Drop C Bass Tuner
On a 4-string bass, drop C is C G C F: the strings of D standard, a whole step below E A D G, with the 4th string lowered one more whole step to C. The low C is C1, about 33 Hz. This drop C bass tuner is our bass tuner, set up for low notes, with Drop C already selected.
String notes and frequencies
Bass guitar tuning, drop C (4 strings): C1 G1 C2 F2, from 32.70 Hz to 87.31 Hz, with A4 = 440 Hz.
| String | Note | Frequency (Hz) |
|---|---|---|
| String 4 | C1 | 32.70 |
| String 3 | G1 | 49.00 |
| String 2 | C2 | 65.41 |
| String 1 | F2 | 87.31 |
How to use it
- Tap Turn on microphone and put the phone close to the bass, or near the amp's speaker.
- Lower the 4th string from E to C, two whole steps, and the 3rd, 2nd and 1st a whole step each: A to G, D to C and G to F.
- Pluck firmly with a finger, let the string ring and wait a second before reading: very low notes take time to settle.
- If the low C reading wanders, tap the 4th string's button to lock it and play the 12th-fret harmonic, C2 at about 65 Hz: the tuner reads it as the same string, an octave up.
- Do a second pass: with this much tension gone, the neck relaxes and the other strings drift.
Help and explanations
Drop C is the bassist's half of a band in drop C, a staple of metalcore, nu-metal and modern hard rock; System of a Down, for example, plays songs such as Chop Suey! and Toxicity in it. The 4th and 3rd strings give one-finger fifths and octaves, just like the guitar's power chords.
Notes and frequencies of drop C on bass
4th string: from E1 down to C1 (32.70 Hz). 3rd: from A1 to G1 (49.00 Hz). 2nd: from D2 to C2 (65.41 Hz). 1st: from G2 to F2 (87.31 Hz). Every string goes down at least a whole step, and the 4th goes down two. Coming from drop D (D A D G), just lower all four strings a whole step.
To check by ear: the 4th string at the 7th fret gives G, the open 3rd, and its 12th-fret harmonic matches the open 2nd. From the 3rd string up, the usual rule still works: the 5th fret equals the next open string.
Why the low C is hard to read
Phone microphones lose sensitivity at very low frequencies, and the fundamental of C1 is only 32.7 Hz, so the tuner mostly hears its overtones. A firm pluck, fresh strings and a quiet room help a lot; with an audio interface, choose it as the browser's microphone for the cleanest reading. The 12th-fret harmonic, an octave higher, is the most reliable way to check the 4th string.
Strings, setup and the 5-string option
A standard set gets floppy two whole steps down. Bassists who stay in drop C usually move to a heavier set, or just a heavier 4th string, and have the nut and intonation checked. On a 5-string bass you don't need to retune at all: the low C is the 1st fret of the B string.
Tips
- Pluck with the fingers and not too hard: a slack string goes sharp on the attack and the needle jumps.
- Tell your guitarist: in drop C (C G C F A D), the guitar's four low strings sound exactly one octave above your four.
- Retune the 4th string after the others: the extra slack moves the neck.
- To go back to standard, choose 4-string in the Tuning menu and tune up in two passes.
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of drop C on a 4-string bass?
C G C F, from the 4th string to the 1st: C1 (32.70 Hz), G1 (49.00 Hz), C2 (65.41 Hz) and F2 (87.31 Hz), with A4 = 440 Hz.
How do I tune my bass to drop C?
From standard E A D G, lower the 4th string two whole steps (E to C) and the other three a whole step each (A to G, D to C, G to F). Then check them all once more.
Do I need heavier strings for drop C?
Usually, yes. Standard gauges get floppy two whole steps down and buzz on the frets; a heavier set or a heavier 4th string keeps the tension and the pitch steadier.
Why can't my phone pick up the low C?
Its fundamental is around 33 Hz, below what most phone mics capture well. Lock the 4th string and play the 12th-fret harmonic, move the phone closer, or tune through an amp or an audio interface.
What is the difference between drop C and C standard on bass?
C standard on a 4-string is C F B♭ E♭: all four strings two whole steps down, keeping the normal intervals. Drop C keeps the top three in D standard and lowers only the 4th string to C.
Should I use drop C on a 5-string bass?
You don't need to: with B E A D G, the low C is the 1st fret of the B string. For any other layout, the chromatic tuner reads every note, string by string.