6-String Bass Tuning (B E A D G C)
Standard extended-range tuning with low B and high C.
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 6-string bass is B E A D G C, from the thickest string. It is a 4-string bass with a low B at 30.87 Hz added below and a high C at 130.81 Hz added above. Every string is a fourth above the one below it.
| String | Note | Hz | Octave |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | B | 30.87 | 0 |
| 5 | E | 41.20 | 1 |
| 4 | A | 55.00 | 1 |
| 3 | D | 73.42 | 2 |
| 2 | G | 98.00 | 2 |
| 1 | C | 130.81 | 3 |
How to tune a 6-string bass
- Tune the four middle strings, E A D G, first.
- Tune the high C. It is the easiest string for the microphone to hear.
- Tune the low B last and lock the tuner to it if the reading jumps.
- Play through all six again.
Because all strings are in fourths
The 5th fret of every string gives the next open string: B to E, E to A, A to D, D to G and G to C. That makes the fretted check quick and the patterns move unchanged across the neck.
Questions and answers
What is standard 6-string bass tuning?
B E A D G C, from the thickest string: B0 (30.87 Hz), E1 (41.20 Hz), A1 (55.00 Hz), D2 (73.42 Hz), G2 (98.00 Hz), C3 (130.81 Hz).
Is a 6-string bass the same as a baritone guitar or a Bass VI?
No. A 6-string bass extends a 4-string bass with a low B and a high C, all in fourths. A Bass VI is tuned like a guitar one octave lower (E A D G B E), and a baritone guitar is usually tuned a fourth or fifth below a guitar.
How do I check the high C by ear?
The 5th fret of the G string is C, the same note as the open high C string. Play them together and listen for a slow wobble, which means one of them is slightly off.
More bass tools
- Online bass tunerTune with your microphone
- 4-string bassE A D G
- 5-string bassB E A D G
- 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.