5-String Bass Tuning — B E A D G
Standard 5-string bass tuning is BEADG — the four upper strings are identical to a standard 4-string bass (EADG), with one additional low B string added below. The B0 string vibrates at 30.87 Hz, extending the bass range down a perfect fourth and unlocking notes that are inaccessible on a standard 4-string bass without retuning.
Five-string basses are used across genres where extended low range is needed: modern metal (to follow down-tuned guitars), gospel and worship music (for dramatic low passages), jazz (for full chordal playing), and progressive rock. If your bass has a fifth string, this tuner will detect all five strings in the BEADG configuration.
5-String Bass Tuning Notes — B E A D G
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 5th | B0 | 30.87 Hz |
| 4th | E1 | 41.20 Hz |
| 3rd | A1 | 55.00 Hz |
| 2nd | D2 | 73.42 Hz |
| 1st | G2 | 98.00 Hz |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is 5-string bass tuning?+−
Standard 5-string bass tuning is B-E-A-D-G (BEADG) — from the thickest string to the thinnest: B0 at 30.87 Hz, E1 at 41.20 Hz, A1 at 55.00 Hz, D2 at 73.42 Hz, and G2 at 98.00 Hz. The four upper strings are identical to standard 4-string bass tuning. The added low B string extends the range down a perfect fourth below the low E, reaching notes that would otherwise require retuning or a baritone instrument.
How is a 5-string bass tuned differently from a 4-string?+−
A 4-string bass uses standard EADG tuning. A 5-string bass adds one lower string tuned to B, giving the tuning BEADG. The four upper strings (E, A, D, G) are tuned exactly the same as a 4-string bass. The additional B0 string vibrates at 30.87 Hz — a very low frequency that requires a longer-scale bass and heavier string gauge to reproduce accurately.
Who uses a 5-string bass?+−
Five-string basses are widely used in modern metal, progressive rock, gospel, worship music, jazz, and funk. Bassists like John Myung of Dream Theater, Marcus Miller, and Victor Wooten have popularized the 5-string in progressive and jazz contexts. In metal, 5-string basses allow bassists to follow down-tuned guitar riffs without retuning. Gospel and contemporary Christian music also uses 5-string bass extensively for low note passages.
What string gauge should I use for 5-string bass?+−
For 5-string bass in standard BEADG tuning, a set with a .130 or .135 gauge B string is typically recommended to achieve proper tension at the low B frequency. Light to medium sets (e.g. .045-.130) work for most styles. Heavy players and those who prefer higher tension might use .050-.135 or similar. The low B string's tension and clarity depend heavily on the bass's scale length — a 35-inch scale produces a tighter B than 34-inch.
Can I tune a 4-string bass to include a low B?+−
Yes — a 4-string bass can be restrung and retuned to BEAD (dropping the G string and adding a low B), but this requires a new nut slot for the thicker B string, possible truss rod adjustment, and potentially a new bridge saddle for proper intonation. It is a significant modification. For occasional low B access, some players use a 5-string, while others use Drop B or other low tunings on a 4-string.