to B0. Leave the 4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st strings as in standard bass tuning. Use the tuner above, set to 5-string, or check by ear with the fret method on this page.

Can I use a chromatic tuner for 5-string bass tuning?

Yes. A chromatic tuner reads any note, so aim each string at B E A D G in turn. This tuner has a 5-string preset, so it shows the target for each string and picks the nearest one for you.

5-String Bass Tuner — Tune B E A D G Online, Free

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What 5-string bass tuning is for

A five-string bass adds a low B below the E string: B0 E1 A1 D2 G2. The other four strings are tuned exactly like a four-string bass, so every shape you know still works. The B string reaches five notes lower, down to 30.9 Hz, which is why it is common in gospel, metal and session work.

Press Start tuner above, allow the microphone and play one open string at a time. The tuner is already set to 5-string, so in Auto mode it picks the nearest string and shows how many cents sharp or flat it is; switch to Manual to aim at one string. Bring each string up to the note from below, which helps it hold.

The strings: B E A D G

Thickest string first, with the frequency at the standard A = 440 Hz. Each note opens the tuning drone on that pitch, for tuning by ear.

String	Note	Frequency	From standard
5th	B0	30.87 Hz	added low string
4th	E1	41.20 Hz	unchanged
3rd	A1	55.00 Hz	unchanged
2nd	D2	73.42 Hz	unchanged
1st	G2	98.00 Hz	unchanged

How to get there from standard tuning

Fit the extra low string, the 5th, and tune it to B0.
Leave the 4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st strings as in standard bass tuning.

Check it by ear

Once one string is right, each neighbouring string can be checked against it — the beating between the two notes slows and stops when they agree.

Press the 5th string (B0) at the 5th fret: it should match the open 4th string (E1).
Press the 4th string (E1) at the 5th fret: it should match the open 3rd string (A1).
Press the 3rd string (A1) at the 5th fret: it should match the open 2nd string (D2).
Press the 2nd string (D2) at the 5th fret: it should match the open 1st string (G2).

Frequently asked questions

What are the notes of 5-string bass tuning?: From the thickest string to the thinnest: B0 (5th), E1 (4th), A1 (3rd), D2 (2nd), G2 (1st). At A = 440 Hz that is B0 30.87 Hz, E1 41.20 Hz, A1 55.00 Hz, D2 73.42 Hz, G2 98.00 Hz.
How do I tune to 5-string bass tuning from standard?: Fit the extra low string, the 5th, and tune it to B0. Leave the 4th, 3rd, 2nd and 1st strings as in standard bass tuning. Use the tuner above, set to 5-string, or check by ear with the fret method on this page.
Can I use a chromatic tuner for 5-string bass tuning?: Yes. A chromatic tuner reads any note, so aim each string at B E A D G in turn. This tuner has a 5-string preset, so it shows the target for each string and picks the nearest one for you.