A standard four-string bass is tuned E1–A1–D2–G2, from lowest to highest pitch. The thick E string is string 4; the thin G string is string 1. A typical five-string adds low B0, while a standard six-string bass adds both low B0 and high C3.
The charts below use sounding pitch and A4 = 440 Hz. They separate string names, numbering and octave so you can tune accurately, read tablature and find your first fretboard notes.
Four-String Bass Guitar String Chart
| String number | Open note | Frequency | Position in the set |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | E1 | 41.20 Hz | Lowest pitch; normally thickest |
| 3 | A1 | 55.00 Hz | Second-lowest pitch |
| 2 | D2 | 73.42 Hz | Second-highest pitch |
| 1 | G2 | 98.00 Hz | Highest pitch; normally thinnest |
Say “E, A, D, G” while moving from the thickest string toward the thinnest. Numbering runs the other way: G is 1, D is 2, A is 3 and E is 4.
These notes match the letter names of a guitar’s lowest four strings but sound one octave lower. A guitar’s low E2 is about 82.41 Hz; the bass’s low E1 is about 41.20 Hz. Do not tune a bass string upward by an octave just to match a guitar tuner’s default target.
Five-String and Six-String Bass Charts
| Instrument | Low-to-high sounding notes | String 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Four-string bass | E1 A1 D2 G2 | G2 |
| Five-string, low-B setup | B0 E1 A1 D2 G2 | G2 |
| Six-string, standard bass setup | B0 E1 A1 D2 G2 C3 | C3 |
Low B0 is approximately 30.87 Hz; high C3 is approximately 130.81 Hz. On a five-string low-B bass, B is string 5 and E becomes string 4. On a six-string BEADGC bass, B is string 6 and E becomes string 5.
String manufacturer D’Addario’s guide to bass string counts describes the low-B and high-C extensions. Count the strings and confirm the instrument’s setup rather than assuming every bass follows the first chart.
A five-string can instead be configured with a high C. A Bass VI-style instrument commonly uses E1–A1–D2–G2–B2–E3, which differs from a standard six-string bass. For further alternatives, use the bass guitar tuning chart.
How the String Order Appears in Bass Tab
Standard four-string tablature places the G string on the top line and E on the bottom. “Top” means the top of the printed tab, not the lowest-pitched string nearest your face while holding a right-handed bass.
The number printed on a line tells you the fret to play. A 0 on the A-string line means open A1; a 3 on that same line means C2. It does not mean “play string 3.”
Staff notation is another system. Bass guitar music is normally written one octave above its sounding pitch. The bass guitar notation guide helps connect staff notes with the sound, while the charts on this page always give sounding notes.
Open Strings and the First Five Frets
Each fret raises the pitch by one semitone. Here is a compact map with the low E string first; this table is not arranged like tab.
| String | Open | Fret 1 | Fret 2 | Fret 3 | Fret 4 | Fret 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E | E1 | F1 | F♯1 | G1 | G♯1 | A1 |
| A | A1 | B♭1 | B1 | C2 | C♯2 | D2 |
| D | D2 | E♭2 | E2 | F2 | F♯2 | G2 |
| G | G2 | A♭2 | A2 | B♭2 | B2 | C3 |
Sharp and flat spellings can name the same equal-tempered pitch: A♯ and B♭ are an example. The spelling used in a song depends on its musical context.
The fifth fret on E matches the open A, the fifth fret on A matches open D, and the fifth fret on D matches open G. This works because adjacent strings are a perfect fourth apart in standard tuning.
For hand placement rather than note naming, use the bass guitar fingering chart. You do not need to force a wide stretch to reach every note; shifting position is part of playing.
How to Tune With This Chart
Choose standard bass tuning or a chromatic tuner. Confirm its reference pitch and the intended octave before adjusting a string.
Mute the other strings and pluck one open string moderately. Let the initial attack settle, then make small adjustments while watching the pitch. Check all four strings again after the first pass.
If the display jumps from E1 to E2 while the string’s sound stays similar, it may be tracking a harmonic. Do not immediately tighten or loosen by a full octave. Change your plucking strength, reduce background sound and check with another suitable tuner if necessary.
The guide to pitch detection for bass guitar discusses low-note measurement. A microphone or device that struggles with low frequencies can give unstable readings even when the instrument is close to its target.
String Names Are Not String Gauges
A string chart tells you tuning; a gauge label tells you diameter. A “.045” string measures 0.045 inches in nominal diameter. Its pitch still depends on tension, vibrating length and construction.
Do not select a replacement set by diameter alone. Check the number of strings, intended tuning, scale length and whether the instrument needs a particular winding length. The bass scale-length guide explains that fit question.
A change to much heavier strings or a substantially lower tuning may require setup work. Avoid forcing an unsuitable string through a nut slot or tightening a string beyond its intended pitch.
What are the four bass strings in order?
Lowest to highest: E1, A1, D2 and G2. Highest to lowest, using string numbers: 1 = G, 2 = D, 3 = A, 4 = E.
Is the thickest string number 1?
No. In conventional numbering, string 1 is the highest-pitched string. On a standard four-string bass, the thick E is string 4.
What changes in Drop D?
Only the low E string is lowered a whole tone, producing D1–A1–D2–G2. Fret positions on that string then have different note names from the standard chart.
Does a six-string bass use guitar tuning?
Usually not. Standard six-string bass tuning is BEADGC. Bass VI-style instruments are an important exception, so confirm the model and setup.
Why does a tuner show the correct letter but the wrong octave?
It may be following an overtone or using a different display convention. Verify the sounding pitch before making a large tuning change.
Ornella is a music technology writer and vocal tools specialist at Pitch Detector. She creates practical content around pitch detection, note recognition, vocal analysis, and singing education tools for beginners, singers, and audio creators.