How to Tune a 5-String Bass: 4 Tunings You Should Know

Many people see the 5-string bass as the more advanced instrument or the next step in their evolution as a bass player – and that’s not necessarily true.

Having that extra string can add some new challenges, but even if you’ve just started learning how to play bass, with some practice (and proper tuning), you could be laying’ down some bass lines and soloing sooner than you think!

Today I’ll show you important differences to expect from your 5-string and the four most common ways to tune your bass that will have you grooving in no time.

Let’s jump in!

If you’ve been jamming on a 4-string bass, it can take some to adjust to a 5-string.

But knowing what to expect will mentally prepare you for the practice ahead – and can help shorten your learning curve!

So, what sets a 5-string bass apart from the classic 4-stringer?

5-strings basses tend to have a slightly larger body and neck, so they’re generally heavier.

Your muscle memory is in for a bit of a surprise when you pick one up. So expect a difference in how the bass feels in your hands.

Another important difference is that 5-string basses have a more narrow string spacing. In other words – the strings are closer together.

This means you’ll have to be a little more precise with how you move your hands – your technique and finger positioning will need to be a little more accurate.

It’s for this reason that some bass players prefer a 4-string bass for slapping.

The 5-string bass is a great option if you’re looking for versatility. Because what you're really getting is an extended range of notes.

This can be really useful if you need a deep and powerful bass line.

For example, songs in the key of Eb like Superstition, D, or Db don’t feel great playing on a 4-string because they just can’t hit that range of low notes.

Having more notes also opens up the fretboard, allowing you to play bass lines in new positions.

Usually, the rationale behind adding a fifth string is to add more bottom to the bass. I’ll show you the standard tuning for a 5-string, and three sweet variations you can try out.

This is the most common way to tune a 5-string bass.

Just like a regular 4-string bass, you've got the standard E, A, D, and G strings.

But you also have an extra low B string.

So your tuning is B, E, A, D, G.

That extra string allows you to play lower notes (B, C, C#, D, D#) without having to down-tune your E string. Which can make learning the fretboard a lot easier!

You can use an alternate tuning like this one to expand your tonal range even lower. (Think drop D on a 4-string.)

It’s a pretty straightforward variation of standard tuning and only involves changing one string.

Tune the B string (the thickest one) down to A.

So your tuning becomes A, E, A, D, G.

This results in an incredibly low and resonant sound that’s used in heavy metal and metalcore genres.

Drop C is a little more complicated and counterintuitive because you actually tune up from standard tuning.

Tune your strings to C, G, C, F, A.

Even though you’re tuning up, it’s still a lower and heavier sound than a 4-string bass in standard tuning.

Most bands that tune to Drop C play sub-genres of metal.

It’s a heavy and powerful tuning that allows you to play deep and hard-hitting bass grooves.

Remember that drastically changing the tuning of your bass can cause changes in string tension and intonation.

If you want to try out Drop C, you should be able to do it without any issues.

But if you’re going to permanently change your tuning, it’s a good idea to have your bass set up by a professional to get the best playability and sound quality.

This tuning really shows the versatility of the 5-string bass, because it’s NOT aimed at getting more low-end.

Instead of adding a low B, you add a high C string and extend your range higher.

So your tuning becomes E, A, D, G, C.

The high C string is the string you would use with a 6-string bass.

An easy way to set up your bass in tenor tuning is to buy a set of strings for 6-string bass and only install the higher strings.

Tenor tuning has a unique tonal quality. It’s pretty distinct from your standard bass sound. It emphasizes a higher pitch range and allows for more melodic chord voicings.

You’ll find it used a lot for playing jazz and soloing.

Now that you know how to tune your 5-string bass, you’re one step closer to laying down some groove.

It will feel uncomfortable at first. But if you want to be a 5-string bass player, you’ll simply have to commit to it.

Remember, practicing consistently is the key to getting better.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or you’re not sure what you should be focusing on to improve your bass playing, check out the SBL Academy.

With step-by-step courses by some of the best and most talented bass players on the planet, you’ll get an instructional path to follow, based on your specific skill level.

Try the SBL Academy for 14 days for free!