5-String Bass Tuning (B E A D G)
Low B standard tuning, notes and frequencies.
Bass tuner
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Or tune by ear: tap a string button below to hear its note, or use the reference tones ↓.
Reference pitch A4 = 440 Hz
Standard tuning for a 5-string bass is B E A D G, from the thickest string. It adds a low B at 30.87 Hz below the usual E1, A1, D2 and G2. The low B is hard for small microphones to hear, so hold the phone close to the bass or amp.
| String | Note | Hz | Octave |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | B | 30.87 | 0 |
| 4 | E | 41.20 | 1 |
| 3 | A | 55.00 | 1 |
| 2 | D | 73.42 | 2 |
| 1 | G | 98.00 | 2 |
Tuning the low B
Tune the B last, after E A D G are right. Then compare: the 5th fret on the B string gives E, the same note as the open E string. If the tuner keeps jumping on the B, tap the B button so the tuner only compares with that string. If it then reports that it heard the note an octave up, it is reading an overtone; the cents shown are still correct.
Strings and tension
A low B string is thick and long, so it needs more time after plucking to settle. Wait a moment after the attack before you read the needle, and tune with the same plucking strength you use when playing.
5-string tunings compared
| Tuning | String 5 | String 4 | String 3 | String 2 | String 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-string | B0 30.87 Hz | E1 41.20 Hz | A1 55.00 Hz | D2 73.42 Hz | G2 98.00 Hz |
| 5-string tenor | E1 41.20 Hz | A1 55.00 Hz | D2 73.42 Hz | G2 98.00 Hz | C3 130.81 Hz |
Questions and answers
What is standard 5-string bass tuning?
B E A D G, from the thickest string: B0 (30.87 Hz), E1 (41.20 Hz), A1 (55.00 Hz), D2 (73.42 Hz), G2 (98.00 Hz). It is a 4-string bass with an extra low B string.
Why does my tuner struggle with the low B?
The low B is around 31 Hz, close to the bottom of human hearing, and phone and laptop microphones barely pick up its fundamental. The tuner then works from the overtones. Hold the microphone close to the amp or the bass body, let the string ring, and tap B to lock the tuner to that string.
Can a 5-string be tuned E A D G C instead?
Yes. Some players use a “tenor” 5-string setup with a high C (130.81 Hz) instead of a low B. It needs a different string set and often a nut adjustment, so check with your string maker or a technician.
More bass tools
- Online bass tunerTune with your microphone
- 4-string bassE A D G
- 6-string bassB E A D G C
- Drop D and lowerDrop D, D standard, half step down, Drop C
- Reference tonesTune by ear
- How to tune a bassStep by step
- Acoustic bassTuning without a cable
- Ukulele bassRubber and nylon strings
- Online guitar tunerSister site for guitar
Last updated October 23, 2026.