5-string bass standard tuning (B E A D G): tune the low B cleanly

The hardest part of tuning a 5‑string bass isn’t the D or G string — it’s getting the low B to read cleanly and feel solid.

If your tuner keeps jumping, or the low B sounds “wavy,” you’re not alone. Low notes have lots of overtones and room noise can mess with detection.

In this guide you’ll learn:

• the standard 5‑string tuning (B E A D G)
• how to tune it fast with an online preset
• simple fixes for low‑B problems (false readings, flub, and drifting)

Quick CTA:

• Open the preset: Open the 5-string bass tuner
• New to bass tuning? Bass tuning basics
• Want low notes on a 4-string? BEAD bass tuning guide

What is standard 5-string bass tuning?

Standard 5‑string bass tuning from lowest (thickest) to highest (thinnest) is:

B0 - E1 - A1 - D2 - G2

Most players just write:

B - E - A - D - G

Think of it as a 4‑string bass (E A D G) with an extra low string added underneath.

How to tune a 5-string bass with our online tuner (step by step)

Use the preset so you always see the correct targets:

Open the 5-string bass tuner

1. Set up for a clean tuning signal

Low notes confuse tuners when extra noise gets in.

Do these three things first:

1. Turn down room noise (TV, drums, other players warming up).
2. Mute unused strings with both hands (resting thumb and fretting-hand touch).
3. Pluck with a consistent, medium-soft attack.

If you’re using an amp, keep the volume moderate. If you’re using an audio interface, make sure you selected the correct input device in your browser/OS.

2. Allow microphone access

1. Tap Start listening.
2. Allow microphone access.

3. Tune low to high: B E A D G

Tune one string at a time:

1. 5th string (lowest): B
2. 4th string: E
3. 3rd string: A
4. 2nd string: D
5. 1st string (highest): G

For each string:

• pluck once
• watch the note name and needle settle
• adjust slowly until it centers

4. Recheck once (especially the low B)

On bass, small changes in one string can slightly affect others.

Do a quick second pass. Spend extra time on the low B because it’s the easiest to misread.

How to get the low B to tune cleanly (the stuff that actually works)

Pluck softer than you think

A super-hard pluck produces a strong “clang” and extra overtones. The tuner may lock onto the wrong frequency.

Try plucking with about the same force you’d use for a relaxed groove.

Pluck closer to the neck (for a rounder fundamental)

If you pluck right by the bridge, the tone is bright and overtone-heavy.

For tuning, move your plucking hand slightly toward the neck pickup (or over the fretboard on acoustic bass).

Use the 12th fret harmonic as a cross-check

If the open low B is messy, lightly touch the string over the 12th fret and pluck to produce a harmonic.

The harmonic can read cleaner, and it gives you a quick “sanity check” against the open string.

Build clean “witness points”

After you change strings or tune a lot, the string may not seat perfectly over the nut and saddle.

With the bass tuned, gently press the string down with your thumb right in front of:

• the nut
• the bridge saddle

This helps the string bend cleanly over those points, which can improve tuning stability and intonation.

If you’re not comfortable doing this, skip it — but it’s a common setup trick used by techs.

“It’s in tune open, but notes sound off”

That’s often an intonation issue, not a tuning issue.

Quick check:

1. Tune the open string.
2. Play the 12th fret harmonic.
3. Play the fretted 12th fret note.

If the fretted note is sharp/flat compared to the harmonic, your intonation needs adjustment.

You can still play, but chords and higher-register notes may sound sour.

If you want a simple approach, start here: How to check guitar intonation (the idea is the same on bass).

How often should you tune a 5-string bass?

Realistic answer: more often than you think.

Tune:

• before rehearsal
• before the gig
• after moving between cold/hot environments
• after installing new strings

If you’re using aggressive bends or heavy right-hand attack, recheck tuning during breaks.

For a more detailed routine: How often should you tune?

Quick practice idea: lock in low B timing

The low B can feel “loose” if your timing isn’t consistent. A metronome fixes that fast.

Try this 3‑minute exercise:

1. Set a metronome to 70 BPM.
2. Play 8 steady notes on low B.
3. Switch to 8 steady notes on low E.
4. Repeat for 3 minutes without changing volume or attack.

Use:

Open the Online Metronome

The goal is control: same tone, same time, every note.

FAQ: 5-string bass tuning

What octave is the low B on a 5-string bass?

In standard tuning, the lowest string is B0.

Do I need a special tuner for 5-string bass?

No. You just need a tuner that reads low frequencies well and shows the correct targets. The preset makes that easy:

Open the 5-string bass tuner

My low B sounds “flubby.” Is that a tuning problem?

Sometimes, but often it’s a mix of:

• very light string gauge
• very low action
• hard plucking technique

Tune first. If the pitch is stable but the feel is loose, consider a heavier B string or a setup adjustment.

Can I get a low B on a 4-string bass instead?

Yes — many players use BEAD tuning on a 4‑string to get the low range:

BEAD bass tuning guide

Why does the tuner show the wrong note when I pluck low B?

Low notes contain lots of overtones and can confuse tuning detection if other strings ring.

Mute everything else, pluck softly, and try the 12th‑fret harmonic as a cross-check.

Next steps

• Tune now: Open the 5-string bass tuner
• Learn the basics: Bass tuning basics
• Add timing practice: Open the Online Metronome