BEAD tuning is the fastest way to get 5‑string low notes on a 4‑string bass. Instead of buying a new instrument, you tune your bass to B E A D (the lowest four strings of a 5‑string) and keep playing with mostly familiar shapes — just shifted down.
Quick CTA:
- Open the preset: Open the BEAD bass tuner
- New to bass tuning? Start here: Bass tuning basics
Key takeaways
- BEAD = B0 E1 A1 D2 (low to high), like a 5‑string without the high G.
- Most basses need heavier strings for BEAD to feel stable.
- Expect a setup check: nut slots, action, and intonation can matter.
- Use the preset so you always see the correct targets: BEAD bass tuner
Who this is for
BEAD is for you if:
- your band plays in low tunings and you keep running out of notes
- you want a low B for modern rock/metal/gospel but don’t want to switch basses
- you prefer the feel of a 4‑string neck but want the low range of a 5‑string
What is BEAD tuning?
Standard 4‑string bass tuning is:
E – A – D – G
BEAD replaces the high G with a low B and shifts everything down:
B – E – A – D
Think of it as the low half of a 5‑string:
5‑string standard: B – E – A – D – G
BEAD (4‑string): B – E – A – D
That’s it. No new theory required — you’re just living in a lower register.
The most important thing before you tune: strings
Can you tune a normal EADG set down to BEAD? Sometimes, but it usually feels:
- floppy
- harder to intonate
- easier to fret-buzz
Most players get better results by using heavier gauges (often the bottom four strings from a 5‑string set).
Practical options:
- Use a 5‑string set and don’t install the high G.
- Use a dedicated BEAD set if you find one you like.
If the new string is significantly thicker, your nut slot may be tight. If the string binds in the nut (pings, jumps in pitch), that’s a sign you may want a quick tech setup.
How to tune a 4-string bass to BEAD (step by step)
1. Open the BEAD preset in TuneMode
Use the preset so you always see the correct target notes:
2. Tune each string to the new targets
From lowest (thickest) to highest (thinnest):
- 4th string (was E) → B
- 3rd string (was A) → E
- 2nd string (was D) → A
- 1st string (was G) → D
Take your time. The lowest string is a big pitch drop and it’s easy to overshoot if you crank fast.
3. Use clean notes and mute the others
Bass notes are big and can ring sympathetically. For fast tuning:
- pluck one string at a time
- lightly touch (mute) the other strings
- let the note ring for a second so the tuner can settle
4. Re-check once after you finish
Changing one string can slightly move the others. Do one more pass:
B E A D
What changes when you switch to BEAD
Your “new lowest string” behaves like a 5-string B
If you’ve never played a 5‑string, here’s the mindset:
- Your lowest string is now a B, not an E.
- Many common riffs and shapes feel the same, but you start five frets higher than you used to for the same pitch names.
Example:
- On standard bass, open E is… open E.
- On BEAD, open E is the second string (your “new E string”), not the lowest string.
You lose the high G string
That’s the tradeoff. For most “low tuning” gigs, it’s worth it. If you play lots of high fills, chords, or melodic lines up top, a 5‑string (or staying in EADG) might be better.
Common BEAD problems (and fixes)
Problem 1: The low B feels floppy
Fixes:
- go up a string gauge (common solution)
- raise action slightly if you’re buzzing hard
- pluck with a bit less force (big swings make pitch wobble)
Problem 2: The bass won’t intonate after tuning
This is normal after big tuning/string changes.
Quick check:
- Tune the open string perfectly.
- Play the 12th fret harmonic.
- Play the fretted note at the 12th fret.
If the fretted note is sharp/flat compared to the harmonic, you’ll need an intonation adjustment. If you don’t want to do it yourself, a tech can do it quickly.
Problem 3: The tuner jumps between notes
This happens with noisy rooms or booming lows.
Try:
- pluck closer to the bridge for a cleaner attack
- mute other strings aggressively
- tune in a quieter spot
If the tuner isn’t responding at all, this guide helps:
A fast practice drill once you’re in BEAD
To get comfortable with the new layout, try this 5‑minute routine:
- Set a slow tempo: Open the online metronome
- Play a simple major scale starting on the low string (B).
- Move the same pattern up two frets (C#), then two more (D#), staying relaxed.
The goal is not speed — it’s building “where am I?” confidence on the new lowest string.
FAQs: BEAD bass tuning
Will BEAD tuning damage my bass?
Usually no. Tuning down reduces tension, but heavier strings can change how the bass feels and may require a basic setup (nut/action/intonation).
Can I tune to BEAD with my normal strings?
Sometimes, but many players find it too floppy and unstable. Heavier strings usually make BEAD feel and sound better.
Is BEAD the same as Drop D on bass?
No. Drop D changes one string (E → D). BEAD changes the entire tuning to match the low range of a 5‑string.
Do I need a special tuner for BEAD?
No. You just need a tuner that can detect low notes reliably and show the target notes clearly. Use the preset here:
What if I need both low notes and high fills?
That’s where a 5‑string (or staying in standard EADG) can make more sense. BEAD is best when the priority is low range.
Next step: tune to BEAD and test it with real playing
Tune up, then test your tuning with something musical:
- play a low B to E movement (open B → E on the next string)
- play a groove you know, but start it lower
If you want a broader overview of common bass tunings, this is a good companion: