The bass plays an octave below the guitar, so its strings are thicker and its notes much lower. The Online Tuner has a dedicated bass preset, so tuning is just as easy as on a guitar.
Standard tuning
On a 4-string bass, from the thickest string: E A D G. As pitches that's E1 (41.2 Hz), A1 (55 Hz), D2 (73.42 Hz) and G2 (98 Hz), one octave below the guitar's lowest four strings.
How to tune
- In the tuner, choose Bass as the instrument and turn on the microphone.
- Pluck one string at a time in a quiet room. Low notes are quieter to a mic, so hold the bass a little closer.
- Check the note name (E1, A1, D2, G2) and turn the peg until the bar sits in the green center.
- Tune up to the note from below for a more stable result.
- When all four strings are done, check them all once more.
When the low notes aren't detected
The lowest string, E1, is only 41.2 Hz, so detection depends on your mic and background noise. The tuner listens from about 25 Hz to 1500 Hz, so the bass is within range, but a weak laptop or phone mic may still miss it. Move the mic closer or pluck a little harder.
5-string basses
A 5-string bass usually adds a low B (about 30.87 Hz, B0) and is tuned B E A D G. The bass preset covers the standard 4 strings (EADG), so switch to chromatic mode for the B string and tune until the display reads B0.
Drop tunings
The preset only covers standard tuning. For drop D (D A D G) or other alternate tunings, use chromatic mode and tune each string to the note name you want.
Common problems
- The signal is too quiet: basses with little acoustic body sound faint. Put the mic near the soundhole or the amp speaker.
- The note shows up an octave off: on low notes, overtones can occasionally confuse octave detection. Pluck firmly again and recheck.
- Tuning an electric bass without an amp: it works in a quiet room. If not, turn on a small amp at low volume.
- Strings keep slipping: new strings stretch, and loose pegs or bridge hardware let the pitch drift. Temperature and humidity also affect string tension.
Tuning with a guitarist
When a band tunes together, everyone needs the same reference pitch (A4). Set the A4 value to the same number in both tuners before you start. New to guitar tuning? See How to Tune a Guitar.
Once you're in tune, practice fingering with the Online Metronome. Low notes can feel slightly late, so start at a slow tempo.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a bass preset?
Yes. Choose Bass in the tuner and it targets standard tuning E1, A1, D2 and G2.
The low notes aren't detected. What can I do?
Hold the bass closer to the mic or pluck a little harder. A quieter room helps a lot.
Can I tune a 5-string bass?
The preset covers the standard 4 strings (EADG). For the extra low B string, switch to chromatic mode and tune until it reads B0.
Can I change the reference pitch?
Yes. You can set A4 anywhere from 420 to 460 Hz in the tuner.
Is it normal for strings to keep going flat?
Yes, especially with new strings or changes in temperature and humidity. Make checking your tuning part of every practice session.
Sources and date checked
Checked: October 4, 2026
- Wikipedia, Bass guitar tuning — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bass_guitar_tuning
This article is general information. Devices and services can change over time.
Related roundup: see How to Use Online Practice Tools for the full practice routine.