Online Bass Tuner

Standard 4-string bass tuning is E-A-D-G from the lowest (4th) string to the highest (1st) — the same note names as the bottom four strings on a guitar, but each pitched one octave lower. The open strings are E1 (41.2 Hz), A1 (55.0 Hz), D2 (73.4 Hz), and G2 (98.0 Hz) at concert pitch (A4 = 440 Hz).

That low fundamental on the E string is what gives the bass its weight in a mix. It is also why tuning a bass can feel different from tuning a guitar: the microphone must pick up slower-moving waves, and the strobe dial may take a moment longer to settle after each pluck.

You can tune by ear with the built-in reference tones or by microphone with the strobe dial — many bassists hear the target note first, then fine-tune with the mic until the string locks in.

Reference tones — tune by ear

Tap 🔊 beside each string on the four-string fretboard to hear that string's bass pitch. Pluck the open string and turn the machine head until your note matches the reference — beats (wobbling between two pitches) disappear when you are in tune. Use Loop to hold the tone while both hands are free for the tuning peg.

Strobe dial — tune with your microphone

Press Tap to tune, allow microphone access, and pluck near the bridge with a firm attack. The strobe dial shows cents sharp or flat; follow Tune up or Tune down until a ✓ appears. With auto-advance, the tuner walks through all four strings from lowest to highest.

Getting a clear reading on bass

Pluck one string at a time, stay close to your phone or laptop mic, and avoid room rumble from amps or kick drums. If the low E struggles to register, pluck again with more attack or move to a quieter spot — bass tuners often lock onto the fundamental after one or two clean strikes.

A guitarist tuning the bottom four strings E-A-D-G is not tuning a bass — those guitar strings sound an octave higher (E2 through G3). This page targets true bass pitches on a 4-string instrument only.

Bass strings are thicker and under higher tension per note than guitar strings. After a full E-A-D-G pass, play a simple octave or fifth with another player or a recording — small errors on the low E are easier to hear in context than on a guitar-centric tuner set to the wrong octave.

Tune before every rehearsal, gig, or recording. Long-scale necks and thick strings still drift with temperature, humidity, and slap or pick attack.

Fresh strings stretch noticeably during the first week — retune after each song until they settle. A bass left in a case for a month will need a full four-string check; bookmark this page for a quick E-A-D-G pass without a hardware pedal.