Tuning a Bass Guitar – Part 2 A couple of Methods

There are several methods you can use for tuning a bass guitar. In this first post we discuss two methods: how to tune to a piano and relative tuning. We will also talk about the pros and cons of each method.

Method 1 Tuning to a Piano

The strings on a 4-string bass guitar correspond to the keys indicated on the keyboard image above. Strike the E on the keyboard and while the note is still ringing, pluck the E (thickest) string on the bass guitar. Adjust the tuning peg until the notes produced by the two instruments are identical, and don’t forget to tune up to the note as explained in the previous post. Now repeat this procedure for the remaining strings and you are done.

At first you may find it difficult to tell when the tuning is correct, but this will improve over time as your “musical ear” develops.

Of course, the biggest problem with this method is that there may not always be a piano handy. So although it is a useful method for you to use at home, it would be advisable to learn one or to alternative methods.

Method 2 Relative Tuning

For this method you will still require a piano or some other means of producing one of the notes such as a pitch pipe. As in the previous method, tune the E string correctly. Next press the E string just behind the 5th fret and pluck the string. The note produced will be an A, the correct pitch for the next string. Obviously it is not possible to adjust the tuner while fretting the A note on the E string so you will have to listen to the sound and remember it while you adjust the A string to the correct pitch. As shown in the above diagram, the remaining strings can be tuned exactly as the A string by tuning them to the note on the 5th fret on the previous string.

As with the previous method, this method will help train your hearing. The disadvantage is that you still need a means of tuning the first string. In the next post we will discuss another method of tuning a bass guitar using harmonics.