Tuning
It is essential for your bass to be in tune, so that the notes you play will sound correct. The main problem with tuning for most beginning bass players is that the ear is not able to determine slight differences in pitch. For this reason you should seek the aid of a teacher or an experienced bass player.
Several methods can be used to tune the bass. These include:
- Tuning to another musical instrument (e.g. a piano, or another guitar).
- Tuning to a tuning fork or electronic tuner.
- Tuning the bass to itself.
The most common and useful of these is the latter; tuning the bass to itself. This method involves finding notes of the same pitch on different strings. The diagram below outlines the notes used:
The method of tuning is as follows:
1. Tune the open 4th string to either:
(a) The open 4th string of another bass.
(b) A guitar.
(c) A piano.
On the guitar, the lowest strings correspond to the 4 strings of the bass. (i.e. EADG), but are an octave higher.
On the piano, the notes equivalent to the open four strings are indicated on the diagram below.
Place a finger on the 4th string at the 5th fret. Now play the open A 3rd string. If the bass guitar is to be in tune, then these two notes must have the same pitch (i.e. sound the same). If they do not sound the same, the 3rd string must be adjusted to match the note produced on the 4th string, i.e. it is tuned in relation to the 4th string.
Tune the open 2nd string to the note on the 5th fret of the 3rd string, using the method outlined above.
Tune the open 1st string to the note on the 5th fret of the second string.
Tuning Hints
One of the easiest ways to practice tuning is to actually start with the bass in tune and then de-tune one string. When you do this, always take the string down in pitch (i.e. loosen it) as it is easier to tune "up" to a given note rather than "down" to it.
As an example, de-tune the 2nd string (D). If you playa riff or scale now, the bass will sound out of tune, even though only one string has been altered (so remember that if your bass is out of tune it may only be one string at fault.)
Following the correct method, you must tune the 2nd string against the D note at the 5th fret of the 3rd string. Play the note loudly, and listen carefully to the sound produced. This will help you retain the correct pitch in your mind when tuning the next string.
Now that you have listened carefully to the note that you want, the D string must be tuned to it. Pluck the D string, and turn its tuning key at the same time, and you will hear the pitch of the string change (it will become higher as the tuning key tightens the string). It is important to follow this procedure, so that you hear the sound of the string at all times, as it tightens. You should also constantly refer back to the correct sound that is required (i.e. the D note on the 5th fret of the 3rd string).
Electronic Tuners
Electronic Tuners make tuning your bass guitar very easy. They indicate the exact pitch of the string. It is still recommended however, that you practice tuning your bass guitar by the above method to help improve your musicianship.
