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Bass tuner

Tune a 4 string bass to E A D G, or a 5 string bass with a low B, with your microphone: the tuner hears down to the low B at 31 Hz and shows how far each string is from its note.

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How it works

  1. Allow the microphonePress Start tuner and allow microphone access in your browser.
  2. Pick your instrumentChoose a preset, or keep Chromatic to see the nearest note.
  3. Tune until it turns greenPlay one string at a time and turn the peg until the needle sits in the middle.

Standard bass tuning

A 4 string bass is tuned E1, A1, D2 and G2, an octave below the four lowest guitar strings: 41.2, 55, 73.4 and 98 Hz. A 5 string bass adds a low B0 at 30.9 Hz. Choose the 4 or 5 string preset in the instrument list, play one open string and tune until the needle is green.

For drop D on bass, tune the E string down to D1 in Chromatic mode.

Low notes need a good microphone

The fundamental of the low strings lies below what small laptop microphones pick up well. The tuner also uses the overtones, but the reading is steadier when the microphone is close to the speaker cabinet or the body of an acoustic bass, or when you use a phone or headset microphone. Pluck firmly but not too hard; very strong attacks are briefly sharp.

Playing the harmonic at the 12th fret gives the same note an octave higher and is easier for small microphones to hear.

Frequently asked questions

The tuner does not react to my low E or B string. What can I do?

Move the microphone closer, raise the amplifier volume, or play the 12th fret harmonic of that string. Laptop microphones often filter out very low frequencies.

Should I tune a bass with the amplifier or acoustically?

Through the amplifier, if you can: the sound is louder and cleaner. Unplugged electric basses are quiet, so hold the microphone near the strings.

Can I tune a 6 string bass?

Yes, with Chromatic mode: the usual tuning is B0, E1, A1, D2, G2 and C3.

Is my microphone recorded?

No. The sound is analysed in your browser a few dozen times per second and then discarded. Nothing is saved or sent anywhere, and the microphone turns off when you press Stop, leave the page or switch to another tab.

How accurate is the tuner?

With a clean tone it reads within a fraction of a cent. Real strings contain overtones that are slightly sharp, so readings can move by a few cents while a note rings; aim for the needle to settle in the green zone and you are well tuned.

Why does the tuner show the wrong octave or note?

Loud overtones or background noise can confuse any tuner for a moment. Play a single string, mute the others and move closer to the microphone. With an instrument preset you can also lock the tuner to one string.

What does drop D mean?

In drop D the lowest guitar string is tuned a whole tone down from E to D, the other strings stay as in standard tuning. It gives a deeper sound and power chords with one finger. Choose Guitar, drop D in the instrument list.

Does it work on a phone?

Yes, in current browsers on Android and iPhone. Allow the microphone when asked; on iPhone, tuning works best with the phone close to the instrument.

Is the tuner free?

Yes, free without sign-up or ads inside the tool. It also works without an internet connection once the page has loaded.