The MONTALBO Bass Tuning is a unique and deeply resonant tuning for a 5-string Bass Electric guitar, devised by musician Javi Navaridas Madurga. This tuning takes a conventional 5-string bass and plunges every string down by a significant 4 semitones from an implied starting point, resulting in an exceptionally low and heavy sound profile. It’s perfect for genres requiring a thick, rumbling foundation, from doom and stoner metal to progressive rock and experimental jazz, offering a truly distinctive sonic landscape.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this tuning are D1, G1, C2, F2, and A3#. Let's break down the intervals from lowest to highest string:

• String 5 (D1) to String 4 (G1): A Perfect 4th (5 semitones).
• String 4 (G1) to String 3 (C2): A Perfect 4th (5 semitones).
• String 3 (C2) to String 2 (F2): A Perfect 4th (5 semitones).
• String 2 (F2) to String 1 (A3#): A Compound Perfect 4th (17 semitones), meaning the highest string is an octave and a perfect fourth above the second highest string. This creates a very wide interval, offering a distinct harmonic voice.

The consistent perfect fourths across the lower four strings (D-G-C-F) provide a familiar framework for bass lines, power chords, and modal playing, making common shapes easily accessible. If D is considered the root, these lower strings form elements of a D minor 7th (D-F-C) with an added 11th (G). However, the highest string, tuned to A3#, introduces an augmented fifth (A# relative to D) within this context. This creates a highly distinctive and complex open voicing (D-G-C-F-A#), suggesting this tuning is less about conventional open strummed chords and more about specific melodic contours, intervallic voicings, and the unique harmonic color provided by the wide leap to the A#.

How to Tune

Achieving the MONTALBO Bass Tuning requires significant adjustments to each string. Please refer to the following instructions:

• String 5: Tune to D1. This string must be tuned down 4 semitones.
• String 4: Tune to G1. This string must be tuned down 4 semitones.
• String 3: Tune to C2. This string must be tuned down 4 semitones.
• String 2: Tune to F2. This string must be tuned down 4 semitones.
• String 1: Tune to A3#. This string must be tuned down 4 semitones.

Important Note: As all strings are tuned down by exactly 4 semitones, this is a significant drop in tension for every string. For optimal playability, intonation, and to prevent string floppiness, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set specifically designed for lower tunings. This will ensure your bass maintains proper tone and feel with this deep, impactful tuning.