Personally, I’ve never liked playing five-string basses, but I must admit that having that low B string really comes in handy — especially when I have to play drop D songs.
There are two main methods for tuning a 5-string bass: by ear and using an electronic tuner.
In this guide, I will explore both methods and provide step-by-step instructions on how to tune a 5-string bass to the standard tuning (B, E, A, D, G). Moreover, I will discuss some other popular alternate tunings for five-string basses. Read on!
Standard 5-String Bass Tuning (B E A D G)
I highly recommend using a tuner for tuning basses, as low-end frequencies can get difficult to fine-tune if your ear is not extremely well-trained.
Moreover, cheaper clip-ons probably won’t do the trick here either, as they might have trouble picking up the low B string, especially in louder environments. In the case of a 5-string bass, a pedal tuner is your best bet.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a tuner to tune your 5-string bass to standard tuning (B, E, A, D, G):
- Power Up and Choose Mode: Turn on your electronic tuner. Most tuners have a built-in microphone or a dedicated input jack for a clip-on tuner. Select the “bass guitar” mode on your tuner if available.
- Pluck the open B string (lowest string) on your bass.
- The tuner will display the current pitch of the string.
- If the note is sharp (higher than B), slowly turn the tuning peg for the B string counter-clockwise until the tuner indicates “B,” and the needle is centered (or the display shows green/in-tune).
- If the note is flat (lower than B), slowly turn the tuning peg for the B string clockwise until the tuner indicates “B” and the needle is centered.
- Tune the Remaining Strings (E, A, D, G)
- Repeat step 2 for each remaining string, working your way down from the E string to the G string. Remember to mute the other strings with your fingers while tuning a specific string to avoid interference.
Fine-Tuning:
- Once all strings are roughly in tune, go back and fine-tune each string for optimal accuracy. Pay close attention to the tuner’s display and make small adjustments to the tuning pegs.
How to Tune a 5-String Bass by Ear
Tuning a 5-string bass by ear requires a good understanding of musical reference pitches and the ability to discern subtle pitch differences. While electronic tuners are generally recommended for beginners, training your ear to tune by ear offers a valuable skill for situations where a tuner isn’t readily available.
Here’s a breakdown of two common methods for tuning a 5-string bass by ear:
Using a Reference Pitch
You’ll need a reliable source of a specific note to act as your reference. This could be:
- A tuning fork set to a specific note (ideally B for the 5-string bass).
- A pitch pipe that can generate specific notes.
- Another tuned instrument (piano, guitar) where you can identify a particular note (like the open E string on a guitar).
Play the reference pitch and simultaneously pluck the open B string on your bass. Carefully listen for the interaction between the two notes. Tune it up or down based on your reference pitch.
This is the part I was talking about: if this is difficult for you to hear, use a tuner. If you can spot the subtle differences of low notes in regard to the reference pitch, proceed with tuning by ear.
Once the B string is tuned, you can use it as a reference for the other strings:
- Play the 5th fret on the tuned B string. This note is an E.
- Pluck the open E string on your bass and adjust its tuning peg until it matches the pitch of the 5th fret on the B string.
- Continue using fretted notes as references to tune the remaining strings (A string using 5th fret on E string, D string using 5th fret on A string, and finally G string using 5th fret on D string).
Using Harmonics
Harmonics are notes produced by lightly touching a string at specific points without fully pressing it down on the fret.
They are higher than the original notes of a bass guitar, so it is easier to hear them properly and hear the differences between them. Tuning using harmonics is an intermediate/advanced technique. So here is how it works.
The 12th fret harmonic of any string is an octave higher than the open string note.
- Gently touch the 12th fret of the B string without pressing down fully. Pluck the string and listen to the harmonic.
- Compare this harmonic to a reference pitch
- Adjust the B string tuning peg until the harmonic and reference pitch sound identical.
Naturally, the harmonic will be a much higher sound to a reference pitch, but it’s important that they are both B, just different octaves.
Now it gets interesting:
The seventh-fret harmonic of the E string should match the fifth-fret harmonic of the B. Play them at the same time and tune your E string to match the B.
Repeat this pattern for the rest of the strings: the seventh-fret harmonic of the lower string should match the fifth-fret harmonic of the upper. In other words:
- 7th-fret A harmonic matches 5th-fret E harmonic
- 7th-fret D harmonic matches 5th-fret A harmonic
- 7th-fret G harmonic matches 5th-fret D harmonic
If you’re not sure how harmonics work. I recommend the video below.
Alternative Tunings for 5-String Bass
There’s not many bassists who experiment with alternative tunings for 5-string basses, as they already give a lot more freedom, and there’s no need to do Drop D tunings. Still, one of the popular options is: CEADG
For this, only tune the B string half a note up. What I discovered is that in some rare cases — especially in metal — the bassist would go lower.
For example, Ryan Martinie from Mudvayne sometimes uses: GCGCF. Technically, you drop the B and E strings for two full notes and then A, D, and G for one full note.
There’s also a Drop type of tuning — AEADG, where you only need to detune the B string to A.
Popular Bassists and Songs with 5-String Basses
I particularly admire Tony Levin, as he had a period of using a five-string bass before switching to his famous upright bass.
Of course, one doesn’t talk about five-stringers without mentioning Primus’ Les Claypool. My particular favorite is My Name is Mud, which combines slapping, ghost notes, and the spooky-sounding B string.
Finally, the name synonymous with 5-string is Nathan East. Even though I know about him from his work with Eric Clapton, he is actually a much more versatile in terms of genres.
I don’t actually know what are the signature songs he played on a 5-string, but here’s a lesson from the man himself.
Conclusion
Proper tuning of your 5-string bass guitar is essential for achieving a clear, powerful, and in-tune sound. This guide has equipped you with the knowledge to tackle tuning with electronic tuners and by ear.
For the adventurous, explore the world of alternative tunings to unlock new sonic possibilities and personalize your bass sound.
Remember, consistent practice and experimentation are key to mastering the art of tuning and unlocking the full potential of your 5-string bass guitar. Now get out there, tune-up, and lay down the low-end groove!