The "Hunters Bass" tuning for a 6-string electric bass is a highly distinctive and innovative setup, drawing inspiration from the legendary multi-instrumentalist Charlie Hunter. This tuning fundamentally reconfigures the traditional Bass VI, opening up a vast sonic landscape for players looking to blend bass lines, chordal accompaniment, and melodic improvisation simultaneously. It's designed for a player to create a full harmonic and rhythmic foundation, much like a pianist or organist.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning are: E1 A1 D2 D3 G3 B3. Let's break down the intervals between the strings:

• 6th String (E1) to 5th String (A1): Perfect 4th
• 5th String (A1) to 4th String (D2): Perfect 4th
• 4th String (D2) to 3rd String (D3): Octave (a full 12 semitones up!)
• 3rd String (D3) to 2nd String (G3): Perfect 4th
• 2nd String (G3) to 1st String (B3): Major 3rd

This tuning is characterized by its deep, resonant low end (E1, A1, D2) and a unique octave jump between the 4th (D2) and 3rd (D3) strings, which creates an expansive range on the instrument. The subsequent intervals of a perfect 4th and a major 3rd on the higher strings (D3-G3-B3) are reminiscent of the top strings of a standard guitar in standard tuning, but shifted down considerably in pitch.

Chordal and Melodic Possibilities

The "Hunters Bass" tuning provides fertile ground for creative voicings:

• Open G Major Triad: The top three strings (D3 G3 B3) naturally form a G major triad in its first inversion (B being the lowest note, followed by D and G). This makes for an immediate, rich open chord.
• D-centric Harmonies: With D notes present at D2 and D3, this tuning lends itself exceptionally well to D-based chords. Barre chords or fingerings around the open D strings can easily yield D major, D minor, or D dominant voicings.
• Wide Voicings: The octave gap between the 4th and 3rd strings allows for very wide and open voicings, enabling a single player to cover both bass and a significant portion of the harmonic spectrum. For instance, playing a low D on the 4th string and a higher D, G, or B on the 3rd, 2nd, or 1st strings creates a powerful, full sound.
• Bass Line Foundation: The lowest three strings (E1 A1 D2) maintain the familiar perfect 4th intervals, making it intuitive for traditional bass lines while the higher strings can be used for chords and melodies above.
• E Minor/Major Possibilities: The low E1 provides a strong root for E minor or E major harmonies, which can be fleshed out with the other open strings or fretted notes.

How to Tune Your Bass

Achieving the "Hunters Bass" tuning involves significant detuning across all strings from a standard Bass VI E1 A1 D2 G2 B2 E3 setup (or a comparable standard for 6-string bass). Please exercise caution and consider using heavier gauge strings to maintain proper tension and tone, especially with such substantial drops in pitch. All strings exceed the recommended threshold of +/- 4 semitones for standard string gauges.

• 6th String (Lowest): Tune down 7 semitones to E1. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised due to this significant detuning.
• 5th String: Tune down 7 semitones to A1. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised due to this significant detuning.
• 4th String: Tune down 7 semitones to D2. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised due to this significant detuning.
• 3rd String: Tune down 5 semitones to D3. A heavier gauge string is advised due to this significant detuning.
• 2nd String: Tune down 4 semitones to G3. A heavier gauge string is advised due to this significant detuning.
• 1st String (Highest): Tune down 5 semitones to B3. A heavier gauge string is advised due to this significant detuning.

6th String (Lowest): E1

5th String: A1

4th String: D2

3rd String: D3

2nd String: G3

1st String (Highest): B3