A Standard 5-String Bass Tuning Analysis

The tuning, officially known as "5 STRING BASS - A STANDARD", transforms your 5-string electric bass into a powerful, deeper instrument. This tuning shifts the entire range of the bass down by a full step (two semitones), providing a rich, resonant low end that is perfect for genres demanding a heavy foundation, such as metal, hard rock, or even dense jazz and fusion. It imbues the instrument with a darker, more profound character, allowing for impactful grooves and sub-harmonic textures. The slightly reduced string tension might also contribute to a different feel under the fingers, though the primary benefit is the sonic depth.

Technical Breakdown:

Technically, this tuning sets the open strings to A1-D2-G2-C3-F3. This means that all strings are tuned down a whole step (two semitones) from the common 5-string standard tuning of B-E-A-D-G. Crucially, the intervallic relationships between the strings are perfectly preserved: each string is tuned a perfect fourth higher than the one below it.

• Lowest string (A1) to next (D2): Perfect Fourth
• D2 to G2: Perfect Fourth
• G2 to C3: Perfect Fourth
• C3 to F3: Perfect Fourth

This consistent perfect fourth interval means that all chord shapes, scale patterns, and arpeggios that you know from standard 5-string tuning are directly transferable. You simply play them in the same physical finger positions, and they will sound a whole step lower. For example, your standard power chord shapes will feel identical and provide a very thick, resonant sound due to the lower frequencies. While the open strings themselves (A-D-G-C-F) do not form a single common chord, their fourth-based structure makes them incredibly versatile for bass lines, root-fifth-octave patterns, and easily forming minor or major triad fragments across adjacent strings. The powerful A1 as the lowest note opens up a vast new landscape for creating deep, rumbling bass lines.

How to Tune:

To achieve the A Standard 5-string tuning from a conventional B-E-A-D-G setup, you will need to detune each string by two semitones. Please proceed with care and use a reliable tuner.

• String 5 (Low B): Tune down 2 semitones from B to A1.
• String 4 (E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D2.
• String 3 (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A to G2.
• String 2 (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D to C3.
• String 1 (High G): Tune down 2 semitones from G to F3.

Since all strings are being tuned down by 2 semitones, which is not exceeding -4 semitones, a change in string gauge is generally not immediately advised based on tension changes alone. However, be aware that the reduced tension will alter the feel and possibly the attack of the strings. Ensure your instrument's intonation is checked after tuning.