5th Fret Tuning Method

The 5th Fret Tuning Method is a simple way to check your tuning and to tune your bass guitar. With this method you have to get at least one of your strings in tune (preferably the low E string), because from that string you will tune the rest of your strings using that as a reference. If you don't have access to a tuning fork, keyboard, or other tuning device, then that's fine. You can get one string as close as you can by ear and then tune the rest of the guitar to it. The guitar will be in tune with it's self and will sound just fine, even if every string is a little sharp or flat.

Open Strings - Down below I will talk about playing Open Strings. To play an Open String means to play a string without fretting anything. So that's why it's called Open.

How to tune a Bass Guitar

5th Fret Bass Guitar Tuning Method

Use the picture as a reference, Assuming now that your 4th String(E note, thickest string) is in tune....

Fret the 5th fret on the 4th String, If your guitar is in tune or close, then if you pluck the fretted 4th string and the open 3rd String, they should sound pretty close. Turn the knobs on your 3rd string until they match the 4th String.
Now that the 3rd String is in tune we can now tune the 2nd String to it. It is the same process as before, fret the 5th fret on the 3rd string and play that string and the Open 2nd String, and then turn the knobs on the 2nd String until they match.
Same process again, fret the 5th fret on the 2nd String, and tune the Open 1st String to the fretted 2nd String.

Now, do you know why we nick name it the 5th Fret Method? Your guitar should now be in tune.

Congratulations on tuning your guitar!

Comments on page - Tuning a bass guitar using 5th Fret Method -

Guest [10-06-2008 18:52]
its also easier if you have an amp because it easier for you to hear the notes
Guest [07-03-2008 16:57]
Quote: this is wrong ( in the UK) we use the 4th fret on the second string. Is that why UK music sucks?
Guest [06-03-2008 11:44]
l just think taht this site would be much more effective if you gave a sound to a string to
Guest [24-02-2008 03:38]
its like tuning a guitar xD and "grant dickenson" you can tune it different..o_O
Guest [11-02-2008 18:02]
that works never thought of that
Scott [26-01-2008 10:19]
You have to have at least one of your strings in tune, so you can tune the other strings to it. If all are out of tune you can just find the string that you think is closest to being in tune and tune your guitar to that string. It might not be exactly the right note but it will sound fine if you are playing alone because your guitar will be in tune to itself.

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