FDAD Ukulele Tuner

FDAD F-Bass - Ukulele tuning, chords & scales

Description - F-Bass

It's a Scandanavian fiddle tuning co-opted for tenor guitar.

The F-Bass Ukulele Tuning

The "F-Bass" tuning for Ukulele offers a unique and resonant sound. As described, it's a captivating Scandinavian fiddle tuning that has been reinterpreted for the Ukulele, expanding its sonic possibilities. This particular arrangement emphasizes a lower register than typically found on a standard Ukulele, providing a deep, almost cello-like character to the instrument.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the Ukulele strings to F2-D3-A3-D4, from the lowest (4th) string to the highest (1st) string.

The interval from the 4th string (F2) to the 3rd string (D3) is a Major 6th.
From the 3rd string (D3) to the 2nd string (A3) is a Perfect 5th.
And from the 2nd string (A3) to the 1st string (D4) is a Perfect 4th.

The overall range spans an impressive octave and a major 6th, from F2 to D4, significantly extending the lower end of the Ukulele's voice.

Musical Characteristics and Chords

The open strings (F-D-A-D) present a complex but harmonically rich cluster. They form an F6 chord without the 5th (C), or more precisely, an F major triad with an added 6th (D). This means the tuning naturally lends itself to compositions in the key of F major or D minor. The prominent D notes (D3 and D4) provide a strong root for D minor tonalities, while the F2 and A3 support F major.
Open chords in this tuning will have a unique voicing:

F major: The open strings already provide a rich F6 sound. Simple fretting can yield full F major or Fmaj7 chords with ease.
D minor: With D3 and D4 as open strings, D minor chords will resonate beautifully. The F2 on the lowest string acts as the minor third, creating a full and resonant D minor.
A minor: The A3 string combined with the D strings can create interesting A minor voicings, often sounding like an Am7 or Am11 depending on the context.

The strong perfect 5th (D-A) and perfect 4th (A-D) intervals between the higher strings make arpeggios and melodic lines particularly fluid, while the low F2 provides a powerful bass drone. This tuning is excellent for folk music, ambient textures, or any style where a deeper, more resonant Ukulele sound is desired.

How to Tune Your Ukulele to F-Bass

To achieve the F-Bass tuning, you will need to adjust your strings significantly downwards from a standard Ukulele tuning. Please take care and listen to your strings as you tune.

4th String (Lowest): Tune down 9 semitones to F2. (Note: This is a substantial drop. We recommend considering a heavier gauge string for optimal tone and string tension, as tuning down more than 4 semitones can result in very loose strings.)
3rd String: Tune down 5 semitones to D3. (Note: This is a significant drop. We recommend considering a heavier gauge string for optimal tone and string tension, as tuning down more than 4 semitones can result in very loose strings.)
2nd String: Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
1st String (Highest): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Always be mindful of your instrument's neck and bridge when making drastic tuning changes. If you are unsure, consult a luthier.

4th String: F2
3rd String: D3
2nd String: A3
1st String: D4