Overview: G# Standard for 5-String Bass

This tuning is specifically crafted for the 5-string electric bass, offering a deep, powerful, and resonant low end. As the name implies, it's a full step and a half (three semitones) below the standard 5-string bass tuning (B-E-A-D-G). This substantial drop in pitch creates a heavy, brooding sound that is perfectly suited for genres like metal, hard rock, or any musical context demanding a robust, ground-shaking foundation. It’s also highlighted as an excellent companion for guitars tuned to C# standard or baritone guitars in G# standard, ensuring a cohesive and exceptionally low sonic palette across an ensemble.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning, from the thickest (5th) to the thinnest (1st) string, are G#2, C#3, F#3, B2, and E3. This tuning maintains the consistent interval of a perfect fourth between all adjacent strings (G#-C#, C#-F#, F#-B, B-E). This means that familiar scale patterns, arpeggios, and chord shapes developed in standard tuning are directly transferable, simply played three semitones lower on the fretboard. For example, a typical E minor scale shape on the lowest string will now yield a G# minor scale. This structural consistency greatly simplifies the adaptation process for bassists already comfortable with standard tuning.

While open string chords are less frequently utilized on bass compared to guitar, the consistent fourths tuning ensures that standard bass voicings, particularly two-finger power chords (root and fifth), remain easily accessible. For instance, to form a G# power chord, you would play the G# on the 5th string (open) and then play the D# (the perfect fifth) at the 6th fret of the 4th string (C# string). This structural integrity allows players to maintain familiar finger positions while exploring the extended lower range this tuning provides.

How to Tune

This section details how to adjust your 5-string bass from its standard B-E-A-D-G tuning to G# Standard. All strings will need to be tuned down by 3 semitones (a minor third).

• 5th String (original B): Tune down 3 semitones from B to G#2.
• 4th String (original E): Tune down 3 semitones from E to C#3.
• 3rd String (original A): Tune down 3 semitones from A to F#3.
• 2nd String (original D): Tune down 3 semitones from D to B2.
• 1st String (original G): Tune down 3 semitones from G to E3.

Tuning down by 3 semitones is generally manageable with standard string gauges, but it's important to proceed with care to avoid string slackness or intonation issues. For optimal tension, intonation, and tone when consistently using this lower tuning, a heavier gauge string set and a professional instrument setup are often recommended.

5th String: G#2

4th String: C#3

3rd String: F#3

2nd String: B2

1st String: E3