Tunings/Bass/Tenor Bass (A D G C)
Bass TuningIntermediate

Tenor Bass (A D G C)

experimental4 strings440 Hz

Detected

--
Ready to tune

Target

A1

55.0 Hz

Select String

4A155 Hz
Play
3D273 Hz
Play
2G298 Hz
Play
1C3131 Hz
Play

Ready to tune?

Click "Start Listening" and select a string to tune. Auto-detect is assist-only and works best when the string is already close to pitch.

Experimental tunings break from conventional patterns. Some create dissonant or unusual intervals. Others explore microtonal music (quarter tones, non-Western scales). DADGAD, while sometimes called modal, shares experimental DNA; it creates a suspended, ambiguous harmonic space. Players like Sonic Youth and Michael Hedges have made careers exploring unconventional tunings.

Note Layout

4String 4
A1
3String 3
D2
2String 2
G2
1String 1
C3

Notation

A1 D2 G2 C3

How to Tune

1

Click "Start Listening"

Allow microphone access when prompted.

2

Play Each String

Auto-detect will find the string, or click to select manually.

3

Adjust Until Green

Center the needle and watch for the green "In Tune" indicator.

Tips for Experimental tunings

Be prepared for unfamiliar territory

String tension may vary significantly

Great for finding unique sounds and inspiration

Experiment with different gauge strings for unusual pitches

About experimental tunings

History & context

DADGAD was popularized by British folk guitarist Davey Graham in the 1960s. Sonic Youth defined the 80s-90s alternative scene with dozens of custom tunings. Modern fingerstyle players continue to push boundaries.

Common genres

ExperimentalNoiseAmbientAvant-gardeCelticWorld Music

Famous artists

Sonic YouthMichael HedgesNick DrakeJimmy PageDavey Graham

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