How to Stretch Bass Strings Before Tuning

When it comes to musical instruments, simply picking them up and playing won't do. In the same way you must warm up before you workout, you must work components of the musical instrument before playing. Here are some tips on how you can stretch the strings of your bass, so that it will tune properly and stay in pitch as you play throughout your practice or performance.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Electric bass

1. Attach new bass strings to your bass. Make sure you align each string correctly when it comes to the note. Simply look to the packaging and it will inform you which string goes where on the electric bass. Be sure to wrap the bass strings securely on the keys at the top of the neck.
2. Grab a bass string over the body of the bass and pull. Don't be gentle here. Your goal is to work the string for at least a minute. Also, work the string in different places along the body. Leave the upper part of the string by the neck alone. If you are holding the bass merely by one string as it bounces up and down, then you are performing this correctly.
3. Repeat the process of stretching the rest of the bass strings before tuning. This should take you 5 to 10 minutes to complete. After they are good and stretched, you are now ready to tune your bass.

Tips & Warnings

• If properly stretched, you will be able to play a full 12 song set without your bass going out of tune.
• When stretching guitar strings, take more care in the pulling of each string. Those strings are much thinner and therefore easier to break when stretching.