A 5-string bass adds a low B a fourth below the E string, giving B E A D G. That B0 sits at about 31 Hz, so low that phone mics barely hear its fundamental. This 5-string bass tuner is our bass tuner, set up for low notes, with the 5-string tuning already selected.
Five-strings are everywhere in gospel and worship bands, pop, metal and session work. The Tuning menu also has the 5-string with a high C (E A D G C) and the 6-string (B E A D G C).
How to use it
- Tap Turn on microphone and put the phone or laptop close to the bass, or near the amp's speaker.
- Start with the low B: pluck firmly with a finger, let it ring and wait a second before reading.
- Tune E, A, D and G the same way, then go back to the B once more.
- If the B reading wanders, tap the B string button: the tuner locks onto that string and plays its reference note.
Why the low B is hard to read
Phone microphones lose sensitivity at very low frequencies, and the B string's fundamental is at 30.9 Hz, so the tuner mostly hears its overtones. Fresh strings, a firm pluck and a quiet room help a lot; with an audio interface, select it as the browser's microphone for the cleanest reading.
Tips
- By ear: the B string at the 5th fret matches the open E, and so on up the neck.
- A worn-out B string loses its pitch focus first; replace it if the needle never settles.
- Retune the B after tuning the others: the extra tension moves the neck.
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of a 5-string bass?
B E A D G, low to high. The B is a fourth below the E of a 4-string bass.
Why can't my phone pick up the low B?
Its fundamental is around 31 Hz, below what most phone mics capture well. Pluck firmly, move the phone closer or use an amp or audio interface.
Can I tune a 5-string with a high C?
Yes. Choose 5-string (high C) in the Tuning menu: E A D G C.
How do I tune a 5-string bass by ear?
Fret the B string at the 5th fret and match it to the open E, then do the same up each string: the 5th fret equals the next open string.